Announcement
Phillies (3-2) met the Royals (3-2) for a re-match on Wednesday. Scored 8 runs on 8 hits, left 10 LOB, and too many Phillies errors resulted in a 12-8 lost to the Royals. Triplett allowed a lead-off hit to start the game, but retired the side stranding that runner at 2nd. The home team Phillies sent 11 batters to the plate to start their offense-Royals issued 4 consecutive walks to M. Hall, Barrett, Triplett and Aguirre. Georges’ single to right-center score Jordan. O. Hall’s single scored Triplett and Aguirre and moved Georges to 3rd. Chapman walked and M. Hall ROE to load the bases with 2 outs. Phillies scored 5.
Royals answered with two of their own in the second, but the Phillies got those back in the bottom half. Triplett ROE and Aguirre singled to right. Triplett scored on Georges’ ground out to short. With 2 outs, Aguirre scored on Wilkins’ single up the middle. After Ford singled and Chapman walked, the bases were loaded and were left loaded when the side retired. Phillies 7-Royals 2.
Royals scored three in the 3rd on two singles and two walks. Aguirre relieved Triplett and retired the last batter of the inning. Phillies got only one back in the 3rd, starting with a lead-off single by Barrett. Triplett grounded out and Barrett scored on Aguirre’s single. Georges got his second hit of the night, but the Phillies stranded yet another. Phillies 8-Royals 5.
Fourth proved disasterous for the Phillies. O. Hall took the mound and uncharacteristically struggled with his pitches, issuing 3 walks and hitting a batter. Defensive errors and a PB allowed 3 runs. Aguirre relieved on the mound and retired the 2 batters he faced. Phillies did not score in the inning, although 5 batters went to the plate. With 2 outs, Chapman was HBP and M. Hall ROE. Phillies stranded two more runners. Game tied at 8.
Aguirre allowed 1 single and struck out the side in the fifth. He got the only hit in the bottom of the 5th and was again left stranded. Still tied at 8.
Royals scored 4 runs in the top of the sixth on 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 errors. The Phillies couldn’t answer the bell in their half, going in order on 10 pitches.
Some real positives in this game, however, as O. Hall, Wilkins and Ford all recorded their first base hits. Triplett pitched well and Aguirre dominated the mound in relief. Mechanic errors afforded the Royals too many extra chances for the Phillies to overcome. We play the Royals 3 more times, so we will tighten our cleats and work to sweep the rest of the series.