Could the Phillies be the team that no one saw coming? Could the new additions to the bullpen make us the type of dark horse team we had hoped? Are we going to be capable of being 4-5 pitchers deep in the playoffs? Are we the Kryptonite of the National League East? Let’s dive in and discuss as we try and find out!
The offense continues to make this team dangerous and in a position to win most games. They have the third most runs per game with 5.53. The Phillies scored five runs on seven hits, which is right around their average. After my massive attack on Quinn the day prior, it was nice to see him bounce back. He went 1-4 with an RBI single. It was nice to see Haseley drive in a run, even if it wasn’t by design. A pitch struck him with the bases loaded, allowing a run to come home. A run also scored on an error while attempting to throw out Jean Segura at first.
Didi Gregorius continues to be the captain clutch in the last few games. He’s 3-8 with two RBI’s and a walk but has helped drive in two additional runs thanks to an error. Didi will be one of the key reasons why this team makes the playoffs. Jay Bruce is also continuing his resurgence since returning from injury. In his five games back from injury, he’s batting .375, with three RBI’s and two walks. Bruce will be needed if Haseley or Quinn continue their struggles. His power adds an insurance policy in case of injury. As usual, the offense continues to be the backbone of this team.
I have never been so happy to be wrong about a pitcher’s performance. After an abysmal game where Jake Arrieta gave up seven runs in 1.1 innings of work, it was a welcome surprise to see him bounce back the way he did. Everything seemed to be clicking for him in this game. His command was better, his pitches were on location, and he was able to get support from his defense. He allowed two runs on seven hits, with one walk and seven strikeouts. One can only hope we could find some consistency with Jake.
The pen has been continuing Its success during the second half of the season. In two innings of work, they only allowed one run on two hits, with one walk and two strikeouts. Neris, Hunter, and Workman have had a nice stretch of games. Neris has only allowed one run in 5.0 innings of work through six games, with a 1.80 ERA. Hunter has allowed only one run in 10.2 innings of work through ten games, with a 0.84 ERA. Workman has allowed only four runs through 8.1 innings of work through eight games, recording five out of six saves. He has had a 4.32 ERA during that stretch. The bullpen has allowed only two runs through four games. One can hope for more consistency from this group as The Sprint To The Finish rages on!
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