The Phillies have been sputtering as of late, dropping each of their past four series. Despite their recent run of deficiency, Philly rested at 18-15, good for second place in the division. On Monday, the team was set to take on the San Francisco Giants- winners of 7 of their last ten. It would take a complete team performance to defeat the Giants and get the W- and, man, what a team performance it was. Let’s recap the action from series opener in Citizens Bank Park:
O-TWO-Bel Herrera!
Just one game after recording his 500th career hit, Odubel decided to flex his muscles in front of the Philly home crowd. The stud center fielder blasted a three-run moonshot in the bottom of the first inning- his first of two in the game:
You just can’t win with Odubel Herrera. #loser #BeBold pic.twitter.com/B4LUDo63WR
— Bob Wankel (@Bob_Wankel) May 7, 2018
The resounding home run pushed his streak of reaching base safely to 36 consecutive games- the most by a Phillie since Jimmy Rollins held the streak for 38 games.
Herrera didn’t let this tremendous feat distract him at the plate, however, as he belted ANOTHER home run in the bottom of the sixth inning:
Carlos Santana and Cesar Hernandez joined Herrera in the home run festivities, with each of them launching one over the wall. The Phils were all over the Giants pitchers, exploding for 11 runs in the contest. Hopefully they can keep the bats awake as they try to add a few games to the win column this series.
I Kill Giants · Drama/Thriller Film · 2017
Zach the Giant Slayer pic.twitter.com/6TNqNO2nc4
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 8, 2018
As the video highlights, Eflin put on a show in CBP. In just his second major-league start of the season, the young right-hander tossed 6 2⁄3masterful innings. Eflin allowed just four hits and recorded nine strikeouts. The towering pitcher’s entire pitching arsenal was on display, as he flustered batter after batter, and it was just the kind of performance the Phils needed. Due to the offensive lightshow, the Phils didn’t need a shutout effort, but Eflin wasn’t in the mood to show mercy. Way to pitch, #56!
Ring the Bell
The Phils certainly impressed in Game 1, annihilating the Giants 11-0. Young ace Aaron Nola will take the mound Tuesday night in Game 2, as the team seeks back-to-back wins for the first time since April 22nd.
Be sure to stay tuned right here at Philly Sports Network, as we recap all Philly-related action!
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
