- Another wonderful game pitched by 25-year-old Zach Eflin last nigh tin Kansas City. The right-hander pitched a complete game shutout, 7-0- over the Royals. Eflin is now 5-3, tied for the National League lead in wins. Again he didn't allow a walk. Eflin pitches to contact yet struck out seven Royals. He is on pace to make the All-Star Game in July.
The Phillies hoped at least one of their three young starters would have a break -out season, Pivetta and Valasquez may have better stuff and were more hyped, but it's Eflin who has stepped up.
The Phils are now 22-16 and continue to lead NL East by three games. The Mets, Braves and Nationals all won on Saturday.
- The rubber game of the weekend series is set for this afternoon, as rookie Cole Irvin makes his big league debut. Velasquez was place on the Injured List with a "right forearm strain." No word how long he will be on the shelf. So the lefty Irwin gets the start and a chance to stick. If he does, Valasquez could slide into the bullpen, a place where he probably belongs anyway.
The team comes home on Monday ( weather permitting) to play four with the Brewers and three with the Rockies.
- Tonight is the night for the 76ers, their biggest game since 2001. It is Game 7 of their second round playoff series with the Raptors in Toronto. The host Raptors are a 6 1/2 point favorite. A win vaults the Sixers into the Eastern Conference Finals vs Milwaukee.
A report in the new York Times says that if coach Brett brown doesn't at least get to the NBA Finals he will be fired. That's asking a lot, especially form a team who started the season with Markelle Fultz as its point guard. Tobias Harris and Jimmy butler have only played with the core of the squad for a handful of games.Brown isn't the best coach, and I have written that Philly won't win a championship with him, but management's verdict of getting to the Finals or bust is stupid. if the Sixers win tonight and move on that will be progress and should give Brown another year.
Getting off to a fast start tonight, and taking the wild Toronto crowd out of the game early, will be key. Spreading the scoring around and Ben Simmons being involved- as was the case on Thursday night in Philadelphia, is a must. If Joel Embiid is healthy I expect him to have a big game.
Still, I'm picking Toronto to win at home.
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