Saturday, July 23, 2016

2015 Reading Fightin Phils Holiday Set #5 Zach Eflin

Phillies 4Pirates 0
Game 98 - Friday Night, July 22nd in Pittsburgh
Record - 45-53, 4th place, 12 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin tossed his first complete game shutout in a dominant 4-0 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Eflin became the first Phillies rookie to throw a complete game shutout since J.A. Happ did it in 2009.  He became the youngest Phillies pitcher to throw a complete game shutout since Kevin Gross did it in 1983.

What Happened:  Eflin allowed three hits and struck out six in his 100-pitch performance.  He didn't walk a batter.  Cameron Rupp had a nice night, driving in three runs on two hits, including a two-run home run (10) in the ninth.

Featured Card:  It's unbearably hot outside now, so here's Eflin's holiday themed card from last season to try to cool us off a little.  Topps also revealed that Eflin will become the first Phillies player this season with his second Topps Now card.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, the Daniel Stumpf era ended when the Phillies designated the Rule 5 pick for assignment.  He'll be offered back to the Royals.  Stumpf missed the bulk of the season due to an 80-game PED-related suspension.  In total, he appeared in seven games compiling a 10.80 ERA (six earned runs in five innings pitched) and his lone Phillies baseball card appearance came within this year's team-issued photo card set.

To take Stumpf's place on the roster, the Phillies recalled reliever Severino Gonzalez.

Be sure to check out the 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

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