We didn’t see this one coming.
Vince Velasquez quickly fell behind 1-0 thanks to a long first inning that included a throwing error by Jorge Alfaro. Then the Phillies came up and loaded the bases with nobody out. Rhys Hoskins walked to tie the game. One batter later, Maikel Franco launched a 2-2 pitch into the seats. Grand slam. 5-1.
Two innings later the Phils once again loaded the bases. This time Aaron Altherr was at the plate. Grand slam. 9-1.
It was the first time in nine years that the Phils hit two grannies in a game. But they weren’t done. Carlos Santana added a three-run shot, Jorge Alfaro hit a solo jack, and the offense tacked on another seven runs for the heck of it. In the end they won 20-1. It was laughable.
The Phils scored eight in the fourth inning. Franco nearly hit a second homer but it was deemed a double; after the Santana homer, Hoskins doubled home a run.
Velasquez went six strong, striking out six while walking one. Jake Thompson got a three-inning save, then was sent to Lehigh Valley to make room for Jake Arrieta, who starts Sunday.
Fun night at the ballpark.