The city of Philadelphia has seen better days.
While the Eagles have quickly put together their best draft of recent memory, the Flyers bottomed out, Joel Embiid’s likely done for the 2022 NBA Playoffs, and the Phillies were no-hit by a combined five pitchers.
We could all use a drink.
However, if Rocky Balboa has taught us anything, it’s moments like this when the Phoenix rises from the ashes.
So before we all give up, let’s put down our phones and take a deep breath. The Phillies, and the city, have plenty to be grateful for, starting with Kyle Schwarber.
Kyle Schwarber, John Kruk, and a Hot Dog Walk Into a Bar…
If you can derive a positive from yesterday’s no-hitter, it’s Schwarber.
Although he did not record a hit, the former National reached based on a walk three times in the Phillies’ loss. The big fella even swiped his first bag of the season.
Over his last four games, Schwarber’s seven walks have catapulted him to the team lead in free passes, only tied with Rhys Hoskins. We can only assume this is a positive sign for a man who’s no stranger to a slow start.
In fact, over the last three seasons, Schwarber has hit just .206 through the first 20 games of the year. He’s pacing under that with his 2022 .164 BA, but there are positives. Versus his first-20 game average of the prior three seasons, he’s drawing 64% more walks and a 65% jump in average RBIs.
Even with his inability to hit thus far, his ability to get on base has kept his WAR positive, and it sure seems like he fits in Philadelphia.
Aaron No-No-Nola
This isn’t how Aaron Nola thought he’d experience his first no-hitter, but it’s not all bad.
The 28-year-old has put together back-to-back quality starts. Not to mention, he’s only surrendered one longball, which, unfortunately, is better than expected.
Nola has eleven more strikeouts than Kyle Gibson, who ranks second-best for the Phils, and his 1.6 BB/9 would be the lowest of his career. Despite a couple of rocky starts to kick off the year, things seem to be trending in the right direction.
Alec Let’s Get Bohm’d
Remember when Alec Bohm said he didn’t like us?
Remember when he couldn’t play defense?
The former Rookie of the Year runner-up now has the third-best OPS (.825) on this squad, and he’s tied for the lead in RBIs. Talk about a turnaround for a kid relegated to Lehigh last year.
Since his unprecedented three errors, Bohm’s looked slick in the field. Chalk it up to one stormy night.
Don’t Relapse, Relax.
It’s okay to feel like a victim today. This wasn’t good. It’s hard to imagine a team capable of being no-hit eventually making their way to a World Series, but you only get today.
Like any bad hangover, the Phillies will pick themselves up because we all still have to go to work.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
