Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds: Five Observations from Philly’s First Loss

Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) beats the throw to Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) for a base hit in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) beats the throw to Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) for a base hit in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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Phillies
Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Pat Neshek (17) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Neshek is so Deceptive

Wednesday was the first time I actually watched Pat Neshek pitch, and boy is his motion hard to follow.

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He starts off in a full windup, brings his hands behind his back, leans over to the side like he’s going to throw it submarine-style, then brings his arm up just enough to throw it with his arm parallel to the ground. It’s so deceptive with so many moving parts. Even John Kruk on the CSN broadcast said he would have trouble hitting against Neshek.

Neshek was dominant as a whole in his Phillies debut, striking out two in his lone inning of relief.

He threw 14 pitches, 10 of which were strikes.

Plus, Neshek is just so gosh darn fun to watch. He was so energetic during the World Baseball Classic, and he carried that same energy into Great American Ballpark. When he struck out Jose Peraza to end the eighth, Neshek was amped.

Neshek should be more fun to watch as the season goes on. Let’s see if he can stay excited as this season wears on.

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