Yesterday's game was quite frankly, pretty fun! Winning is always fun of course, but I have other reasons too! LOL.
First of all, Aaron Nola pitched great! I'm happy for the guy, and the team of course! It's never fun being critical of Nola, but it's been a rough go in recent time for him. I don't want to make it seem like I expect perfection out of him, but I know he's capable of being better, and he proved that yesterday! He pitched six solid innings and allowed only two runs. It's hard to really determine what the standard is or what the expectations are for Nola these days, but maybe he's on the right track finally! It's just nice to see, and I'm going to appreciate the moment.
Another reason yesterday was fun was because the offense sorta woke up, in a unique sort of way. The Phillies only won 4-3 but three of their runs came from solo homers! Not only that, but they came in the first, second, and third innings consecutively. AND they all came with two outs in each of those innings! Wild! Bryce Harper hit his 13th, Trea Turner hit his 6th, and then J.T. Realmuto hit his 2nd! I'm unsure if the Phillies' offense can be powered by solo homers long-term, but it worked for this game!
The Padres tried to fight back, but the Phillies stayed strong and got it done. Jhoan Durán continues to be really good as the closer for the Phillies.
The Phillies can secure the sweep today with a win! The Padres are a pretty good team, so this would be a solid accomplishment.
I think the odds are in the Phillies' favor too because Cristopher Sánchez is starting! Sánchez is having another excellent season and he can make serious team history today if everything goes well! Currently, Sánchez has pitched 37 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his last five appearances. Sánchez needs to pitch four scoreless innings today to break the team record held by Grover Cleveland Alexander, which was set way back in 1911!
If he does this it would be amazing, I'll get goosebumps I swear! Straight up history!!!
The Phillies hopefully can enter their off day two games above .500 feeling fantastic!
#GOPHILLIES!!!
