Cubs continue to give up runs early, lose to Phillies

Brett Anderson didn't make it out of the second inning. David Banks / USATODAY

by Jaz Peterson - Correspondent - May 2, 2017, 12:59 AM

CHICAGO - It is beginning to seem like Groundhog Day for the Cubs as once again a starter for Chicago gave up runs in the first inning to put the team in an early hole.

After a 1 hour and 25-minute rain delay, the Phillies tagged Brett Anderson for four runs in the first inning and three more in the second to bury the Cubs in a 10-2 road win at Wrigley on Monday night.

Chicago has now have allowed 32 first-inning runs this season. The most they have allowed in any other inning is 14.

Anderson (L, 2-1) managed just 1 1/3 innings while giving up 7 hits, 7 runs, and 1 walk. His ERA ballooned to 6.23. Mike Montgomery relieved Anderson and pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless in relief. Montgomery's season ERA was lowered to 1.50 and could be an option to start for the Cubs if Anderson continues to struggle.

Javy Baez hit a solo homer run to center to get the Cubs on the board in the 5th. It was his second homer of the season.

Philadelphia got a nice start from Vince Velasquez (W, 2-2) who pitched 5 innings and gave up just two hits and one run.

The Cubs will return to action on Tuesday in game two against Phillies when LHP Jon Lester (0-1, 3.68) faces RHP Jeremy Hellickson (4-0, 1.80). First pitch will be 7:05 CT.