Coming off a split against the best team in the National League, the Dodgers, Phillies fans had high hopes as steaming hot Bryce Harper and the crew rolled into Pittsburgh. Rumors swelled as the Phillies seemed to be adding a new veteran starter to the rotation.
Then the excitement stopped when fans realized it was Drew Smiley who was sporting an 8+ ERA. No matter what happened, fans knew that the Phillies had to at least win the series with Atlanta and Washington duking it out.
Here's how it went down.
Game 1: Purple Haseley Feedback
Jake Arrieta feat. a bone spur vs Jordan Lyles coming in with a 5+ ERA. The unstoppable force vs the immovable object, who will win...or at least not lose.
It looked as if the Phillies were ready to pounce on that ERA. In the first inning, they loaded the bases with one out and of course everyone was left stranded.
The Pirates would jump on Arrieta first in the form of an RBI single by Elias Diaz. Surprisingly, this is all Arrieta would allow over 5.2 IP. He's sporting a 1.69 ERA since being diagnosed with a bone spur. This would lead the community to wonder: Should other Phillies get bone spurs on purpose?
Arrieta would have to wait for someone to bail him out. Cue Adam Haseley. The rookie outfielder would send a ball just over the center field wall for the 2nd homer of his career. It also tied the game up at 1-1 in the 5th inning.
The tie would last into the 7th inning when the Phillies' hottest hitter with RISP came to the Plate. Bryce Harper took a first-pitch fastball up the middle to put the Phillies up 2-1.
In the top of the 8th, Jean Segura would have a ridiculous battle with pitcher Kyle Crick. The 13 pitch at-bat would end in an RBI infield single to put the Phillies up 3-1.
The Phillies refused to leave the score there. In the 9th inning, Maikel Franco singled home JT Realmuto. Cesar Hernandez would score on a wild pitch. Adam Haseley would top off the night with a double to score Franco.
The Phillies would win 6-1.
Before we move on, Cole Irvin earned his first career save. He pitched 2 relatively clean innings. Since he came in with the Phillies only up 2, there is now a lone save in his career stat line.
Continued on the page below.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Game 2: Mus-Groove is in the Heart
Let's get through this one quickly. Zach Eflin didn't right the ship and only lasted 4 innings, giving up 3 runs.
Joe Musgrove, on the other hand, got his groove back. He didn't allow an earned run over 6 innings pitched. Musgrove also struck out a grand total of 8 Phillies. Half of them were thanks to JT Realmuto wearing the golden sombrero.
The Phillies mustered only one run on an RBI groundout by Adam Haseley.
Nick Pivetta pitched 2 innings in relief. He allowed one earned run after not being able to field a dribbler and get the out at 3rd. Mike Morin would make his debut. He, too, would give up a single run.
Pirates win 5-1.
Game 3: Smyles in the 11th Hour
The Phillies announced the signing of their starting pitcher for the day about 2 hours before game time. Drew Smyly came into the game with an 8+ ERA with the Rangers and a close to 5 ERA with the Brewers in AAA.
Smyly quickly forced fans to change their opinion of him. He allowed a run in the first inning and that was it. Even that first run could've been prevented with better 3rd base defense as the leadoff double down the line looked to be playable by Brad Miller.
Cesar Hernandez would answer the call to action in the 4th inning. He drove an offspeed pitch through the hole on the right side to score Harper.
The score would stay 1-1 for a while.
In the meantime, Smyly pitched 6 strong innings with 8 strikeouts. At the end of the game, he would draw comparisons to Cliff Lee by manager Gabe Kapler.
Warranted or not, the Phillies bullpen also deserved praise. I know. I feel weird writing that. Juan Nicasio, Adam Morgan, Hector Neris, and Ranger Suarez combined for 5 scoreless IP, allowing all of 2 hits, 2 walks, and Neris nailed 2 batters with HBPs. I swear, it's almost like Neris is trying to prove he's that wild so he would win his upcoming appeal.
Anyway, the Phillies and Pirates would head t extra innings. In the 11th, Rhys Hoskins would come to the plate. BOOM! SMELL YA LATER BUCCOS! WALK-oh wait, they're in Pittsburgh.
Ranger Suarez would have to shut the door...EXCEPT I already told you he did! Phillies win 2-1 and take the series!
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
