Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Chase Utley's grand slam to cap a nine-run seventh inning proved to be just enough to hold off the pesky Rockies, as Philadelphia hung on for a wild 12-11 win versus Colorado in a makeup game at Coors Field.
The Phillies trailed by four runs heading into the top of the seventh where they exploded for a nine-spot on the Rockies' bullpen. Utley started the barrage with a run-scoring single, Ryan Howard blasted a two-run homer and Jayson Werth made it back-to-back with a solo shot.
Ben Francisco added a pinch-hit RBI single and Utley drove a 3-1 fastball from Matt Reynolds deep down the right-field line and inside the pole for a sudden 12-7 lead.
The surge made a winner out of Antonio Bastardo (1-0), who worked through a rough inning of relief in which he gave up a run on four hits. The Phils' bullpen went on to allow four more runs as Troy Tulowitzki's RBI groundout made it a one-run game in the ninth.
Brad Lidge was able to recover after walking Todd Helton with one out by fanning Clint Barmes and getting Ryan Spilborghs to ground into a force play at third.
The Phillies' sixth win in seven games, coupled with the Braves' loss to the Mets Thursday, moved the spread between the clubs to two games for top billing in the NL East.