Phillies drop crucial series opener in Atlanta
Final Score: Braves 2, Phillies 1
The Phillies had the tying run on third with two men out in the ninth. Thanks to a two-base error by Eddie Rosario, the Phillies had a chance to break their scoreless streak that exceeded 20 innings and finally get back in the game.
On a 3-2 pitch, Freddy Galvis struck out after getting ahead 3-0 against Will Smith, the oft-maligned Braves closer who is known for losing his command in timely spots and making it interesting in the final frame.
The Phillies playoff chances are quickly approaching zero. Zack Wheeler gave them the performance they needed out of him, but the offense couldn’t do its part. It’s a story that’s been told numerous times throughout the 2021 season and it’s a big reason why the Phillies are quickly approaching elimination.
They were off to a great start. Odúbel Herrera and Jean Segura began the game with back-to-back singles. None of them came around to score. Bryce Harper hit into a fielder’s choice, J.T. Realmuto struck out and Brad Miller grounded out to end the inning.
The Phillies gave Charlie Morton a chance to settle in and it’s exactly what he did. He threw seven shutout innings and struck out 10 Phillies batters in what was a dominant performance from the Braves ace.
The Braves got on the board in the third. After Wheeler retired the first six batters, he allowed a double and a single to Travis d’Arnaud and Dansby Swanson. A sac bunt by Morton gave Jorge Soler an opportunity to drive in two runs with a single. It was all the Braves needed to secure the victory.
The Braves’ magic number (also known as the Phillies’ tragic number) is down to 3. The Phillies are in need of a victory Wednesday to keep their season alive. Aaron Nola will oppose Max Fried in the second game of the series.
Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance
Zack Wheeler: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 93 pitches
Like most nights, Wheeler wasn’t the issue. He threw seven innings in a start for the 17th time this season. His innings total this season sits at 213 1/3 innings. If the Phillies are out of it by the time the Miami series rolls around, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Phillies and Wheeler pull the plug on his season.
Charlie Morton: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 SO, 101 pitches
The Phillies once scored six unearned runs in the first inning off Morton this year. Who knows what would have happened if the Phillies were able to keep it going in the first, but Morton looked phenomenal. He got 16 whiffs on Tuesday night, seven on his fastball and seven on his curveball.
Phillies Nugget Of The Game
The Phillies have been officially eliminated from the race for the second wild card spot in the National League as the Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers to knock Philadelphia out of a race they were never really in.
Two more losses in Atlanta will officially eliminate the Phillies from playoff contention.
Ticket IQ Next Game
- Wednesday, Sept. 29 vs. Atlanta Braves at Truist Park
- 7:20 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC Sport Philadelphia
- Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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