That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Lose Series Finale to Reds, 7-4: Four Observations

By John Town

Apr 6, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) is picked off at second base by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) during the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) is picked off at second base by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) during the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) hits a home run during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

Strikeouts Are Plaguing the Phillies

The Phillies brought in Matt Stairs to help Philadelphia’s hitters stay patient at the plate, and it looked like it was working to start the season. They struck out just eight times on Opening Day, but that number has risen dramatically since, as pointed out by Meghan Montemurro of the News Journal:

Cesar Hernandez and Tommy Joseph both have five strikeouts, Freddy Galvis has four, and Maikel Franco has three so far this season. This was one of the key sticking points of the offseason and spring training, but once the losses started back up, it appears the team has forgotten.

Next: Ryan Howard Signs Minor-League Deal with Braves

The Phils cannot let this effect compound. The more they strikeout, the more they’ll lose, the more they’ll press and strike out because they’re losing, and so on and so on.

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