For the fourth time in five games since the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Dodgers held a late lead. But they just have one win to show for it during that span, as the Philadelphia Phillies came back for a 3-2 win on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.
Ronald Belisario hit two batters and walked another in the eighth inning, loading the bases with two outs. Closer Kenley Jansen was brought in to hold a 2-1 lead, but allowed a single up the middle to Hunter Pence, scoring two and giving the Phillies the lead.
That spoiled the major league debut of Stephen Fife, who allowed just one run in six innings of work for the Dodgers. The 25-year old was called up from Triple A Albuquerque for a spot start in place of Chad Billingsley, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, retroactive to July 8. Fife walked three and struck out just one, but he also induced 11 ground ball outs to help keep the Phillies at bay.
The loss was the fourth straight of the Dodgers, who have lost 19 of their last 25 games. With the loss, the Dodgers fell a season-worst three games behind the San Francisco Giants in the National League West.
Clayton Kershaw will help try to stave off the sweep on Wednesday afternoon, facing Cliff Lee for the Phillies.
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