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(Sports Network) - If the Phillies hope to repeat as National League East champions, the club needs to get back to basics. Philadelphia and its shaky defense will try to rebound this evening against the Houston Astros in the opener of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.

Second baseman Chase Utley threw away a probable double-play ball off the bat of pinch-hitter Carlos Zambrano, which allowed the game-winning run to score for the Cubs in a 6-5 extra-inning setback on Sunday to Chicago.

It was Philadelphia's second error of the game, and the club has committed a total of 15 errors on the season, which is second-worst in the league.

Utley tried to redeem himself by hitting a double in the bottom of the 10th inning, but the Phillies' rally attempt fell short.

Jamie Moyer struggled in the start, as he gave up four runs on nine hits in five-plus innings of work. Eric Bruntlett had three hits, including his first home run since September 18, 2005. Jayson Werth also added a long ball for the Phils, who had won the first two tests of the series that opened a nine-game homestand.

Not helping the Phillies defense was the fact that Gold Glove shortstop Jimmy Rollins missed his fifth straight game due to a left ankle sprain he suffered last Tuesday versus the Mets. The reigning NL MVP, though, could play tonight.

Also, capable center fielder Shane Victorino landed on the disabled list Friday due to a strained right calf.

Right-hander Adam Eaton will try to continue his solid start to the season tonight for the Phillies. Eaton was left off of Philadelphia's postseason roster last year after going 10-10 with a 6.29 earned run average in the regular season, but has a posted a 3.95 ERA through two starts this year without getting a decision.

Eaton lasted 7 2/3 frames against the Reds, giving up three runs on six hits and four walks on April 5, and then gave up another three runs in six frames against the Mets on Thursday. However, Philadelphia went on to lose both games by 4-3 scores.

The 30-year-old is 3-1 with a 4.42 ERA in six career starts against Houston.

Starting for Houston will be Shawn Chacon, who has a 3.75 ERA this season through two starts without a decision. He gave up two runs in six innings against San Diego on April 3 before yielding three runs in another six-frame effort versus St. Louis on April 8. The right-hander has walked four batters in each start so far.

Chacon has faced the Phillies 10 times in his career, with three of those being starts. The 30-year-old hasn't started against the club since August 5, 2006 and is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in his three lifetime starts against Philadelphia.

The Astros won the final two tests of their three-game set with the Marlins over the weekend, including Sunday's 5-1 victory. Rookie J.R. Towles homered and drove in three runs, but left the game in the eighth inning after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand. He is questionable for tonight's game.

Wandy Rodriguez (1-0) pitched seven stellar innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven. Former Phillie Michael Bourn went 2-for-5 with a home run and two runs scored, while Lance Berkman smacked an RBI double and scored a run.

Bourn came over to the Astros in an offseason trade that sent closer Brad Lidge and Bruntlett to Philadelphia. Lidge pitched with Houston from 2002-07 and saved 123 games. He has two saves for the Phillies after starting the year on the DL because of a right knee problem.

Miguel Tejada went 2-for-3 to extend his hit streak to seven games. Tejada was hitting .227 before the run, and has now upped his average to .319. He is hitting .250 (2-for-8) with a homer in his career against Eaton.

These two clubs split six matchups last year, but Houston has won six of its last nine in Philadelphia.