Despite some brilliant individual performances during their six-game homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, the Philadelphia Phillies came out just as they entered: sitting with a .500 record.
While some stars – Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola – are thriving, others -including Rhys Hoskins and Zack Wheeler – are seeing some struggles.
Here are three numbers to remember from the Phillies’ even homestand this week.
.727 – Bryce Harper’s OBP during homestand
Harper had been quiet the first two weeks of the season despite offering hints of a hot streak in the series in Atlanta. This week, it came. Harper was unbelievable, starting Friday night when he hit two near-home runs against St. Louis that were likely kept in by the wind.
In a five-game stretch – not including Saturday when he sat with back tightness – Harper went 11-for-17 with two home runs, two doubles and five walks. He played a big role in their wins on Sunday and Wednesday and is carrying an offense that has otherwise struggled.
Harper has been clutch all season long, too. All four of his home runs, including his sevenh-inning shot on Wednesday, either tied the game or gave the Phillies the lead.
Since he won the MVP in 2015, many have wondered whether Harper would find that type of production again. So far in 2021, he has looked the part.
5.49 – Bullpen ERA during homestand
The Phillies bullpen has overall been fine in 2021, which is a significant upgrade over 2020. But they struggled this week, and that especially hurt them in the series against the Giants.
On Tuesday, Connor Brogdon – who had been spotless this season – allowed two three-run home runs in the eighth inning, as the Giants completed a comeback victory in a game the Phillies once led by four runs. On Wednesday, Brandon Kintzler allowed a three-run home run in the seventh inning that tied the game.
Overall, the Phillies bullpen has still been much improved in 2021 and has a 4.74 ERA on the season. But, they hit a bit of a hiccup this last week, and it will be interesting to see how they respond moving forward.
8-4 – Record at home this season
Overall, the Phillies continue to play well at home while struggling on the road. In 2020, they were 19-13 at home and 9-19 on the road.
The problems lie on the road, where the Phillies just have to figure out a way to win. At 9-9, they are in the mix of what has been a disappointing NL East thus far this season, sitting just half a game behind the New York Mets for first place in the division.
Long-term, though, they will need to continue to perform well at home while no longer falling apart on the road as they have over the last few seasons.
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