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With Harper’s return days away, Phillies take care of business against the Reds

Cristopher Sánchez threw a career-high six innings and J.T. Realmuto had three hits in a win against the Reds. (Cheryl Pursell)

Final Score: Phillies 7, Reds 5

With Bryce Harper’s much-anticipated return seemingly imminent, the Phillies (69-55) took care of business for a third straight night against the lowly Reds (48-74). The 7-5 victory clinched the fourth series victory during the month of August for the Phils.

A lot rides on a planned phone call on Thursday between interim manager Rob Thomson and Harper. If Harper feels good and is comfortable with shortening his stay in Allentown, it’s quite possible that the reigning National League MVP could be back with the team this weekend.

He recorded three hits against the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate Gwinnett Stripers, including a walk-off double.

Back in South Philadelphia, the Phillies made easy work of inexperienced Reds starter T.J. Zuech. Not much changed since the last time the Phillies faced them, as they put up six runs against the 27-year-old, who couldn’t make it through the third inning.

Cristopher Sánchez, who was recalled to make a spot start, threw a career-high six innings and struck out seven to earn the victory. Thomson says he’s not sure if Sánchez will remain on the roster in the bullpen.

The Reds did manage to keep this one close in the later innings. The struggling Nick Nelson allowed an earned run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly against pinch hitter T.J. Friedl, who scored the go-ahead run for Cincinnati in the top of the ninth inning in Tuesday’s contest. Andrew Bellatti was later summoned to face Kyle Farmer, who represented the go-ahead run. The Reds’ No. 3 hitter popped up to end the inning. Connor Brogdon also allowed an earned run on two hits in his inning of work in the eighth.

The tying and go-ahead runs also came to the plate in the ninth against David Robertson. Yairo Muñoz misplayed a fly ball in left. A walk later to Nick Senzel set up first and third with one out, but Robertson was able to induce a double play ball for the final out of the game.

“I think it’s kind of normal,” Thomson said when asked about the bullpen’s recent shakiness. “They were so good that it’s hard to keep that up, but they’ve been taxed too. They’re gonna be fine once they get some regular rest and get on our plan where they got some rhythm and they’re not sitting too long and overworked.”

It’s not often the Phillies strand 13 and win with seven runs scored, but that’s the kind of night the Phillies bats had. Every hitter in the Phillies starting lineup recorded a hit except for Nick Maton. J.T. Realmuto went 3-for-5 with a home run and a double. It’s his fourth game this month with at least two extra-base hits.

With another Padres loss against the Guardians, the Phillies now hold a two-game lead against San Diego for the second wild card spot in the National League. The Phillies also have a three-game lead against the Brewers, who lost 12-6 against the Dodgers.

To make the postseason for the first time in 11 years, all the Phillies have to do is beat up on bad teams. They are now 5-1 against the Reds with one more to play and improve to 19 games above .500 against teams with a sub .500 record. Of the 38 games remaining for the Phils, 20 are against the Reds, Nationals, Marlins, Pirates and Diamondbacks. They are 29-9 against those clubs so far.

Shibe Vintage Sports Notes

Prior to Wednesday’s game, left hander Michael Plassmeyer was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The move was made to get tonight’s starter Sánchez on the active roster.
The Phillies will aim to go a season-high 15 games over .500 in the series finale on Thursday against Cincinnati.
Per the Phillies, Realmuto is the third player with at least 75% of games played at catcher to record five 60-RBI seasons. The other two are Yadier Molina and Yasmani Grandal.

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