The Philadelphia Phillies won their second straight game on Wednesday night, taking down the Nationals 3-0. Their record improves to 11-10.
On The Mound
- Jeremy Hellickson desperately needed to turn in a solid performance after struggling heavily in his recent appearances. He delivered a gem, pitching seven scoreless innings while allowing just two hits.
- Hellickson struck out seven.
- Hector Neris pitched a clean eighth inning.
- Jeanmar Gomez locked down the save in the ninth, his sixth of the year.
At The Plate
- ‘Facing a tough lefty in Gio Gonzalez, the Phils were able put up three runs on seven hits.
- Darin Ruf knocked in the team’s first run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
- A fielder’s choice on a ball hit in the infield by Peter Bourjos scored the second run.
- Carlos Ruiz tacked on the third with a solo shot in the eighth.
- Odubel Herrera just keeps getting on base. Herrera went 1-3, and also worked two walks, giving him 21 walks for season.
- Freddy Galvis went 0-4, ground into two double-plays.
- Maikel Franco went 1-3 with a walk.
- Cesar Hernandez also went 1-3 with a walk.
- Tyler Goeddel started in left, going 0-4.
Final Thoughts
Earlier in the month, there was a time when I didn’t think this Phillies team would be above .500 all season.
After starting the year 0-4, the Phils have gone 11-6 to give themselves a winning record, while making strides and improvements in every facet of the game.
After suffering through the dumpster fires that former village idiot General Manager Ruben Amaro assembled, this franchise is finally fun and watchable again.
They’ve now gone on the road and taken the first two games in a series against a Nationals team that overpowered them just a little over a week ago, and have a chance to complete a sweep.
Your take on this team is very interesting Denny…a scrappy group of guys playing above their heads…. You are chomping at the bit to be negative – they are fun and watchable again…Herrera might be a pickup for the ages, Franco what a great draft pick, Nola same…interesting
my bad- Franco signed as an international FA for $100 grand in 2010… hmmm interesting.
You couldn’t be more wrong, HAC.
It’s early, but the way this team has played has been the most refreshing thing baseball related in a long time.
I’ve been enjoying watching this group play. Starting pitching couldn’t be a brighter situation,given the youth, talent, and young prospects in the minors.
The bullpen has come together quickly after a rough start.
The lineup still has holes, but the one thing you can say about the collection of guys they have now is that fundamentally, this is a much better lineup than what they’ve had in awhile.
They have guys that can get on base, and manufacture runs. I think once they get some pop back into the corner outfield positions, then they’ll really be in business.
I thinks it’s a bunch of young Players who enjoy playing the game, who generally like and pull for each other, the Coach’s & and are trying to make names for themselves..Lots of Players are getting opportunities and the competition for Playing time is pushing these kids to work hard, stay focused and have some fun while competing which is about all you can ask for…
Manager McKanikan seems to have the right, nurturing type of personality with patience but also with authority with these young players and they are responding well so far…
that ridiculous outside the box move by Manager Pete Mackanin of batting the pitcher in the 8th spot is paying dividends with the 8th and 9th batter involved in a run on the board every game. Amazing.
I know that strategy is wierd- Larussa did it with a good team a few years back- I guess when there is no real pop in the bottom of your order you give it a try- It appears the Phils found the perfect manager for this stage of the rebuild- will he be here in 3 years when they are good…dunno– but right now he is the guy– holds them accountable but supports them.
Phils play at 4:00 pm today opening channel surfing space on the tv remote for:
NHL playoff hockey Pens vs Caps,
NBA playoff b-ball Hawks vs Celtics
NFL Draft —
What time does NFL draft start?
Got a kid due any day now hope it’s not tonight
I guess if he comes today I have no choice but to name him carson
How about Carson Kool Henski!!!! I love it!
Haaaaa
don’t box yourself in with just the Eagles’ selection for the name, How about Paxton, Deforest, Laquon or A’shawn ?
I’m pretty locked in to haha after Clinton Dix but deforest has a nice ring to it
Congratulations Mhenski. Your first?
I always like D’Brickashaw and Knowshon myself.
I really wanted to name my son Jack Bauer, but my wife vetoed that one.
Congrats to the Henski’s, Best Wishes to the Newborn Baby and Mother…
There’s really nothing better then to Witness and be part of a Birth of a Child..It’s an Amazing time for everyone..
Could the Baby Name be Jarod…
thanks paul. hopefully its not tonight tho!
congrats, mhenski!
Thanks Denny
About the Phils, I am with HAC on Herrera. He is turning out to be a solid player and looks to be a contributor going forward, because dude is just flat out getting on base this season. .451 OBP through 21 games. He could be a solid #2 hitter if someone like Quinn can come up and take the lead off spot from him.
Man the phils are exciting and fun to watch, some really young prospects, I really like Vasquez has a chance to be a real good ace
well my hope for howard will not come to pass– i was hoping for a last hurrah for the big piece– I was at the WS game that he tore his achilles little did I know that was the end– a tragic end to a great player, a player who did so much for that team– tragic is all I can say–
I’ll take anything for Howard at this point
Kudos to the Phil’s pitching staff
Why can’t Galvis bunt
Shit galvis with a double
Paplebon pissed at Harper who made a weird play… Phil’s score on paplebon… Nats may come apart…
Galvis and Franco both standing on 3rd base on that play. That was weird.
Five shutouts in April…sweep the Nats… Come on!
what a great entertaining 9th inning. Taking on the 1st place Nats and sweeping them.