Final Score: Cubs 4, Phillies 3
The Phillies (49-46) slowly chipped away at a 4-0 deficit, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a sweep at the hands of a Chicago Cubs team that is now 19 games under .500. It marks the first time the Cubs have swept the Phillies in a three-game set in Philadelphia since July 2000.
Backup catcher Garrett Stubbs went 2-for-4 with a home run and some heads-up baserunning that led to the first run of the game for the Phillies.
He represented the Phillies’ final opportunity to salvage anything from the three-game set, but he struck out to end the game against Cubs closer David Robertson.
The Phillies, who are now three games over .500 and 1.5 games out of the final wild card spot in the National League, will open up a three-game set against the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Ranger Suarez will oppose Atlanta’s Max Fried.
Bailey falters again
With Zach Eflin out, the Phillies are handing over the No. 5 spot in the rotation to Bailey Falter for the time being.
The 25-year-old allowed four runs, including three solo home runs, over five innings. He has yet to throw more than five innings in a start. His ERA as a starting pitcher this season is 5.26. Nick Nelson did throw two shutout innings in relief to give his team a chance to tie it in the later innings. Corey Knebel and Jeurys Familia both threw scoreless innings.
Falter’s next scheduled start will come against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. His next turn after that won’t be until after the trade deadline and if the Phillies do trade for another starting pitcher, he’ll likely take Falter’s spot in the rotation.
His next option to the minor leagues will count as his fifth toward the limit, meaning the next time he gets called up after being sent down, he’ll have to clear waivers to go back to the minor leagues.
Shibe Vintage Sports Notes
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