By: Matthew Mack
The Philadelphia Phillies traveled to Chicago to face the Cubs for a four game series. Chicago were coming into the series with a 9-game losing streak, while Philadelphia was coming off a series win against the Padres. These upcoming games are big for the Phillies.
Matt Moore started for them in the first game of the series versus Zach Davies. Chicago started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run by Jake Marisnick. The very next inning, Andrew Knapp answered back with a solo of his own to tie the game. Javier Báez, in the next inning, answered back with an RBI double to take the lead.The back and forth continued as Didi Gregorius slammed a solo home run to tie it back up at two. In the sixth, Andrew McCutchen and Rhys Hoskins slammed RBIs to take the lead four to two. From that moment on, they did not look back. They tacked on six runs in the eighth to run away with the game. Even though Báez hit a home run in the bottom half of the inning. Philly tacked on more with homers by Hoskins and Alec Bohm. Chicago infielder Eric Sogard pitched in the inning. Philadelphia did their thing by putting away Chicago 13 to three.
In the second game pitching was not required. Philadelphia picked up where they left off from the night before.In the first inning McCutchen slammed a grand slam to put them out in front. They got more runs in the second by Jean Segura and Hoskins to gain a seven to nothing lead. Chicago put up a fight here and there. They did not get their first hit until the third inning and scored three off of Aaron Nola. The next inning, Philly got more runs. Harper slammed a double into right field for a ground-rule double along with Hoskins getting another RBI in the process. Báez did homer in the sixth to make it nine to four in hopes of keeping Chicago alive. As the offensive show continued, Hoskins and Harper homered in the 7th. Six runs crossing the plate. You blinked and it was 15 to four. Bryce could not be stopped as he had a five hit game. Looked like the rout was on again. Chicago answered back with five runs of their own. The defense of Chicago was a mess. Philadelphia took advantage of the miscues. But in the ninth, Robinson Chirinos had other plans as he did not miss a Enyel De Los Santos pitch that was launched into the bleachers. However, the Phillies held on for the win 15-10 in an offensive display.
Wednesday night, Chicago showed some pride. Facing All-Star Zack Wheeler, the Cubs put together bloop hit after bloop hit. Thanks to Gregorius’ error at shortstop. Chicago put up three in the first inning. However, they weren’t finished scoring. In the very next inning, Anthony Rizzo ripped a triple to right, scoring Joc Pederson. Though the Phillies did make the game a bit interesting. They were able to cut the Chicago lead to three. However, it was not to be. The Cubs wanted this win more. They responded with three runs of their own, bringing their lead back to five. Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel finished off the Phillies to finally raise the white “W” flag for the first time in 11 games. Also all the runs that the Cubs scored were with two outs.
In the last game of the series, the Phillies are looking to get the series win while the Cubs look to steal this one to salvage the series. Realmuto really got things going by stealing home to strike first. Brad Miller, filling in for Hoskins at first, went off! He provided the offense with three home runs in this game. Mind you that all of these weren’t cheap as the wind was blowing in. Zach Eflin did his thing by not allowing a run in six innings of work with five strikeouts and five hits. The bullpen handled its business and ended the series with an eight-to-nothing victory.
The offense for the Phillies got going and never let up. 13 home runs were smashed throughout the four game set. To see the middle of the lineup really get going and stay hot really helped this team dominate. Finally, the Phils have put games together to get wins. With the Boston Red Sox next on the schedule. Boston has surprised everyone this year as they have taken first in the AL East. This team can hit, although they lost their series to the Angels. But with the rotation pitching well so far. Philadelphia should be able to compete with the Red Sox if they keep playing consistent baseball.
