Step One in catching the braves- winning the first game of the biggest series of the year so far. The Phillies did just that last night in Atlanta, shutting out the mighty Braves, 2-0. Aaron Nola again looked like the Nola of old, going 8 dominating innings, giving up only 4 hits and striking out 8 Braves.
Obviously, Nola loves the summer heat and humidity, similar to his home weather conditions in Louisiana. It's nice to know Nola has returned, just in time for the stretch run this summer.
Nola has had better control and seems to have made a technical adjustment in his delivery.
Meanwhile, Hector Neris struck out the side in the 9th inning to save the big win.As Atlanta expected the splitter, Neris was blowing his fastball past the young Brave hitters. If Neris can be this type of dominating closer in the second half of the season the Phils will win a lot more games.
Jay Bruce knocked in he only two runs the team would need. The offense is still struggling and lacks consistency. If the Phillies don't hit home runs they usually don't win. They don't play small ball very well. Hardly any bunts, hit-and-runs or steals to move guys on the bases.
The club is now 4 1/2 games behind Atlanta in National League East. Nick Pivetta starts tonight. It's easily the biggest start of his career. Time for these young hurlers to put up or shut up.
- The Sixers gave Ben Simmons a five-year extension to his contract. But why?
He has yet to prove he has been working on improving his jump shot or even wanting to shoot beyond ten feet of the basket. And what about his awful free throw shooting? He disappeared in the Toronto playoff series, with jimmy butler carrying the load and forcing the eventual champion Raptors to a close 7th game of their series. They allow Butler to walk to Miami yet they extend Simmons?
Makes no sense.
Yes, Simmons is an All-Star with enormous potential. He and Joel Embiid make up the core of the 76ers, who have a two-year window to win a championship or else. Unless GM Elton Brand traded Simmons this summer for help, they almost had to invest their future with Simmons. No way Coach Brett Brown was going to agree to parting with his favorite player in Simmons.
So, the Sixers are going all-in with Ben, hoping he will come into camp in the fall with a jump shot and shock the world.
Let's hope so.
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