Phillies clinch season series over Marlins behind another impressive Falter outing
Final Score: Phillies 4, Marlins 3
Rob Thomson rewarded Edmundo Sosa with another start after his two extra-base hit game in Tuesday’s opener. Sosa returned the favor by hitting his second home run in as many days to help the Phillies secure their 10th victory of the season against the Miami Marlins. The Phillies shortstop went 3-for-3 with three RBIs.
He also made an incredible mid-air tag on the (barely sliding) JJ Bleday to get an important out in the top of the seventh. Credit J.T. Realmuto with his 25th caught stealing of the season.
It wasn’t technically a quality start, but Bailey Falter threw the ball well for a fourth straight outing. He allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings while throwing 74 pitches. Since August 26, Falter has a 2.66 ERA and has made the case to stay in the Phillies rotation once Zack Wheeler returns from the injured list.
“He’s been a godsend for us,” Thomson said. “He’s pitched great. I’m really proud of him.”
When asked, Thomson did not completely rule out the idea of keeping Falter in the rotation once Wheeler is back.
Sosa’s play in the seventh wasn’t the only excellent defensive highlight from the Phillies tonight. Matt Vierling used his speed to track down a ball on the right field line to prevent Miami from taking the lead on an extra-base hit.
Even Rhys Hoskins, who has been a better defender this season but is still not strong to his left, snagged a ball that was behind him and got the out at first. Hoskins offered a thumbs up as he laid on the ground.
The top four hitters combined to go 2-for-15 with a double, but the bottom half, specifically Sosa and Segura, supplied the offense. A night after delivering a walk-off hit, Segura launched a Freddy Galvis-esque home run into the corner in left to give the Phillies a two-run lead in the fourth.
Connor Brogdon came into the game in the ninth to close it out and earn his third-career save. He allowed a home run to Jacob Stallings, but narrowly was able to get three outs before Miami took the lead. He has Realmuto to thank, who covered a ton of ground to make an incredible catch in foul territory to get the second out of the inning.
With the win, the Phillies move to 75-61. With Milwaukee dropping the series finale against the Rockies earlier in the day, Philadelphia now has a four-game lead over the Brewers for a playoff spot.
The Phillies will try to steal their fourth victory of the season with NL Cy Young frontrunner Sandy Alcantara on the mound Thursday. Kyle Gibson will try to redeem himself after a horrible outing last time out in San Francisco.
Shibe Vintage Sports Notes
- The Phillies clinched their first season series win over Miami since 2018. They also clinched their fifth-consecutive winning season at home as they move to 41-30 at Citizens Bank Park in 2022.
- The Phillies are 9-2 this season when Sosa is in the starting lineup.
- Seranthony Domínguez and Zach Eflin will both begin rehab assignments in Lehigh Valley this week. Domínguez will be the first out of the bullpen, unless runners are on base, on Wednesday. Zach Eflin will start for the IronPigs on Friday as part of a bullpen game.
- Bryce Harper was in some discomfort after a swing in the sixth inning. Thomson said it was “a zinger,” or a ball off the end that made the bat vibrate, which is never a comfortable feeling. He appears to be fine, but the Phillies will evaluate him tomorrow.
Ticket IQ Next Game
- Thursday, September 8 vs. Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park
- 6:45 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Radio: Sportsradio 94 WIP
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