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Phillies beat the Giants: Five things we learned from the series

By John Town

Jun 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Andres Blanco (4), center fielder Odubel Herrera (37), third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) celebrates win against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Andres Blanco (4), center fielder Odubel Herrera (37), third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) celebrates win against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Lively looks strong in Major League debut

For the first time since May 21, the Phillies had a starting pitcher on the mound for more than six innings. Coincidentally, it was Ben Lively making his major league debut after the Phillies acquired him for Marlon Byrd hours before the calendars turned to 2015.

Lively is still looking for his first major league strikeout, but accomplished many firsts. His first win came after seven strong innings of four-hit baseball where the only run came in on a sacrifice fly.

He also recorded his first major league hit, as well as an unusual balk after getting his foot stuck in the mound and holding the ball through his motion.

With so many struggles for the Phillies pitching a performance such as Lively’s was desperately needed for the worst team in baseball. For the sake of the franchise, coaches will hope the added tape on Lively doesn’t lead to major adjustments that throw off the early stages of his career.

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