Phillies add to their strong September with 3-2 win over the Rays
Photo via MLB.com
That cold streak for the Phils feels like it was seasons ago. The team is once again red hot and it couldn’t be at a better time with the season winding down and the postseason race in full swing. The Phillies are inching closer and closer to their first NL East title since 2011.
Let’s break down the strong win.
Of course, he did
Nick Castellanos homered today. I’m not going to add anything to that, you can take that as you will, but of all days he homered today.
There wasn’t much offense to come by all night for the Phils as it was a pitcher’s duel from the very start. The Rays would over time tie things up, but the Phillies didn’t wait long to score what would be the winning run. The Rays tied the game in the top of the 6th, and Weston Wilson plated the game-winner half an inning later.
It was the middle of the order that did the heavy lifting tonight. The 4, 5, and 6 hitters were responsible for 3 of the 5 hits, and all of the RBIs. The good news going into October after last year the lineup was as top-heavy as it was in the NLCS. The Phillies also seem to have endless depth with Weston Wilson performing very well after Edmundo Sosa went down.
Cy Young Wheeler?
If you look up the definition of consistency in the dictionary, Zack Wheeler‘s face will be in the definition. The man only has 4 starts this year where he has allowed more than 3 runs, he has an ERA below 2 since August, and god knows this guy is Mr. October for Phillies pitching. He doesn’t get the media attention that guys like Paul Skenes, and even Chris Sale have this year but the man is a lock for 6 innings of 1 or 2-run ball.
And even better the bullpen was perfect. I think even more importantly, this had to be a boost for Jose Alvarado‘s confidence. Topper put him in a one-run game, a situation he’s blown many times this season, and he finally got the job done. He’s best when he’s confident and this will go a long way to getting him there.
And as for Carlos Estévez, there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. The guy’s a stud and a “rental” is quickly turning into a guy who I want to see wearing a Phillies jersey for a long time to come.
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