Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Game 155 - Kerkering's Rare Stumble Costs Phils

2024 Topps #520
Mets 6
Phillies 3
Game 155 - Saturday Afternoon, September 21st in Flushing
Record - 92-63, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't seal the division pennant on Saturday, losing to the Mets, 6-3, as Orion Kerkering had a rare rough outing from the bullpen.

What It Means:  I'm composing these posts after a long weekend of baseball tournaments and college visits, and sadly the Phillies were unable to celebrate a pennant win at Citi Field.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez is still searching for his early season form.  The All-Star went five innings, allowing a a pair of home runs, and departing with the score tied, 2-2.  Kyle Schwarber launched his record-setting 15th lead-off home run to start the game and Nick Castellanos added a solo home run in the fifth.  In the seventh, Kerkering issued a lead-off walk, hit a batter and gave up a tie-breaking RBI-single to Brandon Nimmo.  A two-run double by Francisco Alvarez would plate two more runs, and the Phillies' offense couldn't make up the difference before time ran out.

Featured Card:  Kerkering had been so good for the Phillies, and I realize it's a shame I usually only feature cards of relievers when they do something bad.  In his prior 20 games and 20 innings pitched, Kerkering had a 1.35 ERA with five walks and 26 strikeouts.

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