Bullpen implodes in Phillies 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Despite the building being fully open, just 13,125 spectators attended the game at Citizens Bank Park. A passing rain event delayed the start of the contest for 45 minutes and the NBA playoff game across the parking lot was likely to reason for the sparse attendance.
To the Action
A few bright spots occurred in the one. Aaron Nola picked up an RBI on a “safety squeeze”, pinch hitters were productive with Brad Miller picking up a pinch single and would later score. In a “feel good” story, Luke Williams made his first major league appearance and got his first hit on a bunt. An errant throw ended with Williams getting all the way to third base.
Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto each picked up the long ball game with homers. That’s where the good stuff ended.
Nola was not on his game but his teammates kept him in the contest. Nola went 5 innings with 4 earned runs off 7 hits, 2 walks and striking out 5. Austin Riley (3 for 5, 2 RBI’s) opened the scoring with an RBI double with Ronald Acuna Jr. (3 for 4, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI) crushed a 460 foot home run in the third making it a 2-0 game.
Nola cut in to 2-1 with his safety squeeze but William Contreras homered in the 4th to reclaim the two-run lead, 3-1. Harper (1 for 3 with 2 walks and a solo homer) took his turn to get to another one-run disadvantage. Freddie Freeman delivered an RBI si gel in the fifth with Jean Sevura delivering an RBI double.
Implosion
Realmuto took his turn at the long ball and the Fightins were just that. Brad Miller with a pinch single to set the stage for the disaster that was the bullpen and the eighth inning. Dansby Swenson walked, Abraham Almonte singled.Exit Brogdon enter Sam Coonrod.
Contreras with an RBI single with an errant throw from Coonrod allowing Almonte to touch the plate.
Ronald Acuna singled scoring two more and the inning closed 9-5. Shane Greene made his season debut for Atlanta. Things didn’t go so well with him allowing the Realmuto tying homer and singles from Alec Bohm (2 for 4) who is showing signs of breaking out of his slump, and the steady, Ronald Torreyes. Bullpen implodes in Phillies 9-5 loss.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
