- 6 wins in a row for the Phillies, as they squeezed out a 4-3 win over struggling Pittsburgh last night. They can sweep the series- and the entire year with the Pirates- with a victory this afternoon. The Phils are now 12 games over .500 and continue to be in a virtual tie with Atlanta for first place in National League East.
- Jake Arrieta pitched better on Saturday against the Buccos. He is now 6-6. Jorge Alfaro hit a key double in the late innings to put the team ahead, but also failed with runner son second and third with no outs, with a chance to add insurance runs. Again, the offense was inconsistent.
- Siranthony Dominguez again played Swiss Army Knife, as he pitched the 8th inning and faced key Pittsburgh batters. Victor Arano saved the game in the 8th. After a bloop double to start the 9th, Pittsburgh failed to move the runner to third. Arano struck out two batters, in the exact same pattern- low and away sliders, with a high and inside fastball getting the third out.
- So much for the Phillies' interest in Cole Hamels. He didn't get out of the 1st inning last night. He just doesn't seem to be the same guy as when he was with Philadelphia. He may come cheaper now. I'm sure Texas wants to unload his big contract, especially since he is pitching so poorly. A more viable pitching option, granted, more expensive too, would be Toronto's J.A. Happ, also an ex-Phillie
- There is also a report that the Phillies have interest in the Royals' INF/OF Whit Merrifield. The 29-year-old is hitting .290 with 16 stolen bases. He can play multiple positions and would give the Phils flexibility, which Gabe Kapler likes. He has hit lead-off for Kansas City.
- The loss of solid players such as Andrew McCuthen and Garritt Cole is finally catching up to the Bucs. They are only 1 1/2 games ahead of Cincinnati for last place in NL Central.Pittsburgh has never been one to spend money on free agents, so it looks like yet another rebuilding process for Pirate fans.
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