- The Phillies played a sloppy game in the rain last night, losing to Arizona 8-4 and snapping their modest 4-game winning streak. Errors, passed balls, wild pitches and general lackluster play even before the steady showers moved in.
The club struck-out 16 times, far too much. For the first time I see Scott Kingery as being over-matched. He had the Golden Sombrero Tuesday night, fanning 4 times. Hopefully he can adjust without being sent down to Lehigh valley. Not playing a position every single day may be hurting him.
I worry about the catching as well, specifically Jorge Alfaro, who is also striking-out at an alarming rate. His defense is suspect. Andrew Knapp at least puts the ball in play. Catching may be a position to upgrade either in the upcoming draft and/or free agency.
Vince Valasquez continues to frustrate. He has been pitching better as of late, throwing more strikes. Despite a shaky outing against the Diamondbacks, Valasquez left the game only down a run before the bullpen surrender three more.
This is a key series against the D-backs, who have the best record in the National League at 16-6. Have the Phillies merely beaten up inferior talent vs teams like the Marlins, Rays and Reds? Will a really good team, like Arizona, be a different story, even at Citizens Bank Park> The Diamondbacks have now won nine straight games in Philadelphia ( and they only visit once a year).Arizona has been a pesky team for the Phils to handle for years, even when they weren't so good.
Kudos to the two fans who were in the stands last night late in the ballgame. Between the steady rain and the Sixers playing across the street, it was eerie seeing all the empty blue seats at Citizens Bank Park.
Big match-up tonight, weather permitting, as Jake Arrieta goes against Arizona's ace Zach Greinke. The Phillies are now 14-8, still in second place in the East, now 1 1/2 games behind the Mets.
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