Rhys Hoskins hit the game-winning home run Sunday afternoon. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
The Philadelphia Phillies (52-48) escaped Pittsburgh this weekend with a series victory over the Pirates (46-51). Rhys Hoskins was the hero Sunday, as his 11th inning wall-scrapper gave the Phillies the lead for good. The team’s newest starter, Drew Smyly, exceeded expectations and delivered a quality start as well.
Smyly got off to a shaky start in the first. It only took three pitches for the Pirates to get a runner in scoring position. Lead-off hitter Kevin Newman pulled a fastball on the outer half passed the glove of Brad Miller at third base and down the line in left field. Newman later scored on a Melky Cabrera single, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead. It took Smyly 26 pitches to get the first three outs, going along with the trend of Phillies pitchers being unable to pitch efficiently in the first inning.
The game was delayed for about 25 minutes in the fourth due to strong showers. It was a perfectly timed rain delay, if there was ever such a thing. As soon as the tarp came on the field at PNC Park, Brandy Halladay, the late Roy Halladay’s widow, was getting ready to take the stage and speak on behalf of her husband’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Her speech was a beautiful tribute to the man who was affectionately referred to as “Doc.” You can catch it down below in case you’ve missed it:
— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) July 21, 2019
Minutes after Halladay’s speech ended, the rain passed and the game resumed. With Bryce Harper on second and two men out, César Hernández delivered the game-tying base knock between Jung Ho Kang at shortstop and Newman at second.
By and large, Saturday was about pitching. Both starters went six innings and allowed only one earned run. Both bullpens had strong days as well. Richard Rodriguez, Kyle Crick and Felipe Vaszquez combined to throw three scoreless innings for the Pirates. Hector Neris was able to escape a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth, while Ranger Suarez was able to strand a runner on third base in the bottom of the 10th, setting up a Phillies victory.
In the top of the 11th, Hoskins drove a hanging curveball into the second row of bleachers in left field for the go-ahead home run:
Another clutch dinger from Rhys Hoskins.
pic.twitter.com/a4OGlpZTiK— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) July 21, 2019
Suarez was called upon to shut the door in the eleventh and did just that. As of now, the Phillies find themselves in a tie for the final Wild Card spot in the National League.
The team has an off-day on Monday and will send Aaron Nola to the mound Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers.
Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance
- Drew Smyly: 6IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 8K
- Dario Agrazal: 6 IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 5K
The bar was set low for Smyly heading into this one. He came into this game with a 8.42 ERA and 8.06 FIP at the major league level in 2019 and struggled in three starts in Triple-A for the Milwaukee Brewers. His command of the zone as well as his curveball movement was a pleasant surprise. It will be tough for him to consistently put up a line like he did today, but if he can just pitch at a serviceable level, that will make him a worthwhile addition.
Phillies Nuggets Player of the Game: Ranger Suarez
It can be argued that Rhys Hoskins should get the honor for his game-winning hit or that the bullpen should collectively be recognized for their efforts. Ranger Suarez should be singled out, however, for his ability to escape the 10th inning without allowing the winning run and then come back out and close the door in the home half of the 11th. Saurez is now 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in July.
Ticket IQ Next Game:
- Tuesday, 7:10 P.M vs. Detroit Tigers @ Comerica Park
- NBC Sports Philadelphia; MLB.TV free game of the day (out-of-market only)
- SportsRadio 94 WIP; WTTP 1680 (Spanish)
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