"Roy Halladay made his first start since the all-star break Monday night, but he was Roy Halladay in name only.

The Phillies ace, a physical specimen who usually needs to be ripped from the mound with a tow hook, left Monday night's game with head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan at his side without recording an out in the fifth inning.

Official cause of the early exit: The heat.

"He was hot and dizzy," manager Charlie Manuel said. "You could tell in that third inning. He was kind of gasping for air. He was really sweating."

Halladay suffered his first defeat in two months in the 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in the claustrophobic confines of Wrigley Field. But afterward, the final outcome hardly seemed important. Most of the postgame attention centered around Halladay's condition.

The 34-year-old pitcher was seen by a Cubs team physician after coming out of the game. Phillies spokesman Greg Casterioto reported that Halladay was given a clean bill of health and was alert. Halladay did not emerge from the trainer's room to speak with reporters, but he did send word through Casterioto that he "absolutely" intends to make his next start on Sunday.

Halladay entered the game having gone six or more innings in 63 straight road starts, but it was clear pretty early in this one that he was going to have trouble keeping that streak alive. The game-time temperature was 91 degrees and the humidity was oppressive. Even Miami resident Raul Ibanez said the humidity was remarkable. Jimmy Rollins compared it to "one of those old days at the Vet."

The heat got to Halladay as he labored through a 31-pitch third inning. Twice he backed off the mound and hunched over his knees as he tried to take a breather. Once he went into a full crouch. Second baseman Chase Utley called time out to tie his shoes in an obvious attempt to buy Halladay some time."