Aaron Nola struggled once again and only went 4 innings, allowing 4 hits with 6 earned runs,2 walks and striking out 5. Bailey Falter (2/3), Enyel De Los Santos (1/3), JD Hammer (1 inning), Sam Coonrod (1 inning), Archie Bradley (1inning) and Ian Kennedy (1 Inning) all saw the mound in this one.
What Happened?
The Nats came out like a team on a mission. In the bottom of the third, it was Lane Thomas crushing his first home run to put Washington in front, 1-0. Juan Soto (4 RBI) followed a two-run jack to increase the score to 3-0.
Washington was just getting warmed up and Soto added to his lofty day with a two-run single followed by Josh Bell singling to make it 6-0 after five innings.
Is That the Best You Can Do?
The Phils offense stepped up and the Nats defense stepped down as the comeback would begin with a bases- loaded double from Andrew McCutchen and, with one swing of the bat, we had a new ball-game at 6-3.
McCutchen picked up RBI number 4 on his day with a single to cut it to a two-run deficit. Luis Garcia took center stage, but, not in a good way as he butchered a Nick Maton sharply hit ball that resulted in a pair of runs crossing the plate to even the score at 6.
Odubel Herrera plated the eventual winning run on a fielder’s choice that Garcia hesitated on his throw allowing the seventh run to score.
The Nationals have now lost five in a row while Philadelphia finally seems to feel the urgency and keeps pressure on the Atlanta Braves.
In related news, the Nationals are cutting ties to eight employees, including Bob Boone. Washington has implemented a mandatory vaccination program for all employees other than players. Whether the dismissals are part of that program, has not been mentioned.
Philadelphia has won six straight and is within 1 1/2 games out of first place. Washington now has dropped 21 of 27 and looks like a lost team. The Phils have now scored 54 runs in its last seven contests.
“We were like keep it there guys, we’re going to score at least seven, it’s going to happen. We had some chuckles and some laughs, but we knew we had a chance.” gushed Andrew McCutchen
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.
