After the feel-good win on Saturday, things looked bright for the Philadelphia Phillies with Aaron Nola toeing the rubber on Sunday.
Nola was dealing with a three strike-out on 11 pitches third inning. Nola finished with 5 1/3 innings in which he allowed 3 runs off 5 hits and striking out 10.
Nola contributed to the offense with an RBI single. But, that’s where the good news ends.
The Not So Good
Nola now has had 30 career starts in the month of September in his career. Impressed? Don’t be. In those 30 games, Nola has a 7-13 record with 4.55 earned run average.
Blah Blah, What About the Game?
Things started well when JT Realmuto ( 3 for 4 with an RBI and a pair scored) put the Phils on the board with an RBI double and Nola helping his own cause with a bloop single to right to double the score, 2-0.
Then, the bottom fell out. Nola made a perfect pitch on an 0-2 count to Player of the Game, Garrett Hampson, who crushed the pitch into the seats and the three-run shot boosted Colorado to a 3-2 advantage.
The Phils would knot it up when Realmuto touched the plate courtesy of a wild pitch. The suddenly reliable, Hector Neris would make his way to the mound in relief of Nola.
Did I say, Reliable? So much for that, Neris surrendered another Hampson shot, this one a two-run and, the Rockies seized the lead again, 5-3.
“We kept saying that how big these games are for them, but, likewise, it is also huge for us to take 3 of four.” Gushed Hampson
Bryce Harper connected for his 32nd homer and 72nd RBI to cut it 5-4. That would present itself as the final score and, Philly wasted yet another game that they had to win.
Behind The Game
Both Hampson homers came on 0-2 pitches. This marks the 16th time that has occurred making the Phillies the leaders in something. They lead the Majors in that category.
After the Friday debacle, the Phils made a cluster of roster moves. Matt Joyce was activated from the injured list. Mickey Moniak and Adonis Media were recalled from Triple-A.
Ramon Russo and Enyel De Los Santos were optioned to Triple-A as well as Rafael Marchand.
Andrew Knapp was activated from the DL and Travis Jankowski was placed on the 10 day DL due to a foot injury.
“it stunk, it stunk, there’s no other way to describe it” a frustrated Joe Girardi commented.
More bad news, with the 5-3 Atlanta victory, Philadelphia falls 4 1/2 games back and, the same Atlanta team is up next. It the Phils have any playoff aspirations, winning all thre games is a must.
To ruin you lunch, Colorado (one of the worst teams in baseball) took the season seris against Philly, 5 games to 2. Look in the mirror boys.
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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