JrBB Phillies

         What an interesting, even exciting game to watch, I assume; to play in, I’m certain.  From a manager’s perspective—“VERY INTERESTING” in the words of some old detective.  Last game 13 runs, 13 hits, 13 errors—WIN.  This game 9 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors—LOSS.  Last game 11 balls hit to infielders (less the pitcher)—this game ZERO!  (2 errors were on the pitchers’ throws to 1^st base.)

            More interesting, 9 of 10 Phillies batters reached base safely.  6 of 10 scored.  7 of 10 wee involved in a put-out.  WE cut down runs on throws from catcher to first and catcher to third.  We got one batter in a well executed run-down between 3^rd and home.  AND Luke Mahoney, swinging a -5 bat, hit an error-free, inside-the-park home run! 

            The home-team Phillies started Dan on the mound.  Between a lead-off walk, an error and several PB, the Yankees scored 4 runs on 2 hits.  The Phillies, on 2 walks and an error answered with 3 of their own.  Marcus walked and Jordan ROE, recording an RBI.  Barrett scored on a PB.  Sam walked and scored on Stratton’s FC.

            In the 2^nd, a lead-off triple and 2 singles scored 2 Yankee runs.  In the bottom half, Dirk hit a 1-out single, but the side retired on Marcus’ fly-out to second resulting in a DP.

            Yankees got their lead-off batter aboard again to start the 3^rd, but Marcus & Sam combined for an out at 1^st.  Dan struck out the next 2 batters for his 5^th/6^th K.  In the 3^rd, the Phillies stranded Dan after a 1-out single, and the scored remained 6-3 Yankees.

            “Smarty Jones” Barrett relieved Dan on the mound in the 4^th.  After a lead-off walk, an error and a sequence of WP/PB platted 3 runs, Jordan retired the 8^th batter on a strikeout.  Phillies answered with 2 in the bottom half.  Orion singled and took 2^nd on a PB, scored on Luke’s home run.  Luke was pickin’ ‘em up and puttin’ ‘em down.  Only was I could have stopped him at 3^rd was a cross body.  Marcus was HBP and after stealing 2^nd and 3^rd, was left stranded on a fly-out to the pitcher.

            Sam came on in relief in the 5^th.  He struck out batter #9, and Luke caught a towering fly from the Yankees lead-off batter for the second out.  After 2 walks and a couple of steals/PB, Dan (catching in relief of Marcus) and Sam combined for a WP/PB put-out at home.  Phillies closed within 2 in their half of the 5^th.  Dan singled to left-center and stole his way to 3^rd.  Sam hit sharply to right to score Dan.  Zack reached on FC.  Orion and Luke walked, but the Phillies retired with bases loaded.  Yankees 9; Phillies 7.

            With 2 minutes before the 2:15 game time limitation, the Yankees lead off in the middle of their order.  A lead-off double, followed by a single and a walk platted 3 runs.  Phillies came up with their lead-off batter.  Marcus drew a walk.  Jordan singled, scoring Marcus.  Dan singled and Jordan scored on a PB.  Sam singled, scoring Dan.  Another single by Stratton and a FC by Zack couldn’t score the 3 runs the Phillies needed to tie the game.

            For the 2^nd time in 8 games, the Phillies sent fewer batters to the plate than their opponent, 35-38.  We walked fewer times than the Yankees, 11-6.  We out hit the Yankees, 9-8.  But, a couple of key errors and the inability to hit with runners in scoring position was the difference.

            The 4-4 Phillies are a fun team to watch, manage.  Guess who we play on Friday—our 4 time to see the Royals.