Phillies Squeeze One Out, 4-3

Phillies squeeze one out against the Marlins. Another in a long line of head-scratching games for the Phillies, saw them pull out a 4-3 decision in ten innings. In what has become the new normal, a “bullpen game’ witnessed a combined 14 pitchers with the Phils using nine, yes, nine pitchers. Sam Coonrod, Bailey Falter, Ramon Russo, Connor Brogdon, Jose Alvarado, Hector Neris, Cam Bedrosian, Archie Bradley, and Ian Kennedy each saw action.

What About the Game?

The Phillies offense, which had been lighting up opposing pitching for a week, has suddenly been pretty much silenced and has put the team into a “must-win” every game situation. An Isan Diaz fielder’s choice ground ball gave the Marlins a 1-0 lead before Bryce Harper launched his 27th home run that knotted things at 1-1. Freddy Galvis notched his second home in two games, this one a two-run shot that gave Philadelphia a short-lived lead at 3-1. Bryan De La Cruz launched a solo shot that cut to a 3-2 affair but, De La Cruz wasn’t quite finished and got things even with a fielder’s choice groundball.

FERDY!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/PzbKsCA2Pr
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 3, 2021

And Then What?

After the cavalcade of Phillies pitchers, Ian Kennedy had his best appearance since being acquired at the deadline. Kennedy fanned four Marlins in his two innings of work and left the ghost runner stranded in the final inning. But, before that, the struggling Odubel Herrera, 0 for 9 in the series, came up in the 10th and knocked the game-winning single. Like most Phils games this season, this one had yet another head-scratching moment in the 6th inning. JT Realmuto doubled to start the inning and that brought up Bryce Harper. In a move that everyone, including the parking attendants, shrugging their shoulders.

The franchise centerpiece promptly squared around and bunted! It was the decision of Harper and Joe Girardi to issue a “no comment” when asked about it after the game. The sacrifice was successful but, Philadelphia couldn’t get Realmuto to cross the plate. Philly remains two games behind Atlanta and two and a half games behind San Diego who leap-frogged Cincinnati for the second Wild Card spot. Off to Milwaukee with Zack Wheeler matching up against Brandon Woodruff. Phillies squeeze one out.

Kevin Neibauer

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.