The Philadelphia Phillies wasted a tremendous effort from Ranger Suarez on Saturday evening.
What Went Wrong?
Manager Joe Girardi continues to make some puzzling game-day decisions and this game certainly was another of them. Ranger Suarez was pitching a very strong game with just two hits, no runs, a pair of walks, and a career-high seven strikeouts in his 5 innings.
Throw in an RBI double and then explain why Girardi pulled his starter after just 71 pitches. Although, Hector Neris and Connor Brogdon each threw a dominating inning before the bottom fell in.
Pitching Issues, Where Have We Heard That Before?
Archie Bradley was the victim this time. Despite a solo homer from Andrew McCutchen and the RBI double from Suarez, Bradley couldn’t hold the lead
On his very first pitch of the contest, Bryan De La Cruz punched one over the head of right fielder, Bryce Harper for a double. Two pitches later, Miguel Rojas cut the lead in half on a single.
Bradley seemed to settle in and struck out the next two batters but, Lewis Brinson smacked one off the foul pole and, just like that, it was a 3-2 affair.
More on Hector Neris, the much-maligned (mainly by myself) Neris apparently has figured out what his issue was and has not allowed an earned run since August 20th. A span of 6 2/3 innings over 8 appearances.
The same two teams do battle Sunday.
Phils Blow Another One.
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.
