Announcement
Phillies vs Pirates, 29 April
If you haven’t been reached base on being hit by the pitcher, then you haven’t faced Phillies pitchers! On this night 3 of 4 HBP batters scored, AND the Phillies don’t discriminate. We’ll hit the lead-off batter, the clean-up, or the 9th batter in the line-up.
Errors continued to plague the Phillies—7 of ‘em. For the first time, the oppent had more at-bats than the Phillies, 36-33.
The visiting Pirates scored in the 1st when lead-off was HBP on the first pitch of the game. In the Phillies half, Marcus hit a shot to left for a stand-up double to lead-off. Jordan walked and stole second. With 2 outs, Sam singled to right, scoring both “wheels” and “Smarty Jones.” Sam was out at second on a very close call.
Instead of 3-up, 3-down, the error monster showed up in the top of the 2nd. Ground-out, error, K, error, BB and a double scored the 2 batters that ROE. Another double scored 2 more and the Pirates led 5-2. Phillies went in order in their half.
In the 3rd, a lead-off walk and an error plated the Pirates sixth run. The Phillies answered with their sixth consecutive game where at least 9 batters went to the plate in a single inning. Matt hit a sharp shot, but grounded out to lead-off. Marcus and Jordan both singled. Stratton walked to lad the bases with 2 outs. Sam doubled to center, scoring Marcus and Jordan. Zack singled, scoring Stratton and Sam. Dirk singled and Ross walked to load the bases. Cameron singled, scoring Zack and Dirk. At the end of three: Phillies 8, Pirates, 6.
Pirates took the lead again in the 4th. Jordan relieved Marcus on the mound, and continued the Pirates tradition of hitting batters. On 2 walk, 2 HBP, an error and a single, the Pirates scored 5 runs. Jordan recorded 2 put-outs and an assist, defensively. Phillies went down in order in the bottom half.
In the 5th, Zack replaced Jordan pitching. The Pirates scored another run on a 2-out error, followed by a triple by Garrett. Phillies failed to score, stranding a runner at 3rd.
Despite another error, the Phillies held the Pirates scoreless in the 6th. Down by 4 runs, the Phillies’ rally came up 2 short. With 2 outs, Jordan singled to right, Josh reached on an error and Stratton walk to load the bases. Sam (4 for 4) singled scoring Jordan and Josh. But that was all the rally could produce, as the Phillies dropped their 3rd in a row after winning 3 straight.
The .500 Phillies meet the Royals twice next week, a week shortened by the challenger Tournament weekend.
