The 2019 Philadelphia Phillies seem to come up with new ways to lose games every night. Tied 4-4 in the 9th inning vs Pittsburgh, closer Hector Neris walked two Pirates but did toss a potential double play grounder. However the relay throw from Jean Segura handcuffed first baseman Rhys Hoskins. He dropped the ball and the winning run scored for a Bucco victory.
Hoskins has been struggling at the plate since the All-Star break. Hopefully he hasn't allowed his poor hitting affect his performance in the batters box. Hoskins needs to get out of the lead-off spot. Hitting down in the order, maybe ahead of Bryce Harper, will get Rhys more fastballs to hit.
Drew Smyly pitched into the 6th inning and had a rough outing. Teams start to tee-off on Smyly the third time thru the order.
Scott Kingery was back pinch-hitting after being taken out of Monday's game with "abdominal soreness.'
Sean Rodriguez started at third base and was booed lustily by the fans for his comments after the game on Monday where he bashed the fan base. He is the 24th guy on a roster and should just be glad he has a jon in the majors.
The Phillies have suffered quite a few injuries this season but to me, the two costliest injuries have been to outfielder Andrew McCuthen and to reliever Siranthony Dominguez.
Losing McCuthen meant losing an experienced leader, both on the field and in the clubhouse. They haven't been able to replace him in the lead-off spot. Defensively, McCuthen was excellent.
Losing Dominguez meant a reliable arm in the bullpen is gone. Siranthony could close a game, but he was also seen this season getting a key out in the 5th or 6th inning. his versatility has been sorely missed.
The Phils are now two games behind the Cubs for the final wild card spot in the National League. Chicago plays the Mets again tonight and it's a sad state of affairs when Phillies fans need to root for the Mets.
The final game of the Pirate series is tonight at an early time, 6:05, with Vince Valasquez pitching. A victory wind the series for the Phillies. There's a day off on Thursday followed by a weekend set with the Mets.
A loss tonight means yet another series defeat to a last place team.
As much as i would like the Phils to get into the post-season, I would much rather fast-forward to early October. Will the manager or front office personnel get fired? What free agents and trades will the Phillies be involved with during Hot Stove season? Getting injured players back for a run in 2020 will also help. So would a new attitude with this lackluster club.
Until then, all we can do is watch it play out.
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