Phillies top Nats 5-1 in game 1 of double header
The Phillies topped the Nationals 5-1 in game 1 of Friday’s double header to end their 5-game losing streak and maintain their grip on the NL’s final wildcard spot.
Phillies (84-71) Beat Nationals (54-102)
- Winning Pitcher: Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.90)
- Losing Pitcher: Erick Fedde (6-12, 5.27)
- Save:
This Nationals team is absolutely terrible! Even more embarrassing for the Nats was the lack of ‘Natitude’ that was on display for the 500 to 1,000 fans that decided to show up and pay money to watch the worst team in baseball. The Phillies didn’t play exceptionally well this afternoon and still won comfortably. Anything other than 4-game sweep should be seen as a complete disaster and failure for the entire organization.
Bailey Falter delivered a HUGE pitching performance on the final day of September to stabilize a team in free fall and finally put the Phillies back in the win column. After a rough start last week against Atlanta, Falter tossed 6 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 6.
Falter’s poise on the mound has been evident since he turned the corner in August and this afternoon he continued his strong second half by doing what Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola failed to do earlier in the week against the Cubs. Win…
The offense still seemed tight and probably should have scored more runs against Nationals starting pitcher Erick Fedde. Regardless, the Phillies did just enough and used the forgotten art of the stolen base to push 5 runs across the plate.
JT Realmuto, had three steals and in the process became just the second catcher in MLB history with 20 HR and 20 steals in a single season, joining Hall of Famer Pudge Rodriguez. Realmuto also gunned down yet another runners on the base paths, registering a 1.73 pop time, which tied his fastest mark of the season. JT leads all MLB catchers this year with an average 1.82 pop time.
Rhys Hoskins led the way for the Phillies lineup with 2-RBI’s, including a solo-shot in the top of the 1st inning that appeared to shake the Phillies from their losing induced offensive coma.
Both Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez tossed scoreless inning in relief, although Dominguez needed 35+ pitches to escape a bases loaded situation in the 9th. I have been saying it here for at least two weeks, but at this point even Rob Thompson must realize that Alvarado should be the Phillies closer.
I’m not sure any team in MLB history has had a reliever sent to the minors with a 7.00+ ERA and then go o to become the potential closer in a playoff series. But then again, the Phillies aren’t your normal run of the mill playoff baseball team and having Alvarado at the back end of the bullpen seems like a perfect fit in this roller coaster of a season.
With the win the Phillies are now a full game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the final playoff spot in the NL and their magic number now sits at 5. With the Brewers facing off tonight against NL Cy Young candidate Sandy Alcantara, the Phillies could very well find themselves with a 2-game lead by Saturday morning. Ladies and gentlemen, we are officially in the witching hour of the Hunt for Red October.
RING IT!
Rhys Hoskins takes Erick Fedde deep for a solo home run in the first inning to put the Phils on top for the first time in what feels like forever.
1-0 Phils
Bryson Stott makes a fantastic defensive play from shortstop to get the Nats runner at first base for the second out of the inning.
Bailey Falter picks off the Nationals runners at first base for the first out of the 3rd inning.
Why does anyone even attempt to run on JT Realmuto? JT throws out the stealing Nats runners for the second great defensive play in the inning for the Phils.
Jean Segura knocks in Brandon Marsh from second base with an RBI single in the 4th inning.
2-0 Phils
Bailey Falter finishes an impressive start with 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB , 6 K.
Jose Alvarado pitches yet another scoreless inning, finishing off the Nats in the 8th.
Rhys drives in Jean Segura to give the Phils a 3-run lead in the 9th inning.
4-1 Phils
Up Next for the Phillies
Due to Hurricane Ian, the Phillies will play a double header on Friday against the Nationals in Washington DC.
Game 2: Noah Syndergaard (9-10, 4.12) takes on TBD (0-0, 0.00) with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm.
NBC Sports Philadelphia will carry the broadcast of the game.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Philadelphia Phillies
