PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES

I was at the Phillies game on Sunday afternoon. They failed to sweep the Reds, losing 4-3. Their four game winning streak was snapped. They are only one game ahead of Atlanta in National League East. Here are my comments..

- There is a lack of hustle problem on the Phillies. First Segura doesn't hustle in San Diego, which leads to Andrew McCuthen getting caught in a rundown and blowing out his knee.

Yesterday both Rhys Hoskins ad Bryce Harper failed to hustle on the base paths. What will it take form manager Gabe Kapler to get his players to bust it on every play?

- Kapler had a bad game with his moves. He double-switched in the 7th inning, taking out his hottest hitter, Jay Bruce , in favor of Nick Williams. That wasn't the worst part. In the 9th inning, with the Phillies down one run and J.T. Realmuto on first base, instead of Bruce facing the Reds' closer Ingleisas, Kpaler sent weak-hitting Phil Gosslin to the plate. Gosslin popped out.

- Kapler also took out Aaron Nola after 104 pitches in the 7th inning. Cincinnati at runners on first and second, two outs. Nola wasn't being hit hard by the Reds. Instead the manager brought in reliever Jose Alvarez, who promptly gave up two hits to tie the game.

Who would you rather finish the inning- your ace or  a marginal relief pitcher?

- The Phillies called yesterday's crowd a sell-out but I saw pockets of empty seats in the stands.

Many Dads and granddads in the crowd for Fathers' Appreciation Day. A blue Phillies vest was given out.

I may have seen one Cincinnati shirt or jersey around the stadium. The Reds are in a down cycle right now. The Big Red Machine days was a long time ago.

It was a windy day at the ballpark, so much so that the sun and wind contributed to Joey Votto of the Reds letting a pop-up drop with the bases loaded, scoring two runs by the Phils.

Both Glen MacNow and Ray Didinger were their usual friendly,warm selves when I met them. They are not only great sports commentators and writers but great guys too.

While the Phils continue their home stand with three games against Arizona, the Braves are home to face the Pirates  before Atlanta and Philadelphia square-off next weekend in Atlanta, with first place on the line.