_ It was the biggest game at Citizens Bank Park in at least 7 years. The Phillies beat Atlanta, 3-0, and moved to within 1/2 game of 1st place in National league East. The Phils go to 27-18 with the win and improve to 17-6 at home this season. Here are the highlights:
- Nick Pivetta again pitched brilliantly- seven innings of shut-out ball. Ruban Amaro Jr's deal of getting Pivetta from the nationals for Jonathan Papelbon is proving to be a great move. Amaro jr. should also be given credit to obtaining Williams and Alfaro from Texas for Cole Hamels, who may be coming back anyway after the July 31st trade deadline. Like Vince Valasquez ( who pitches tonight against the Baby Braves). Pivetta has learned how to pitch, not just throw because he's got a big arm.
- Williams and Altherr had the key hits against Atlanta, and Herrera started a new on-base streak with two hits. Hoskins continues to struggle at the plate but made a beautiful, rolling, tumbling catch in left field.
- Even though Hector Neris got the save with a rare 1-2-3 9th inning, Siranthony Dominguez got the key out in the 8th inning, working thru the heart of Atlanta's batting order. That shows you the confidence that the Phillies coaches have in the kid. Dominguez gave up his first hit in the big leagues but he still hasn't surrendered his first run.
- Will struggling Scott Kingery go back to his utility role when J.P. Crawford returns soon?
- Both Washington and the Mets won as well, staying close in NL East. When the Braves leave Philly they head up to Fenway Park in Boston to face the Red Sox, while the Phils stay home to play the blue Jays. Advantage Phillies.
- The defense improved last night for the team, which played sloppy defense in St. Louis over the weekend. First baseman Santana and shortstop Kingery have particularly been ugly on defense lately, giving opponents extra outs and putting more pressure on the starting pitching.
- It was a gorgeous spring night, the first warm evening in a long time. The first place team in your division is in town. The crowd was announced at 21,000, a bummer since the club is in surprising contention. Why such a sparse crowd? Weekday night? Kids still in school? Super Bowl hangover.?Fans don't want to buy into Fool's Gold again and need to see more before investing their time and money? Games too long and boring for millinials? Need big name like Machado to really get excited?
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