Saturday, June 3, 2023

Game 57 - Phils Fall Into Tie for Last Place

2022 Topps Heritage #563
Nationals 8
, Phillies 7
Game 57 - Friday Night, June 2nd in Washington
Record - 25-32, Tied for 4th Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos tried to single-handedly provide a much-needed comeback win, but it wasn't enough as the Nationals prevailed, 8-7.

What It Means:  Defensive miscues, base-running mistakes, poorly executed pitches, lack of clutch hitting . . . take your pick as the Phillies are doing all of these things as they continue to lose ballgames.  This was their fifth loss in a row.

What Happened:  The Nationals led 6-0 after two innings as Zack Wheeler just didn't have it, and the defense behind him didn't help much either.  His final line wasn't pretty - 3 2/3 innings, 8 hits, 7 runs.  The Phillies bullpen trio of Andrew Vasquez, Yunior Marte and Jeff Hoffman kept the Nationals in check, allowing for the attempted Phillies comeback.  Castellanos hit a solo home run in the fourth, a two-run home run in the sixth and added a two-run single in the seventh.  The game was tied in the eighth when Kyle Schwarber reached on an error by Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.

The Nationals recaptured the lead quickly in the bottom of the eighth.  With two outs, Connor Brogdon walked Alex Call.  Call stole second and came home on a Lane Thomas single.

Featured Card:  I should hopefully have my 2023 Topps Heritage Phillies team set in hand soon, and while I wait for that here's a card from the 2022 Topps Heritage High Numbers release.  Topps paid tribute to its 1973 design last year, with 1974 on tap for this year's set.

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