What in the actual Hale? Phillies bats asleep as the drama continues with a 6-0 loss to the Marlins. Scheduled starter, Vince Velazquez, who has really picked up his game, was scratched 20 minutes to the Phils- Marlins game Thursday evening. Velasquez complained of “numbness” in a finger of his throwing arm. David Hale drew the short straw and took the place of Vinny V.
To the Game
This was clearly a “pitch by committee” affair with Hale going 3 innings with 2 hits, 1 earned run a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Hale made 49 pitches before giving way to a crew, including Matt Moore, Archie Bradley (1 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 2 earned runs, a pair of walks, and another pair of strikeouts), Brandon Kinzler, and Ranger Suarez.
Miquel Rojas started the proceedings with a home run to left. Player of the game, Garrett Cooper (2 for 4, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI) crushed a Matt Moore (2 innings, 3hits, 2 earned runs, a walk, and 2 k’s) curve ball on one of the longest homers ever hit at CBP. The two-run blast made it a three-run game.
In the sixth, Corey Dickerson doubled followed by a Cooper triple. Nick Maton misplayed a Brian Anderson hit and Cooper smashed a ball that… stop me if you heard this before… Alec Bohm misplayed. That was far more than enough for Sandy Alcantara who allowed just two hits (Phillies had three) in his 6 innings walking 3 and fanning 9.
With a depleted bench, Zach Wheeler made an appearance… as a pinch hitter for Hale. Frustrations are finally starting to appear and Brad Miller got tossed after being rung up on strikes. With the Velasquez injury, is it time for Spencer Howard? A trade for a quality arm is extremely unlikely.
Where to Begin
The Bohm conundrum… his struggles, both in the field and at the plate are becoming alarming. Is moving Rhys Hoskins to left and switching Bohm to first an option? The Phils have a roster full of “utility players” so, perhaps third base by committee is an option.
But, in that scenario, where do you put Andrew McCutcheon? A slippery slope indeed. This squad is in need of a major overhaul defensively. Seemingly every game there are misplayed balls and or poor decisions. What in the actual Hale? Heavy is the head that wears the crown Mr. Girardi.
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.
