Things not looking good as Phillies fall, 5-3. Julio Urias did the Phillies in with his arm and his bat as the surging Los Angeles Dodgers got the best of the Philadelphia Phillies in what was promoted as a second Opening Night. With California being opened, it is believed this was the biggest crowd to witness a game since we had a health issue a little over a year ago.
Zach Eflin posted what is, in the world of Joe Girardi, a complete game by going 5 innings with 7 hits, 3 earned runs, and a pair of strikeouts. Ranger Suarez showed he is human. He allowed 1 run, a hit with a pair of walks, and striking out 1 in his inning and a third. Urias went 5 2/3 with 6 hits, 2 earned runs, two walks while striking out 5.
Will Smith started the scoring on a fielder’s choice ground out in the opening inning. Andrew McCutchen (1 for 3 a run scored and an RBI) got it even with a solo homer. Zach McKinstry (2 for 4) doubled in the 4th to give the Dodgers the 2-1 advantage. Urias stroked an RBI double to make it a two-run game. Odubel Herrera tied it at 3 with an RBI single.
Mookie Betts (3 for 5, 2 RBI) homered for the winning margin with an encore RBI single to close the 5-3 margin of victory. And now for more bad news. The Phils will be without Bryce Harper and Jean Segura for an unspecified amount of time. Harper left with back stiffness and Segura pulled a groin. Losing Segura is a major blow as he has been the most consistent offensive weapon for Team Philadelphia.
The Difference
Leaving runners on base has been the difference in this series. Philadelphia now has a dismal 2 for 20 with RISP. So, they are getting on base but dearly lacking an offensive punch. Going into the Wednesday match-up between Zach Wheeler and Clayton Kershaw, no Harper, Segura, and Rhys Hoskins has not had a hit since June 5th and is now 0 for the last 33. Things not looking good as Phillies fall.
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.
