The Philadelphia Phillies’ ability to hit clutch, late-game home runs has been tarnished once again as they fell to the Atlanta Braves in a 10-inning battle. Despite Bryce Harper’s game-tying two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Phillies’ bullpen couldn’t hold on, ultimately leading to a disappointing 10-8 loss.
Manager Rob Thomson tried to remain positive, acknowledging the team’s resilience in battling back but also expressing disappointment in their inability to secure the win. This has become a recurring theme for the Phillies, who have now experienced three similar outcomes in just 20 days.
On August 23, the Phillies trailed the San Francisco Giants 4-0 and 5-2 before Harper hit a crucial home run to tie the game at 5. However, the bullpen faltered once again, allowing three runs in the 10th inning. A similar situation unfolded on August 30 when Trea Turner turned a 5-3 deficit into a 6-5 lead, only for the bullpen to surrender the lead once more.
In the recent battle with the Braves, Harper’s heroics were once again overshadowed by the bullpen’s struggles. After Harper’s game-tying home run in the ninth, reliever Jose Alvarado failed to hold the Braves off in the 10th inning, allowing them to regain the lead.
However, the Phillies managed to bounce back in the second game of the doubleheader, winning 7-5. They got off to a strong start, scoring four runs in the first inning, with Edmundo Sosa’s two-run double being a key moment.
Meanwhile, Turner has been on a remarkable redemption arc, transforming from novelty to a legitimate MVP candidate. With his 25th home run in the first game, he secured his second season with 25 homers and 25 steals. Turner’s offensive production has been exceptional over the past month, hitting .381 with 15 homers and 39 RBIs in 33 games.
In the second game, left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm played a crucial role in the bullpen, shutting down the Braves’ lineup in a high-leverage situation. Strahm’s performance was a welcome bounce-back after some recent struggles.
Despite the Phillies’ late-game heroics often going to waste, there were some positive takeaways from the doubleheader. The team showcased resilience and offensive firepower, and Turner’s impressive performance continued to solidify his MVP-worthy season.
Looking ahead, the Phillies face decisions regarding their pitching rotation and the usage of pitchers like Michael Lorenzen. Manager Rob Thomson has not confirmed whether Lorenzen will continue as a starter or transition to a relief role.
As the Braves continue their pursuit of the playoffs, they have determined their pitching matchups for the upcoming games against the Phillies. Max Fried will face Zack Wheeler on Tuesday, and the series will conclude with Spencer Strider taking on Cristopher Sanchez on Wednesday.
The Braves’ home run power was also on display in the doubleheader, with their total for the season now surpassing the 2019 Minnesota Twins as the most home runs hit through 144 games. The race for the playoffs intensifies as the season progresses.
Overall, the Phillies’ recurring tendency to waste late-game heroics and the bullpen’s struggles have become a concern. However, there were positive moments during the doubleheader, including Turner’s exceptional performance and Strahm’s rebound outing. The team will need to address these issues to stay competitive in the playoff race.
