2) The Phillies pitching staff lost three duels where they just weren't sharp enough
The Mets didn’t dominate the Phillies in these three games. Contrary to the results, the Phillies were right there throughout even if they were always a couple of swings away. Ranger Suarez showed up in game one but a masterful performance from Kodai Senga has already made us forget all about him. Something similar happened the next night when Aaron Nola was defeated by Carlos Carrasco. Finally, it was Max Scherzer who showed up a little more ready to pitch than Taijuan Walker.
When we look at the Phillies roster, we find a lot of balance. The roster and the results have been far too different.
Most concerning is the Phillies actually put three quality arms on the mound. Suarez, Nola, and Walker shouldn’t lose three straight. With the fifth starter a black hole at the moment, it’s essential to squeeze as many wins out of the legitimate big league starters.
Phillies starting pitchers showed up in this series with, but because of the putrid offense, it meant nothing. The Phillies starters are capable of winning a duel. It’s impossible to come out on top when you aren’t bailed out with much help at all.
The 2023 Phillies are falling further below .500 than what’s acceptable. Now 25-31 and 8 games behind the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are falling further behind the rest of the division and giving the Mets more to fight for.