Saturday, April 22, 2017

Ben's Birthday Night with the Phillies

2017 Topps Heritage #213
Phillies 4, Braves 3
Game 16 - Friday Night, April 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 7-9, 4th place, 4 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jeremy Hellickson outdueled Bartolo Colon as the Phillies overcame the Braves, 4-3.

What It Means:  Hellickson improved to 3-0 with his performance and his WHIP of 0.71 is the lowest in the N.L.

What Happened:  Aaron Altherr had an RBI-double and went 2 for 3. Freddy Galvis and Tommy Joseph added RBI singles.  Hellickson allowed just three hits over his seven innings, striking out five. Hector Neris made it interesting in the ninth but waited out a 24 minute rain delay to secure his second save.

Featured Card:  Hellickson has been incredibly impressive so far this season and one has to wonder if he'll still be with the club if (and that's a big if) they fall out of contention.  This is his 1968 Topps-style Topps Heritage card.

Field Report:  While Doug and I were battling the Indians in Little League action (our team is the Pirates), Jenna and Ben traveled to the ballpark to celebrate Ben's birthday.  He received a hat from the Phils for his birthday and his name appeared on the scoreboard following the 4th inning.  It was a little wet (and a little cold) but Ben had a great time!  I still can't believe he's seven.


Transaction:  Prior to the game, Ben Lively was optioned back to Lehigh Valley and Pat Neshek was activated from the paternity leave list.  Lively, who was assigned #49, did not appear in a game.

2 comments:

Steve F. said...

Lively has never pitched in the majors and is now 25. You would think given his strong minor league performance he will be back this season, and maybe soon. But I am sure that there have been other players who dressed for MLB games but didn't appear who were sent back down and told, "Nothing to worry about; you'll be back soon," and then never did get into a big league game. Here's hoping Lively makes his MLB debut soon!

Jim said...

Tim Gradoville comes to mind:

http://thephilliesroom.blogspot.com/2009/04/2007-topps-chrome-361-tim-gradoville-au.html