Takeaways after Phillies bring back old vibes as they blow a lead to Giants

In Gabe Kapler’s first trip back to Philadelphia since being fired as Phillies manager, he has come into Citizens Bank Park as mananger of the San Francisco Giants and seen his current team beat his old team on back-to-back nights, Tuesday night being ridiculous fashion.

The Giants had a power surge — five home runs, including a pair of three-run blows in the eighth inning — to a 10-7 win on Tuesday night.

The Phillies went zero-for-eight with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base in Monday’s night loss. They are 27-for-127 with runners in scoring position this season, hitting .213.

In Tuesday night’s defeat, the Phillies let the Giants win after having an early 4-0 lead.

Here’s three takeaways:

Brogdon blows it

Connor Brogdon came in to relieve in the eighth inning.

Brogdon had been one of Joe Girardi’s more dependable relievers dating back to September of last season. He had begun this season with 6⅔ scoreless innings to run his scoreless streak to 15⅓ innings dating to September 12. Brogdon’s successful run came way down after allowing two three-run homers in the eighth.

The Giants trailed 6-4 when Evan Longoria opened the eighth with a double against Brogdon. Brandon Belt walked and Alex Dickerson homered to right to give the Giants the lead. Brogdon then allowed two more hits before pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores came off the bench and popped a three-run homer into the left field seats to put the Giants up by four runs.

Wheler’s night

Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler gave up four runs on three homers in the fifth and sixth innings as the Giants fought back to make it a 6-4 game.

Wheeler did not help himself by allowing a two-out walk to pinch-hitter Darin Ruf before allowing a two-run homer on an 0-2 pitch to Tommy La Stella in the fifth.

Sam Coonrod got the final out of the sixth and three more in the seventh and delivered a two-run lead to Connor Brogdon in the eighth, who blew it.

Shuffled lineup and Hoskins appears after Segura’s injury

Phillies manager Joe Girardi shuffled the lineup. Regular leadoff man Andrew McCutchen did not start. Matt Joyce led off and played left field. Miller started in place of Rhys Hoskins at first base. Didi Gregorius missed his second straight game with a sore elbow. Nick Maton played well at shortstop in his place.

Hoskins entered the game in the third inning when Jean Segura injured a quadriceps muscle running to first base. Hoskins belted a solo homer in the ninth. Segura entered the game leading the Phillies with a .345 batting average. It’s unclear how long the Phils will be without him, but losing him for any amount of time will be a blow. He’ll be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Up next

Phillies’ll send Zach Eflin to the hill Wednesday afternoon to face Anthony DeSclafani as the Phillies will attempt to avoid being swept.