Sunday, October 22, 2023

NLCS Game 3 - Bullpen, Bats Lost in Desert


Diamondbacks 2
, Phillies 1
NLCS Game 3 - Thursday Afternoon, October 19th in Phoenix
Phillies lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of production from the Phillies' offense and late-inning bullpen problems led to this disappointing 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  I'm composing these posts in hindsight, having been away for the weekend on a few college visits with our oldest son Doug.  It wasn't easy to go to sleep following this loss, or the loss on Friday night, and if not for a few missed opportunities, the Phillies would be in the World Series by now.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Not much happened for the game's first six innings.  The Phillies could not figure out Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, who allowed only two hits while striking out nine over the first five-plus innings.  Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez nearly matched him, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The Phillies scored their only run in the top of the seventh.  Bryce Harper was issued a lead-off walk and eventually came home to score on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the seventh, rookie reliever Orion Kerkering gave up a single to Tommy Pham and an RBI double to Lourdes Gurriel Jr., with the Diamondbacks quickly tying the score.  Kerkering departed having not retired a batter, and Jose Alvarado worked out of the inning with no further damage.  In the bottom of the ninth, Craig Kimbrel walked the lead-off batter, Gurriel.  A single, a fielder's choice out and yet another walk loaded the bases.  Ketel Marte singled to center, giving the Diamondbacks a walk-off win, and most damaging, some confidence and momentum.

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