Phillies: Top of the order can’t keep leaving men on base
By Bryce Turner
The Phillies game last Saturday was a little bit better, but still with quiet bats
Saturday saw continued struggles by the top of the order, but with one moment of glory that helped cement the 7-1 win.
In the first inning, Realmuto struck out swinging, with two on and one out; no score for the Phillies. Harper had the next big opportunity in the second inning, with three walks loading the bases with two outs; but, he struck out looking, inning over.
The top of the order finally converted runners on base in the seventh inning, when Hoskins walked and Harper laid a bunt single, bringing Realmuto to the plate with two on and one out. This time, Realmuto hit a three-run home run to break the game wide open, giving the Phillies a 6-1 lead at the time.
Even with Realmuto’s moment of glory, the top four in the order went only 2-for-13, but with five walks.
Sunday was similar for the Phillies with the exception of Adam Haseley
After McCutchen’s 0-for-9 start to the season, Adam Haseley took his place as the lead-off man on Sunday, with McCutchen sitting out.
The top of the order continued its momentum in the first inning, with Haseley hitting a single, Hoskins a double and Harper a three-run home run to give the Phillies an early advantage.
The next big opportunity came in the sixth inning, with the Phillies now trailing by five. Haseley was the third batter up and doubled to score Gosselin, the deficit cut to four.
Hoskins and Harper both walked, bringing Realmuto to the plate with a chance to hit a game-tying grand slam, or at least get a base hit to drive in a run or two. Realmuto popped out, before Gregorius lined out to end the inning.
With a five-run deficit, the Phillies still found themselves with a chance in the eighth inning. Haseley singled and Hoskins walked, starting the inning with two on and nobody out. The big bats were up next, with Harper flying out and Realmuto striking out. Ultimately, the Phillies lost 11-6.
Haseley, Hoskins, Harper, and Realmuto finished a much-improved 7-for-18, thanks in large part to Haseley’s 4-for-6 day.