Bad times at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies had everything going for them on Friday night: Aaron Nola, 6-1, pitching against one of the worst teams in Baseball, the Miami Marlins; the Phils back home after a tough road trip; Over 44,000 fans attending Chase Utley Retirement Night. Plus the Braves finally lost a game.
Un fortunately the Phillies didn't hold up their end of the bargain, losing 2-1 to Miami. They remain 4 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta in NL East.
Nola went 8 innings and looked like the Nola of old, striking out 10 Fish. The only run for the Phils came on a double steal by Harper and Quinn.
Ironically, the Marlins executed a perfect hit-and-run to set up their second run, which proved to be the game-winner. You rarely see a hit-and-run in this age of analytics.
The Phillies twice had a runner on second with no outs ( Quin and Hoskins both doubled). Both runners were stranded on second. No bunts, no hitting the ball to the right side to try and move the runners. Embattled manager Gabe Kapler plays for the home run and rarely does small ball. When the team doesn't hit homers it doesn't score.
The club has now lost 5 games in a row. They are in danger of losing a home series to the lowly Marlins.
Kapler looks in panic mode when he hits Harper lead-off. Why not put speed at the top with Kngery or Quinn?
Philadelphia won't fire Kapler unless the collapse dramatically continues. They will wait until the season ends. Kapler is signed through 2020.
If Kapler goes so should GM Matt Klentek. He hired Kapler. Klentek needs to make moves quickly to try and save this floundering team.
Yes, injuries have hurt, especially the loss of Andrew McCuthen. But the Yankees have had injuries and they are in first place.
Seven games against the Marlins and Mets were expected to be a turnaround at home for the Phillies. This home stand didn't get off to a good start. Time is running out on Gabe Kapler and the 2019 Phillies.
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