A much-needed win
It’s been a while since the Phillies had a real feel-good win. Yes, they won on a walk-off on Monday, but they didn’t play particularly well for decent chunks of that game. Yesterday was more of a case of the team firing on all-cylinders and cruising to a win. An added bonus was taking a series from the team with the second-best record in the NL.
Most importantly, Jesús Luzardo looked more like the pitcher he was for the first two months of the season rather than the one that allowed 20 runs across two starts. The lineup did some good things too, as Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm both homered. Bohm even collected four RBIs on the day as the team put up 7 runs on 10 hits.
The Phillies will have an off day today before opening a three-game series at home with the Blue Jays that kicks off a span of 10 games in 10 days.
On to the links.
Phillies news:
- Andrew Painter may be on the cusp of a big-league debut, but he had a rough night Tuesday in Allentown. ($)
- Jesús Luzardo made some changes to offset what may have been some tipping issues. ($)
- Could a reason for the Phillies recent slump be something in their heads? A sports psychologist weighs in. ($)
- In case you missed it before yesterday’s game, the Phillies finally decided to cut bait with Carlos Hernandez.
MLB news:
- Old friend Andrew McCutchen officially passed the great Roberto Clemente for third on the Pirates all-time home run leaderboards with a three-run shot in the fifth inning.
- Brutal news for the first place Tigers, as prized right-hander Jackson Jobe is in need of Tommy John surgery.
- Cole Ragans’ injury-plagued season continues, as the Royals starter has landed back on the IL after just one start, this time with a rotator cuff strain.
- The Marlins are joining the effort to restore a mural of Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami that was defaced last week with racist graffiti.
- Anonymous player polls are always good for stirring up some drama. Here’s one for manager rankings and here’s one for player rankings.