I think we can all agree with the fact that this game did not go the way we expected it too. I think we all had a different outcome in mind. I know I did. How did this happen? Let’s dive in and discuss!
I expected a better offensive performance from this team. Going against a pitcher like this, and your only able to score one measly run? You won’t be making the playoffs with a performance like this. It just won’t happen. Only one run on six hits? It was downright embarrassing. The worst part? The only run we scored was due to a balk. Alec Bohm, Didi Gregorius, Mickey Moniak, Adam Haseley, Scott Kingery, and Jay Bruce were the only players to record a hit for this game. It’s a darn shame that with a top-five offense, we weren’t able to put up more runs.
The biggest surprise of the game has to be the pitching by Wheeler. Zach has been so clutch for the year, so It’s surprising to see him lay an egg. He just couldn’t get it going. His pitches had trouble finding their location. He wasn’t getting the ground outs or double plays he usually does. The early pitch count didn’t help him either. He allowed two runs on five hits, with three walks and seven strikeouts through 5.1 innings of work. Here’s hoping Wheeler can bounce back in his next start.
The bullpen had a decent game if you ask me. Sure they weren’t light outs, but It could have been worse. That’s all you can ask for from a pen-like this. Just enough to get the job done. In 3.0 innings of work, they allowed one run on two hits, with two walks and three strikeouts. We’ll need a better performance from these guys as The Sprint To The Finish rages on!
The Philly Blitz 