The Philadelphia Phillies were in serious need of a win heading into Monday night’s game, and the team did not disappoint against Seattle. After losing three straight series, starting this three-game set off on the right foot was crucial, and 17 hits leading to a 9-0 victory is certainly a great way to do so.
Welcome to the Hit Parade
The hit parade began with back-to-back solo home runs for Jean Segura and Rhys Hoskins, and from there, the fun was just starting. After Nick Castellanos doubled in the top of the third, JT Realmuto singled to center to bring him home. Castellanos would hit another double in the fifth, bringing Alec Bohm home, while Realmuto would soon after hit his second RBI single of the day. Jean Segura would round out the scoring for the inning with an RBI fielder’s choice giving the Phillies a 6-0 lead.
The fun wasn’t over there, though, as the Phillies continued the fun in the seventh inning. Nick Castellanos reached base once again, bringing home Bryce Harper, who had just swiped his fourth base of the young season. Jean Segura would then, in turn, bring Castellanos home with his own single, as would Rhys Hoskins for Segura during the very next at-bat.
It was quite the show by the Phillies’ offense, one that we’ve all known they’re capable of. They’ve done this multiple times, even this season, as it’s the ninth time the team has scored seven or more runs in a game. What will be key from here is remaining consistent, something the team has struggled with for the better part of a decade.
A Comeback and a Debut
It wasn’t just an impressive performance at the plate for Philadelphia; the pitching staff as a group was phenomenal as well, with two key performances. The first is Ranger Suarez, who took the mound last night for Philadelphia and showed glimpses of what fans saw last season from the young pitcher. Suarez did not allow a run and only allowed four hits while striking out seven. His sinker was on and clearly frustrated the Mariners’ lineup. The Phillies will hope for more of this Suarez in the future.
It wasn’t just Suarez who impressed last night but also his fellow Venezuelan, Fransisco Morales, who pitched two shutout innings allowing only one walk while striking out three batters. Six years ago, the Phillies signed Morales as a 16-year-old. Since then, his path to the majors has been a bit rocky, but he’s finally made his debut for Philadelphia.
Initially signed to be a starting pitcher, the Phillies opted to move Morales to the bullpen this spring, and the early returns — okay, extremely early returns — have been fantastic. If Morales and his fantastic slider hold up, expect him to *slide* into the Phillies’ bullpen permanently.
Phillies/Mariners Game 2
Game 1 is in the books between the Phillies and Mariners, and although the first game was fun, it’s time for the club to turn their attention to tonight’s matchup. The Phillies are one-and-a-half run favorites tonight as they send Aaron Nola to the mound to face 2021 Cy Young award winner Robbie Ray. Although Ray has not repeated his performance last season as of this point, it would be unwise to underestimate the punchout pitcher.
