PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew McCutchen’s early batting practice quickly paid off.
McCutchen hit a two-run homer, Bryce Harper lined a two-run double and Cole Irvin tossed six effective innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Colorado Rockies 5-4 Friday night.
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler praised McCutchen before the game after seeing him work on hitting slow curves hours before the first pitch.
“It’s really gratifying,” Kapler said after McCutchen got immediate results.
McCutchen also drew two walks, and the leftfielder threw a runner out trying to score.
“I felt pretty good, made some adjustments,” McCutchen said.