MLB.com: Phils don’t get close call, fall to Cubs

Ryan Howard made the safe call as he touched first base, ahead of Derrek Lee’s scramble for the ball and off-balance throw to pitcher Jeff Samardzija covering.

First-base umpire Chris Guccione disagreed, ruling Howard out, ending the seventh inning and keeping the score tied. The run that would’ve scored on the play, with Jimmy Rollins streaking from third, no longer counted, and the close play resulted in the ejection of third-base coach Steve Smith, who vehemently argued.

Alfonso Soriano took care of unbreaking the tie in the bottom of the seventh, and his solo homer off Clay Condrey held up in a 3-2 win over the Phillies at Wrigley Field. The loss dropped the Phils 1 1/2 games behind the Mets in the NL East, pending New York’s game against Florida on Friday night.

Runs were at a premium all day. Chicago’s Rich Harden and Philadelphia’s Joe Blanton, Oakland teammates less than two months ago, surrendered two runs apeice, and escaped jams to avoid further damage.