The Philadelphia Phillies continue to roll. To the surprise of absolutely no one, Bryce Harper is laying claim, although it’s early, as MVP of the National League. Harper was on base five times, with a 3 for 4 to lead team Philadelphia to a 10 inning, 12-10 victory over the (20-11) Los Angeles Dodgers in a Friday/ Saturday marathon. I say Friday/Saturday because the affair ended at 2:30 AM in the East. A downside is the bullpen was heavily taxed with six relievers joining the fun.
Kyle Gibson was largely ineffective with 3 2/3 innings in which he gave up 8 hits, 6 earned runs, a walk, and a strikeout. James Norwood, Andrew Bellatti, Brad Hand, Nick Nelson, Jeurys Familia, and with his first MLB save, Francisco Morales. The Dodgers were hit with bad news with Clayton Kershaw being placed on the 10-day injury list with a hip issue. Walker Buehler replaced him and got lit up.
To the Festivities:
Things kicked off in the top of the second when Bryson Stott, on base five times, knocked a two-run single. The Dodgers batted around in the third inning with the highlight being a Chris Taylor solo shot. LA put up five runs to make a five to one contest. That lead lasted until the Phillies 4th when Phillies fans would flashback to the Mammoth Matt Stairs blast. This one was from Kyle Schwarber on a 430-foot three-run bomb.
Alex Vesia took the mound and promptly found himself in a jam. Johan Camargo singled with Bryson Stott and Schwarber both drawing walks. That would be all for Vesia and Evan Phillips entered, greeted by an Alec Bohm SAC fly and Harper knocking a two-run double. The Dodgers countered with a run but Nick Castellanos stayed hot with an RBI single to make it an 8-6 Philadelphia edge. Harper would strike again with his 8th homer that got it to a 9-7 score.
Phillies California Roll Continues
Jeurys Familia was victimized on a Justin Turner two-run shot and the save was blown. On to the 10th with Roman Quinn starting at second as the Ghost Runner. An infield ground out to the right side pushed Quinn to third. Harper was given an intentional pass to set the stage for Castellanos who smashed a two-run double down the left-field line. Not quite satisfied, Castellanos decided to snatch third, Catcher, Austin Barnes threw wildly with Castellanos scoring to make 12-9.
Francisco Morales entered for the second MLB appearance for the 22-year-old. Despite a rocky inning in which he surrendered a run, Morales shut down the Dodgers to collect his first career save.
“We just have to come out here tomorrow and do the same thing, We can’t lay down or anything like that. That’s a great team over there.”
Bryce Harper
Notes:
The offense is doing what everyone expected. Alec Bohm went 2 for 5 with an RBI. Castellanos knocked in three on his 2 for 6, Stott had a break-out performance going 2 for 3 with a trio of runs knocked in.
Back to Bryce:
How hot is he? In his last eight games, he is batting .469 with 10 extra-base hits. Five of which have come in the last two games. 22 XBH leads baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies continue to roll in California.
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.
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