Chase Utley largely downplayed the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series with the Philadelphia Phillies last week. It was Utley’s first time facing his former club, which he described as a weird feeling.
At the time, Utley hadn’t given much thought to playing the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Utley said he expected that to change on the team’s flight to Philadelphia, and added he was hopeful to receive a warm reception.
Breaking from their reputation as hostile fan base, the Phillies crowd gave their former second baseman a hero’s welcome.
As Utley stepped up to bat to start the game he received a standing ovation that lasted for more than one minute. A nice touch, it was only the beginning of what was to come.
Utley turned back the clock on Tuesday night, hitting two home runs, including a grand slam, and finishing 2-for-4 with five RBIs.
The crowd gave Utley a standing ovation after each of his home runs and cheered for the 37-year-old until he obliged to their demands for a curtain call:
The multi-home run game was Utley’s second this season, and it was also the second time he finished with five RBI. The Dodgers received contributions throughout the lineup and routed the Phillies, 15-5.
