The Phillies just played their two biggest games of the season, facing the juggernaut Boston Red Sox without having Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta available to take the mound.
After splitting two games against Boston this week, there are a number of points that Phillies fans should keep in mind when looking back at the overall season series.
Sure, the Phillies did not face Chris Sale, but there are a number of accomplishments and a number of reminders to recognize. Keep this in mind as you read: Boston has lost three games since July 31, and two of those three games they lost were against the Phillies.
Here are five takeaways from the two-games series in Philadelphia.
Nick Pivetta was Quite Impressive
In six innings on Tuesday, starting pitcher Nick Pivetta gave up three hits. More impressive? Only three total bases to Boston’s top five in Betts (walk), Andrew Benintendi, Mitch Moreland, J.D. Martinez (single), and Xander Bogaerts (reached on an error).
After a rocky July Pivetta has a 1.50 ERA in August and has pitched at least six innings in five of his last six starts.
Pivetta showed that he can get the big guy out in a big game, and that could be huge as a possible fourth starter in the playoffs.