In honor of “Game of Thrones” returning for its 7th season in less than a month, this Phillies recap shall be in the style of some Medieval fantasy novelization.
Two thought provoking nights since the valiant short stop Freddy Galvis took leadership of the Phillies Kingdom with a courageous call to arms and one day removed from the victory in battle against the Mariners of Seattle, the army of Philadelphia looked to slay the Pacific Northwest beast in a short but satisfying 2-game set.
A night prior, the Phillies invaded the land of the Mariners led by the Stunning Sir Nola and the aforementioned Sir Galvis. Two long strikes of the bow of expert archers Aaron Altherr (13th HR) and Maikel Franco (10th HR) won the day for the Phillies of Philadelphia.
While yesterday’s battle would be a continuation of the war against the Mariners, the Phillies would have to win facing a new beast, or shall I say a returning king.
King Felix Hernandez , the Warden of the Pacific Northwest and Ruler of the Court, would be making his triumphant return to the mound at Castle Safeco after a tenuous battle with previous wounds from war.
King Felix was first crowned after the departure of Emperor Ichiro from the Silver Slugger Throne in Seattle. Emperor Ichiro now spends his final days in the Sun land of Miami educating future rulers Christian Yelich and King of the Long Ball, Giancarlo Stanton.
Standing to oppose this king was the newly minted banner-holder of House Leiter, Mark the Younger (Jr.). The Leiter name was previously represented by brothers in arms and name, Alois and Mark the Older. These generals amassed 217 victories on the field of battle throughout the years of service to the realm.
Mark the Younger was coming off his first victory against the Desert Snakes of Arizona (Diamondbacks). The Leiter name was well-represented that day as Mark the Younger shut down the usually potent Arizona offensive over 6 innings.
The young Leiter now looked to topple a king that had seen better days in his kingdom. King Felix has experienced a rough season of battle to say the least. Coming into the battle, he has 3 victories to 2 defeats on the season. He was allowing an average of 4.68 runs to be tallied against him.
The battle began just after high noon on the Western Coast. The hopeful day started sour for those of Brotherly Love. Jean Segura the swift found his way on to Philadelphia territory with a soft hit. The speedy knight then snuck upon (stole) the realm of 2nd base.
Nelson Cruz the Opportunist, named that for his ability to strike when the time is right (He leads DH’s in RBI’s), lived up to his title as a well struck ball found its way through the center of the Phillies’ defensive line thus bringing Segura the Swift home to roost.
The offense of the Mariners was quelled for now as the young Leiter seemed effective. The second inning showed the might of both the king and of the legacy holder. Both offenses were at stalemate as neither side struck even a single both.
The 3rd inning was not as kind for the King of the Pacific Northwest… an unlikely hero was about to emerge.
Andrew the Knappy found his way into Mariner territory. The young and what seemed to be weak Tyson Kelly came to the plate. The King smiled with confidence, but made a grave error. Never underestimate one’s enemy. WHAM. A shot rang through out Castle Safeco! The young Kelly hit his first bullseye as a member of the Phillies Clan (his first HR). The Phillies now led the battle 2 to 1.
The Phillies army continued the charge with quick strikes from both Sir Daniel Nava and the de facto leader, Freddy Galvis. With Herrera the Small Bull at the plate, Felix unleashed his pitch. Herrera could only manage weak contact but brought home another run in favor of the Phillies. The Phillies now led 3-1.
The bottom of the 3rd and top of the 4th innings were similar to the 2nd. Both armies laid in waiting for their opportunity to strike and both the king and the young Leiter dueled.
As the bottom of the 4th appeared, as too did problem. Alas! Tragedy struck! Not once, but twice as both Sir Kyle of House Seager (9th HR) and Sir Daniel Valencia (8th HR) hit bullseyes into the heart of the Phillies’ army. The battle was now deadlocked at 3 runs a piece.
Young Leiter faltered too in the 5th. The Knight of the Coast, Robinson Cano let fly his 14th bullseye of the War for the World Series (HR of the season). The Mariners now held a lead on the day 4 t0 3.
The small advantage felt like a vinegrip to those citizens back in Citizens Bank Castle. The entire year, the War to be champions had not gone in the way of the Phighting Philadelphians. They had been the weakest of the Major League Clans, especially since the calendar turned to the month of May.
The rest of the battle played out. The King had slightly bested the young Leiter. The youthful new leader, Ricardo Pinto, took charge for the Phillies in the 6th inning and kept the Mariner army from advancing for 3 innings. King Felix allowed his squires James Pazos and Nick Vincent to relieve him of his duties for the day. They too kept the Phillies from gaining any ground back.
The end was nearing for the Philadelphian army. It was now the 9th inning, the 11th hour in which the battles of the diamond take place.
Edwin Diaz now took over the reigns of the Seattle defensive. Thomas Joseph strode into battle for Philadelphia. The two exchanged stares that would make blood boil in any other man. Thomas battled Edwin fiercely. AND BEHOLD. SIR THOMAS LET FLY HIS ARROW INTO THE AFTERNOON SKY. The timely strike now pushed the armies back to even.
Both Herrera the Little Bull and Sir Franco fell to Edwin on strikes before the new recruit, Cameron Perkins, was able to make it into enemy territory. And suddenly a mistake befell the Seattle army. A balk! A balk! The Phillies were now in striking distance. Sir Andrew the Knappy entered the field of battle. He drove his sword into the heart of the Mariners defense. The Phillies had pushed back the Mariners. The lead was now the Phillies’ 5 to 4.
Lord Hector Neris entered the battle for the Phillies in the bottom of the 9th. Without a whimper the Lord Neris disposed of the last remaining Mariners’ troops.
The Phillies had won the day and the war.
Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
