Sunday, June 4, 2023

Game 58 - Bullpen, J.T. Deliver Win Over Nats

Phillies 4
, Nationals 2
Game 58 - Saturday Afternoon, June 3rd in Washington
Record - 26-32, 4th Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen came through in this 4-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies broke their five game losing streak and avoided falling into last place.  They'll go for the series win this afternoon.

What Happened:  Without a reliable fifth starter, manager Rob Thomson went with a bullpen game.  Matt Strahm and Andrew Vasquez handled the first three scoreless innings, but then the Nationals scored twice in the fourth off Dylan Covey.  Yunior Marte, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel held the Nationals in check the rest of the day, with Kimbrel recording his eighth save.

The Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the second on a Josh Harrison single, and Trea Turner doubled home their second run in the third.  J.T. Realmuto broke the 2-2 tie with a home run in the sixth, his fourth of the season, and his first meaningful hit in what seemed like a long time.  Brandon Marsh would add a sacrifice fly for an insurance run.

Featured Card:  In his last 14 games, Realmuto was batting .070 (3 for 43) with one double.  His 2 for 4 day on Saturday, including the key home run, was a welcome sign.  This is his just released card from the Topps Heritage set.

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