Chase Utley Homered Against the Phillies Last Night

Chase Utley’s first hit in the major leagues was a grand slam at Veterans Stadium. He only hit two homers in 2003, but he would hit a bunch more as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. From 2005 to 2009, he hit at least 22 homers a year. He also hit five home runs in the 2009 World Series — tied with Reggie Jackson for the most in a World Series – which almost pushed the Phillies to a second straight World Series title. His last homer in a Phillies uniform came on August 15th last year, in a 4-2 loss to the Brewers.

Utley doesn’t hit as many homers as he used to. He hasn’t mit more than 18 since 2009. But in his first game ever against the Phillies last night, he homered to right — into the Phillies bullpen, no less. Ugh.

“It was cool,” Utley told reporters last night. “You’re still trying to go out there and compete and win. Obviously, I know lot of faces in that dugout, but the main goal is to win a game and we did. It was definitely different. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was exciting to see those guys for sure.”

The Dodgers ended up beating the Phillies, 9-4. It was the only hit last night for Utley, who’s hitting just .250 this year and has hit only eight homers. But he now owns a career 1.000 slugging percentage against the Phillies.

The Phillies play two more games against the Dodgers in Los Angeles this week. L.A. comes here from August 16th to 18th.

Follow @dhm on Twitter.