Phillies Can't Solve Lackey, Lose To Cubs 8-1

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — John Lackey struck out eight in seven dominant innings, Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist hit homers and the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-1 on Wednesday.

Lackey (7-2) gave up three hits and extended his scoreless streak to 13 2/3 innings.

Phillies starter Vince Velasquez left the game after getting one out because of right biceps soreness. Velasquez threw two pitches and quickly left the mound when a trainer came out.

Brett Oberholtzer (2-1) replaced him and allowed one unearned run following his throwing error in four innings.

Bryant hit his 14th homer off Andrew Bailey in the sixth, a two-run shot out to left. Zobrist connected one out later to make it 4-0.

Chicago scored four runs off Colton Murray in the eighth to extend the lead.

The Phillies missed an opportunity in the first after consecutive singles by Odubel Herrera and Cesar Hernandez put runners on first and third. Herrera tried to score on Freddy Galvis' shallow fly, but left fielder Albert Almora Jr. threw him out by several feet.

STANDINGS

The major league-leading Cubs are 41-17 while the Phillies fell to 29-31.

NICE DEBUT, KID

Almora, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft, started his first game. He showed off his arm on his first play, the fly ball by Galvis. He added an RBI single off pitcher Colton Murray's glove in the eighth.

LOOKING SHARP

Inspired by Jon Lester's suggestion, Cubs players, coaches and staff wore blue-and-white, NBA-like tracksuits to the ballpark throughout the series and will continue it on their way to Atlanta. Themed road trips have become part of the team's identity under manager Joe Maddon.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Phillies: There was no immediate word on the extent of Velasquez's injury.

UP NEXT

Cubs: Following a day off, RHP Jason Hammel (7-1, 2.14 ERA) takes the mound in the opener of a three-game series at Atlanta.

Phillies: After a day off, RHP Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 3.80) starts the opener of a three-game series at NL East-leading Washington on Friday night.

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