Phillies drop 2nd straight series against Cincinnati

In just the second series of the season, the Phillies have continued to start slow after dropping 2 of 3 to the Reds.

The team’s record now sits at 2-4 and obviously, it’s early in the season, but a disappointing start nonetheless.

A series full of some great performances by Bryce Harper, Spencer Turnbull, and Zack Wheeler among others, and one that is the last appearance for Connor Brogdon in Philadelphia.

Game 1 of this series saw the same problems opening day against the Braves saw. Alec Bohm tried to get the offense going with a 2 run double in the first inning while Cristopher Sanchez pitched 5+ innings allowing just 2 runs. The game remained a pitcher’s duel and in extra innings, the Phillies called upon Brogdon.

Brogdon, who was once one of if not the best relievers the Phillies had in 2022, hasn’t been the same ever since. A 4-run top of the 10th with a grand slam by Spencer Steer all but proved it.

An infield single by Trea Turner netted the Phillies an extra run, but the game proved to be out of reach in a 6-3 loss.

Game 2 was a breath of fresh air for literally everyone.

Harper dominated thanks in large part to the shiesty he had on no doubt. Bryce was so good he had his 2nd 3 home run game of his career, including a grand slam, with the last time being in 2015. By himself, Harper was responsible for 6 of the 9 Phillies runs in the victory.

Along with that Turnbull turned in 5 innings without an earned run in his first start as a Phillie looking like he could be a mainstay in the rotation. With Brogdon DFA’d, Ricardo Pinto, who was stuck in traffic and didn’t even show up to the stadium until the 4th inning, pitched 4 fantastic innings and allowed 2 earned runs.

When all was said and done it was a dominant 9-4 win in front of the home crowd.

After the game start time was moved by 3 hours, then almost 4 more hours of rain delay, and an online rumor that a wedding was preventing the game from being played Thursday, the game finally got started with the first pitch at 8 PM.

Wheeler was unaffected by the delay, with just 1 earned run in 6 innings pitched. What was affected by the rain was unsurprisingly team defense, and not just the Phillies. Any ball that popped up on the right side of the diamond felt more like a prayer than a guarantee all night.

Ultimately it was the offense that failed to show up with the only run coming from a Schwarbomb in the 6th inning.

A dominant performance by Reds pitcher Frankie Montas resulted in a 4-1 loss for the Phillies.

It’s very early in the season and at this point, we’re used to the bad starts. Friday, the Phillies will hope to start off the series right as they travel south to the capital to play the Nationals.

Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order

Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO