Utley hits slam, solo HR in return to Philly

PHILADELPHIA — The applause started before his name had even been announced and did not end for nearly a full 90 seconds. Fans climbed out of their seats and onto to their feet. Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” begun playing from the loudspeakers, and Chase Utley stepped from the on-deck circle into the batter’s box.

From the scheduled first pitch time of 7:05 until it was actually thrown at 7:08, Citizens Bank Park was stuck in time. Some were taking in the spectacle of Utley’s first appearance back in the town in which he spent the first 13 seasons of his career. Others were harkening back to those years, which have been so often referred to as “the good times.”

The fans clapped and screamed. Utley turned and waved. He pointed to the fans and to Ryan Howard, who pointed back. Finally, Utley closed his fist, pounded his chest one last time and raised it toward the sky before taking strike one from Vince Velasquez.

It has become an Utley specialty to have his biggest games while under the brightest lights. In his first at-bat against his old team back in Los Angeles, Utley sent one over the wall. It took him until his third time to the plate Tuesday, but — like clockwork — Utley laced a 2-2 Velasquez fastball into the right-center field seats.

What followed was something Utley and few others could inspire: a standing ovation — his third of the night — as an opposing player rounded the Citizens Bank Park bases. It again did not let up — not until Utley stood on the dugout bench and took a curtain call.

Utley’s night turned from memorable to unforgettable in the seventh inning. With four runs already home thanks to two walks, a hit by pitch and a single — all with the bases …

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