Saturday, May 27, 2023

Game 51 - Kimbrel Notches 400th Career Save


Phillies 6
, Braves 4
Game 51 - Friday Night, May 26th in Atlanta
Record - 24-27, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Following a late surge from the offense, Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to clinch his 400th career save, becoming just the eighth pitcher in MLB history to join that club.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more games to go against the Braves, and then inexplicably have an off day on Memorial Day.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored twice in the third, sixth and seventh innings.  Nick Castellanos laced a two-run RBI triple to right in the third, collecting his first triple with the Phillies.  Brandon Marsh added a two-run single in the sixth.  In the seventh, insurance runs were added when Trea Turner doubled home Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper scored Turner with a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker pitched into the seventh inning, departing with only three runs allowed despite giving up 10 hits.

Featured Card:  With his family and friends watching the game from the stands, Kimbrel induced a ground out to third from Ronald Acuna, Jr. to secure the win and his 400th save.  Kenley Jansen joined the club just a few weeks ago.  As it stands now, Kimbrel joins a group of elite relievers:  Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), Lee Smith (478), Francisco Rodriguez (437), John Franco (424), Billy Wagner (422), Jansen (401) and now Kimbrel (400).

Transaction:  Before the game, the Phillies claimed Cal Stevenson (of) off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Noah Song (rhp) was moved to the 60-day Inured List to make room for Stevenson on the 40-man roster.