Phillies Fight Grows, But Not Enough As They Lose 10th-Straight
Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Phillies are making history currently, unfortunately, the wrong kind of history. They have now lost 10 straight, with Friday night’s 5-3 loss against the Atlanta Braves. This 10th loss now holds sole possession as the longest losing streak by the Phillies since 2000. It is the franchise’s longest losing streak since an 11-game losing streak from September 4-14, 1999. It is only their fifth losing streak of 10 or more games since 1972.
The Phils stand at 8-18, now 10 games under .500 and hold the worst record in the entire MLB.
While they have not had winning success the last two weeks, the past two games have shown substantial progress towards breaking this skid. The Phillies’ offense put together back-to-back solid offensive performances. Trea Turner, Friday night, put the Phillies on the board first with a 2-run home run in the top half of the 3rd inning. Bryce Harper gave the Phillies the lead back, after the Braves tied it, with a solo shot in the 5th to make it 3-2. While the offense showed some life, it still has work to be done as the lineup couldn’t get going in several innings, continuing their struggles in the clutch.
Unfortunately, the offense slowly turning a corner has yet to produce a victory as the starting pitching has not performed these last two games. Cristopher Sanchez gave up 6 runs in 5.1 innings against the Cubs on Thursday afternoon, and Friday night, rookie Andrew Painter was not much better. After cruising through 5 innings, only allowing 2 runs from a Ronald Acuna Jr. blast, the 6th inning turned the tide of the game as Painter gave up 3 in the inning before being taken out with the Phillies in a 5-3 deficit, one they couldn’t get out of. Painted posted a final line of 5.2 innings pitched, 9 hits allowed, along with 5 Braves crossing the plate. Rob Thomson left Painter in too long; the defense fell apart in the 6th, and that’s all the Braves needed to take advantage.
Turning A Corner, But Not Turned Yet
The offense has definitely started turning a corner. There were several games during this losing streak where no one in the lineup looked comfortable, and production was nowhere near a possibility. However, these last two games have shown a lot more competitive at-bats, more success against both right and left-handed pitchers, and actually getting runs in multiple innings. While that is the case, the Phillies’ lineup is still struggling in several ways, especially producing when men get on base.
Friday night was a clear example of the lack of production with traffic on the bases as the Phillies left 11 men on base, including multiple innings where they had multiple guys on base and a chance to shift momentum, only to fall flat.
This issue was made most clear in the final inning of the game. Turner led off with a walk, then Kyle Schwarber struck out for the third time, and Harper popped out to 3rd on one pitch. Adolis Garcia singled to right before him, and Turner moved up to 2nd and 3rd, but then Brandon Marsh grounded out to pitcher Robert Suarez to close out the game.
Painter Gets No Help
Painter has dealt with scrutiny to begin his career. A touted prospect who made his debut 3 whole years after he was supposed to, he dazzled in that debut start, but since then has struggled. Heading into Friday’s game, Painter had the chance to right the ship against a division rival, and through 5 innings, he was doing so. While he didn’t have the strikeout stuff, only picking up 1, he held the Braves at bay.
That changed in the 6th inning. After letting two runners on and getting two outs, Painter had the chance to get out of the jam unscathed, but Michael Harris II roped a ball to left field that Marsh misread, letting it smack off the wall and score 2 runners, 4-3 Braves. Garrett Stubbs then let a ball get away that scored Jorge Mateo, who pinch ran for Harris, making the game 5-3.
No matter the answer, the Phillies couldn’t hold on to the lead Friday night, and their progress remains nothing more than light at the end of a tunnel the team isn’t at yet. However, they’re getting close.
Christopher DeMaio
Christopher is a Delaware County Native and a graduate of Devon Preparatory School, class of 2025. He is currently attending University and is in his second semester. Chris, growing up playing since the age of 4, fell in love with his hometown Phillies and continues that love with listening to sports radio, reading articles, writing for Philly Sports Reports’ Phillies team, and, of course, watching the Phils.
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