Back Above .500 — Phillies, D-Backs Series Recap
Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto celebrates after his two-run triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, June 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Phillies took 3 of 4 from the NL West leading Diamondbacks this week and are now above .500 for the first time in over a month. It was their first series win in Arizona since 2016.
After dropping a wild game 1, 9-8, the red-hot Phils won the final 3 games of the series, 15-3, 4-3, and 5-4.
They have now won 10 of their last 12 (since reintroducing “Dancing On My Own”) and seem to be trying to follow the same script from last season.
Up And Down Starting Pitching
The Phillies began this series with yet another bullpen game that, surprise surprise, did not go well. After getting out to an early 5-1 lead, the combination of Matt Strahm, Yunior Marte, Dylan Covey, and Andrew Vasquez quickly turned a 4-run lead into a 4-run deficit, and despite a late comeback that came within inches of giving the Phillies a 9th inning lead, game 1 went to the D-Backs.
In game 2, Zack Wheeler continued to look more and more like his old self. He went 6 innings, only giving up 4 hits, 1 earned run, and struck out 7. Wheeler’s ERA is now down to 3.73 and he has allowed 1 earned run or fewer in 3 of his last 4 starts.
The Ranger had his best start of the season in Wednesday’s 4-3 win. He threw 7 shutout innings and had unbelievable command. Suarez has a 1.35 ERA in his last 4 starts and has a real case to be considered the team’s number 2 starter.
In Thursday’s series finale, Aaron Nola had perhaps the weirdest, but most expected outing of the season. He went 6 2/3, giving up 4 earned runs and striking out 9. All 4 runs came in the 3rd inning on a Gabriel Moreno RBI single and a Ketel Marte 3-run homer.
Nola continued to struggle mightily with runners on base, but look like a Cy Young Award candidate with the bases empty. It’s tough to put a finger on exactly what is going on with Nola. Could it be the pitch clock? Pitching from the stretch? Just a mental thing? A little bit of everything? Who knows. No matter what it is, Nola NEEDS to be better with runners on base for the Phillies to reach their full potential.
Topper Records His 100th Win
Thursday’s 5-4 win was Rob Thomson’s 100th as manager of the Phillies. He reached the milestone in just 180 games, tied for 6th fastest in the team’s history.
Since taking over for Joe Girardi on June 3rd, 2022, the Phillies 100-80 record ranks 3rd best in the National League, behind just the Braves and Dodgers.
While he has made some questionable decisions throughout his time at the helm of the Phillies (every manager does), it is clear that his mild-mannered personality has been a good fit for this ball club.
What’s Next
The Phillies will head to Oakland, maybe for the last time, this weekend to take on the 19-52 A’s. The A’s have dropped back to back games following their season-long 7-game win streak. It is important that the Phils take at least 2 of 3 in Oakland with big series against the Braves and Mets coming up.
