Monday, September 18, 2023

Game 149 - Phils Battle Back, But Dominguez Can't Hold Cards

2023 Choice Clearwater
Threshers #14
Cardinals 6
, Phillies 5
Game 149 - Sunday Afternoon, September 17th in St. Louis
Record - 81-68, 2nd Place, 15 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled back after Taijuan Walker dug an early hole, but once again Seranthony Dominguez faltered and the Cardinals prevailed, 6-5.

What It Means:  This was yet another tough game to lose, and Dominguez has more often than not contributed to these late inning losses.  The Phillies will travel to Atlanta to open a three-game series against the Braves.

What Happened:  Walker battled through seven innings, but allowed five runs on eight hits, including a two-run home run to Paul Goldschmidt in the fifth inning.  The Phils first tied the game in the fourth when Bryson Stott laid down a sacrifice but, Alec Bohm got into a run-down and Bryce Harper scored from second base.  Nick Castellanos grounded into what appeared to be a double play ball, but second baseman Juniel Querecuto made a costly throwing error, allowing two runs to score and tying the game, 3-3.  With the Cardinals later holding a 5-3 lead, Bohm hit a solo home run in the eighth to bring the Phillies to within a run.  Later in the inning, Castellanos singled home Stott to tie the game, 5-5.

In the bottom of the eighth, Dominguez retired the first two batters but then gave up a solo home to Jordan Walker, giving the Cardinals the lead.  The Phils went down quietly in the top of the ninth.

Featured Card:  A reliever to watch in the Phillies system is 22-year-old Orion Kerkering.  The righty was a 5th round pick in 2022, and he's advanced four levels in the Phillies minor league system in 2023.  He started the season in Clearwater (A), advanced to Jersey Shore (A+), and then Reading (AA), and was promoted on Sunday to Lehigh Valley (AAA).  Kerkering has pitched in 47 games this season, striking out 76 and walking just 12 in 51 2/3 innings pitched.  He has 14 saves and a 1.57 ERA.

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