Categories: 2019 Postgame Recaps

Missed opportunities, pitching implosions lead to 9-2 Phillies loss

Jake Arrieta struggled Friday night. (Ian D’Andrea)

On Christmas in July night at Citizens Bank Park, it was anything but merry.

The Philadelphia Phillies came into the day only five and a half games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Now, that deficit is six and a half as the Phillies lose, 9-2, in the series opener. Jake Arrieta got the start for Philadelphia, while 21-year-old sensation Mike Soroka was handed the ball for Atlanta.

The game began in Atlanta’s favor. In the top of the first inning, Ronald Acuna Jr. started things off with a single. He then attempted to steal a base, which at first glance appeared to be an out. However, J.T. Realmuto would not be awarded the throw out as after a replay review, it showed Jean Segura missed the tag, allowing Acuna Jr. to reach base safely. Freddie Freeman then scored Acuna Jr. on an RBI single, giving Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

The Braves blew the game wide open in the top of the fifth. Brian McCann, who’s seen plenty of the Phillies over his career, led off the frame with a home run to right field. It was his 10th home run of the season, and it put the Braves up 2-0:

The next play resulted in Maikel Franco committing an error on a grounder up the first base line, allowing Johan Camargo to reach base. Following that, Ender Inciarte drew a walk, giving the Braves runners on first and second. That would turn into runners on third and second thanks to a sacrifice bunt by Soroka.

The Braves would not miss on their scoring opportunity. Acuna Jr. delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring both Camargo and Inciarte, doubling the Braves score:

Ozzie Albies decided to join in on the outburst with an RBI double of his own, which resulted in him being tagged out at third.

The Phillies would finally show life in the bottom of the fifth. Up until that point, the Phillies had managed to get runners on third two times but failed to bring them home. Adam Halsey produced a single to start off the inning, which was later followed by a Scott Kingery single, putting runners on first and second. Bryce Harper came through with an RBI single, making it a 5-1 game:

The Braves were able to get that run back and more in the top of the sixth, when Cole Irvin relieved Arrieta. With men on first and second, Cesar Hernandez committed an error on a backhanded fielding attempt, allowing Nick Markakis to score. Three walks followed, two of which occurred with the bases loaded, driving in two more runs which made it an 8-1 game. A sacrifice fly then scored an additional run, giving the Braves a 9-1 edge.

The Phillies would get their second and final dose of offense in the bottom of the seventh. With no outs, Segura sent a ball over the center-field fence. It was Segura’s 11th home run of the season, giving him one more than his total in 2018:

With the loss, the Phillies are now 5-5 against the Braves this season. They’ll have another crack to make up lost ground tomorrow when they play Atlanta.

Shibe Vintage Sports Pitching Performance

After a solid start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last outing, Jake Arrieta had a rough one tonight. He allowed five hits and five runs in five innings while issuing three walks. He struck out four. His ERA rose to 4.52.
Mike Soroka, meanwhile, came into the game with a stellar 2.46 ERA. While only allowing one run today, he gave up eight hits and one walk while throwing 88 pitches. He also struck out five. He was not awarded the win due to pitching only four and two-thirds innings.

Phillies Nuggets Player of the Game: Ronald Acuna Jr.

The 2018 Rookie-of-the-Year had a fantastic night, going two for four with two hits, three RBIs, and one walk. Acuna was able to set the tone early with a stolen base, which lead to Atlanta’s first run of the game.