Monday, June 20, 2022

Game 68 - Harper-less Phils Fall to Nats on Father's Day

2019 Topps Big League Players'
Weekend Nicknames #PW-17
Nationals 9
, Phillies 3
Game 68 - Sunday Afternoon, June 19th in Washington
Record - 36-32, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin lasted only two innings and Bryce Harper sat again as the Phillies somewhat quietly dropped this game, losing 9-3 to the Nationals

What It Means:  Harper missed another game with a blister and Eflin could be pitching with an injured knee as the Phillies dropped the final game of the five-game series and the Nationals avoided the five-game sweep.  Following an off-day on Monday, the Phillies open a quick two-game series in Arlington against the Rangers on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Eflin was hit hard in his outing, allowing four runs on five hits, including a three-run home run to Juan Soto.  The bullpen didn't fare much better, with Andrew Bellatti, the demoted Corey Knebel and Nick Nelson allowing five more runs over their five innings of relief.  The Phillies offense went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Matt Vierling had a pair of hits and Bryson Stott contributed an RBI-single.

Featured Card:  Old friend Maikel Franco went 2 for 3 for the Nationals, including a two-run home run in the fifth off Knebel.  He and Cesar Hernandez make up half the Nationals' infield in a reunion of the two former teammates who played together in Philly between 2014 and 2019.  Both were non-tendered following the 2019 season, with Franco since playing for the Royals, Orioles and Nationals and Hernandez playing with the Indians, White Sox and Nationals.

No comments: