Utley Runs Streak to 35 Games in Win

ST. LOUIS —  Thursday’s game was only a few minutes old when Chase Utley singled to extend his hitting streak to 35 games. Quite a contrast from the previous game, when he needed five at-bats to keep it going.

Utley singled in the first inning to keep his run alive, then added two more hits in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 8-1 victory over St. Louis, the Cardinals’ seventh loss in a row.

“Last night when he gets that first hit we’re all jumping up and down screaming,” pitcher Cole Hamels said.

“Just to get it out of the way in the first at-bat, everybody is just so pumped, and then I think everybody can relax after that.”

Utley is tied with three other players for the 10th-longest streak in major league history.

“I didn’t have to wait too long tonight,” Manager Charlie Manuel said. “I just sit and watch him hit, and pull like hell for him.”