So we knew the Phillies probably wouldn't sweep in Atlanta. The braves are just too good. But I didn't think they would get torched as they did last night in Atlanta, losing 9-2 and falling 5 1/2 games behind the young Braves.
Atlanta can afford to swap games. The Phils need sweeps, or at least to win the series. That's why tonight's final game in Atlanta is so big.
Atlanta visits Citizens Bank Park later in July, where they were swept by Philadelphia in the very first series of the season. It's a long season and the Phillies still have time to make up ground after the All-Star break. But the finale tonight counts as two games and a victory would give the Phillies momentum heading into New York and the break. 4 1/2 games back looks a lot better than 6 1/2 games behind.
Zach Eflin, who has been the most consistent of the young Philly starters takes the ball tonight.
Inconsistent Nick Pivetta once again showed he isn't cut out for pressure-packed, down the stretch games. Pivetta surrounded a pair of three-run homers against the Braves. I thought he had it all figured out earlier this spring when he returned from Lehigh Valley, worked fast, threw strikes and finally looked like he was living up to his potential.
Instead, he has regressed. blame Pivetta, or the terrible pitching coach, or both. He just isn't getting the job done. GM Matt Klentek needs to trade for pitching help ASAP. I wouldn't give up the farm ( what farm?) but help is needed/ Another starter, bullpen help and another outfielder. Klentek is not very aggressive making deals ( look at some of his previous ho-hum, boring July trade deadlines).
If the Phillies lose tonight and go down 6 1/2 games, do the Phillies suddenly because sellers instead of buyers? Tonight's game could effect trades, player's futures with the club, and whether the team focuses on the wild card race instead of the NL East for the remainder of the summer.
Last night, after Pivetta gave up a three-run homer to Josh Donaldson ( wouldn't he look good in Phillies' red pinstripes?), the Phils did battle back. Bryce Harper blasted an opposite field homer, followed by a Rhys Hoskins double and a J.T. Realmuto single to make it 3-2. Realmuto made a base running mistake when he killed the rally by getting thrown out at second base. Too many base running errors this season.
Everything imploded in the bottom of the 6th inning when Atlanta scored six runs and put the game out of reach. Juan Nicosio, not a favorite reliever of mine, added to the massacre after Pivetta was yanked.
Gabe Kapler obviously pulled Pivetta too late. But let's really blame GM Matt Klentek, who hasn't done enough to help this club. The scary thing is, the braves are young and good; the Phils are older and not as good. plus their farm system is shaky while the Atlanta farm system is brimming with prospects.
Another reason why, if the Phillies do not reach the playoffs in 2019, both Kapler and Klentek should be fired after the season. Plus the pitching and hitting coaches. Clean house and start fresh in spring training next year.
But first...a crucial game in Atlanta tonight.
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