Saturday, September 2, 2023

Game 133 - Harper Hits 300th Career Home Run; Kimbrel Spoils It


Angels 10
, Phillies 8
Game 133 - Wednesday Afternoon, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 74-59, 2nd Place, 13 1/2 games behind the Braves

Second Summer Sabbatical Game Recap Catch-Up Post 10 of 10

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper hit his 300th career home run in dramatic fashion, but Craig Kimbrel once again blew it in this disheartening 10-8 loss to the Angels.

What It Means:  This would be the first of two heartbreaking losses for the Phillies, with the second painful loss coming up on Friday night.

What Happened:  The two teams battled throughout this game.  The Phillies tied the score at 2-2 in the second inning with RBIs from Johan Rojas and Garrett Stubbs.  With the Angels holding a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth, Trea Turner once again came through, hitting a three-run home run give the Phillies a 6-5 lead.  The Angels charged back in the eighth off relievers Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez.  Soto issued a pair of walks and Dominguez allowed a two-run single to Hunter Renfroe to put the Angels on top, 7-6.  In the eighth, Harper connected for his 300th career home run, and with Kyle Schwarber aboard, the Phillies had an 8-7 lead.  All-Star closer Kimbrel entered to attempt his 22nd save.

The wheels came off for Kimbrel in the ninth, as the Angels tied the game with a sacrifice fly and took the lead on a two-run home run from Brandon Drury.  It was Kimbrel's third blown save of the season.

Featured Card:  Harper earns a special highlight card for his milestone home run, and I plan on making similar cards to celebrate his 400th and 500th dingers.  The home run came off former Phillies pitcher Matt Moore, with former Phillies prospect Logan O'Hoppe behind the plate.

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