Power Arrives as Phillies End 3-Game Skid in 6-2 Win Over Washington

After another disappointing loss last night in the series opener against the Washington Nationals, the Phillies responded with a statement in tonight’s game.

Though it took time to break the tie, the Phillies started the game in control with a two-run first inning after a Harper double down the right field line against a pain to the Phillies in Mackenzie Gore. The bats really started to open up in the seventh inning, where they would take a four-run lead with the help of two known sluggers in Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, leading to the 6-2 victory

Power Opens up Late

With Schwarber breaking the tie on a three-run home run traveling 456 feet, the second decker marks his 43rd home run of the year, tied for second in all of baseball, not only does he continue to pile on these home runs in a short span of time, but it seems these shots come at times that truly benefit the Phillies. Whether it’s a solo shot in the first or a game-breaking blast in the seventh, Schwarber has always been reliable to pad on run support or bring this ball club back in a game, which makes the possibility of him leaving Philadelphia after this season a hard pill to swallow.

To extend the lead out of a save situation, it only took the next batter in, Bryce Harper, who has looked much better after a minor slump. On the topic of clutch bats, the fourth run of the seventh inning is very important, as any insurance run is needed. Not only that, but the back-to-back will hopefully rally the offense and bring the power back after a disappointing showing in the last three games, dating back to Cincinnati. Harper following Schwarber is huge for the Phillies, as the top four of the lineup have shown to be working together well tonight.

Another Concerning Outing for Wheeler

Even though Zack Wheeler only gave up two runs today, his velocity and pitch count remain a concern, as 94 mph has shown up more than ever on the four-seam fastball. With the velocity spiking down from 99 mph, batters will see the ball better and foul off more pitches than usual. This causes Wheeler’s pitch count to grow, which hurts his innings in the long run.

Wheeler, who used to go seven or eight innings a game, is now looking more at five or six innings. Tonight, Wheeler threw 97 pitches, 62 for strikes, in only five innings pitched, continuing the concern. With the six-man rotation beginning, we can only hope the extra day for Wheeler is beneficial.

Another Great Three Innings for the Big Three in the Bullpen

With Wheeler down early, it was up to the three likely postseason relievers and set-up pitchers to hold the game for the Phillies. They did exactly that, as Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, and Matt Strahm all went hitless in their inning.

With Banks’ inning, he has lowered his ERA to 3.10, which is very comfortable regarding postseason talks. Due to Jose Alvarado‘s ineligibility to compete in the postseason from a suspension, multiple left-handed arms are important in the long run, as you never know when guys will be needed. If Banks continues to throw his off-speed like he has been, he will be another essential piece in the bullpen and possibly negotiate with the front office to stay in Philadelphia this off-season.

With Kerkering and Strahm continuing their great seasons, Banks has been added to their conversation and will likely stay there if he continues his streak.

Major Scare in the Bottom of the Ninth

Even in a non-save situation, manager Rob Thomson put out closer Jhoan Duran to get innings and keep him moving. After the first batter, Duran suffered a comebacker right to his foot, causing him to speak with the trainers on the field for over six minutes. During this time for the Phillies, this was the worst possible scenario for the Phillies, as Duran was on a hot streak and was trusted to the fullest to close out a game. His X-rays came back negative postgame.

On the positive side, the Phillies were able to go to David Robertson, who, with runners on second and third and no one out, finished the job seamlessly for the 6-2 victory.

The Phillies continue the four-game series tomorrow at 4:00, as the six-man rotation continues with Taijuan Walker taking the hill for the Fightins.

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