Should have been satisfied with a third of an inning from the greybeard.
2025 Phillies Thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
- Start date
Geez, is this manager going to screw up, yet another post-season game? Houston game 6, Arizona games 3 and 4.
Matt Strahm being Matt Strahm. Thinking of betting the house on the Broncoes.
Strahm comes in in the top of the 7th with runners on 1st and 2nd (a single and a hit by pitch by David Robertson). He got Ohtani on a called 3rd strike for out #1. He had Mookie Betts 1-2, which Betts battled to 3-2 before popping out to 3rd for the 2nd out. But then Hernandez hits a 3-run HR to right-center (I think the count was 1-0; not certain). Damn. He nearly cleaned up the mess he inherited, but couldn't quite pull it off.
5-3 Dodgers, heading to the bottom of the 7th
5-3 Dodgers, heading to the bottom of the 7th
This is a typical Phillies loss. Their stars do nothing and their bullpen blows a terrific start by Sanchez.
For the past few years, I have not so jokingly said the Matt Strahm hates Aaron Nola. With Nola having a down year, Strahm continually destroys a Christopher Sanchez lead. I do agree that leaving Robertson in was playing with fire.
I think if they lose tonight, they lose the series. 2023 was their year to win it all.
Harper with a single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th to make 1st & 3rd (his single moved Turner from 1st to 3rd). Then Bohm works a walk. Dodgers make a pitching change and bring in Vesia. Topper pinch hits Sosa for Marsh. 2 outs, based loaded.
Sosa with a drive to center, but he didn't quite get enough of it.
5-3, headed to the top of the 9th
Sosa with a drive to center, but he didn't quite get enough of it.
5-3, headed to the top of the 9th
That was likely their last chance. This game really underlines how much better the Dodgers are. Seeing them in this round was an awful draw.
Not that has been reported. I'm not sure what Casty's BA was against the reliever that the Dodgers brought in. It may have been high. Either way, Casty gives a higher chance of a HR than does Bader, so I guess that's why Topper PH Casty for Bader. Sometimes moves like that work, and sometimes they don't.
Casty is scheduled to get an AB in the bottom of the 9th, unless they PH for him
Dodgers brig in Sasaki for the bottom of the 9th.
JT is the 1st at bat. He falls behind 1-2. and then takes a called 3rd strike (tough pitch; a splitter that was high, and then just fell into the strike zone late).
Kepler is 2nd at bat. He quickly falls behind 0-2. Then he hits a double to right field.
Casty is 3rd at bat. He hits a weak one to 2nd base, moving Kepler to 3rd, but 2 outs
Stott is 4th at bat. On a 1-1 count, he pops out to the 3rd baseman in foul territory
Final: 5-3, Dodgers
JT is the 1st at bat. He falls behind 1-2. and then takes a called 3rd strike (tough pitch; a splitter that was high, and then just fell into the strike zone late).
Kepler is 2nd at bat. He quickly falls behind 0-2. Then he hits a double to right field.
Casty is 3rd at bat. He hits a weak one to 2nd base, moving Kepler to 3rd, but 2 outs
Stott is 4th at bat. On a 1-1 count, he pops out to the 3rd baseman in foul territory
Final: 5-3, Dodgers
Seems like someone from the bullpen gives up a HR nearly every game.
I have to say I agree, even though I hope we are both wrong.
Regardless of what happens, they need to finally fix the middle of that bullpen—it’s been too many years of this substandard being acceptable. Adding someone who is good at situational hitting might be a wise thing to consider for the roster. They also need to figure out that RF situation.
Andy’s call is one of the best in team history along with Scott’s Bedlam at the Bank”
Problem is that Strahm has been giving up untimely HRs all season. The two base runners weren't his doing, but the Phillies lack of bullpen stoppers is a critical issue. None of their relievers seems capable of pitching with inherited runners.
And to miss with a fastball up to a RH power hitter was a huge mental blunder. Miss low or away...not up and in the zone.
Interesting matchup.
Luzardo can be really good, and was for many games this year. But he can also have an inning where things go south, very quickly. Some of his effectiveness seems to diminish when he has to pitch out of the stretch, so the Dodgers strategy will likely be to try to get runners on early in an inning.
Snell is an excellent pitcher. The Fightins really struggled against him in their series against the Dodgers in early September. The Fightins really need to make him work, and run up long pitch counts, as he usually ends his outings at a relatively low pitch count (by comparison to other starters).
Luzardo can be really good, and was for many games this year. But he can also have an inning where things go south, very quickly. Some of his effectiveness seems to diminish when he has to pitch out of the stretch, so the Dodgers strategy will likely be to try to get runners on early in an inning.
Snell is an excellent pitcher. The Fightins really struggled against him in their series against the Dodgers in early September. The Fightins really need to make him work, and run up long pitch counts, as he usually ends his outings at a relatively low pitch count (by comparison to other starters).
It's good to see Topper expressing urgency about tonight's game. He didn't on Saturday.
Good sign spotted: Mookie Betts and so does Ohtani
GO FIGHTINS!!
GO FIGHTINS!!
As I said before the game, he's an excellent pitcher. That said, the home plate ump is gifting him a lot of strikes through 3 innings. Hopefully, the Fightins stay disciplined, and the ump stops giving Snell pitches that are inside or outside.
ugh, 1st & 2nd, 1 out, and Harper strikes out (chased 2 balls), then Bohm hits a grounder to 3rd that the Dodgers' 3rd baseman fielded and then dove for 3rd base, and just got Turner on a force out for the 3rd out.
Lazardo and Snell have been pitching respective masterpieces. Snell is up to @ 100 pitches, so he's probably done for the evening.
0-0, after 6
Lazardo and Snell have been pitching respective masterpieces. Snell is up to @ 100 pitches, so he's probably done for the evening.
0-0, after 6
Last edited:
Bohm can not swing at a 2-0 pitch 3 inches below the box.
And then Lazardo gives up a single and a double in the top of the 7th. Topper comes out to get him, as he can't let the game get away.
Dodgers have 2nd & 3rd, with no outs, so it's going to be a challenge for the 'pen.
Edit: Kerkering is the relief pitcher that enters.
Dodgers have 2nd & 3rd, with no outs, so it's going to be a challenge for the 'pen.
Edit: Kerkering is the relief pitcher that enters.