Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds: Five Observations from Philly’s First Loss
By John Town
Jerad Eickhoff Pitched Well Despite Loss
Jerad Eickhoff was arguably Philadelphia’s best pitcher in 2016 despite what his 11-14 record may indicate. Many of those losses came when Eickhoff got little run support as he got 3.70 runs on average in support from the offense. He got three runs or less of support in 17 games, and just one in 18 starts since his debut in 2015, as pointed out by Montemurro.
Since Eickhoff made MLB debut on Aug. 21, 2015 he's received 1 run of support or less in 18 starts, T-2nd most among all MLB Ps in that span
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) April 6, 2017
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Eickhoff’s first start in 2017 was more of the same as he took another loss. Philadelphia did not score any runs at all during the game as Reds starter Brandon Finnegan was dominant. Even though Eickhoff left Cincinnati with the loss, his start overall was strong.
Eickhoff finished his 6.2 innings with six strikeouts while giving up two runs on five hits and two walks. He didn’t allow any runs until the seventh when Joey Votto launched a solo home run. You could argue the second run shouldn’t have scored because Aaron Altherr would have plenty of time to throw out Adam Duvall at the plate from right.
Instead, Altherr bobbled the ball transitioning it from his glove to his throwing hand, allwoing Duvall to score. Eickhoff could’ve got out of the inning with just one run allowed had Altherr made the play.
Instead, Altherr bobbled the ball transitioning it from his glove to his throwing hand. Eickhoff could’ve got out of the inning with just one run allowed had Altherr made the play.
One interesting thing pointed out by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com was that both Votto’s home run and Duvall’s double came off of Eickhoff’s curveball. Normally, that curveball is quite effective:
Homer to Votto and double to Duvall both came on curveballs. Opponents hit .158 and slugged .281 against Eickhoff's curveball last year.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 6, 2017
Eickhoff had his curveball going well for most of the game, but by his third time through the order, it was clear the Reds were eventually able to line it up. Despite that, it was still a strong start to the season for Eickhoff.