Rob Thomson might just be able to run for mayor after this season with the Philadelphia Phillies. A complete 180-degree turnaround has saved the season for the Phillies and delivered hope to Philadelphia’s hearts again.
The Phillies went into New York on Friday night and beat the New York Mets 2-1. The Phillies played lights-out defense, strong offense, and displayed pitching excellence. Ranger Suarez went toe to toe with future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and won.
Bryson Stott made the most of his lead-off debut, going 3/4 with a double, two runs scored, and a walk. Alec Bohm delivered both RBIs and made a fantastic play on defense to keep the game close. Matt Vierling saved the game with a bullet from left field to throw out Starling Marte at the plate.
The Phillies’ daycare has proven to be the difference this season. The young guys from our farm system have stepped up time and time again, something that hasn’t been the case over the last decade. Bohm, Stott, Vierling, Hall, Suarez, and so many more of the Phillies’ younger players have shown they belong at the Major League Level.
Phillies/Mets Recap
The Phillies got things started early in this one. Bryson Stott was making his first career start at the leadoff position. Stott would have his work cut out for him, as he would be opposed by Mad Max Scherzer. Bryson would flash the growth we have been seeing over the last couple of months. Bryson would eventually get to third base, where Alec Bohm would single him home. The 1-0 lead would prove to be huge down the stretch.
The Mets would tie things up in the bottom of the second. Mark Canha would hit a sacrifice fly to right field, and Pete Alonso would score. This would be the first and only run allowed by Phillies pitching in this game.
The tie would carry deep into this game. Defense was going to be the difference between the two, and the Phillies stepped right up to the task. Keith Hernandez might be shocked with how well Philadelphia performed, but the fans have come accustomed to some solid fundamentals over the last few months.
Of all the Phillies, the player who arguably has shown the most improvement on that side of the ball has been Alec Bohm. Despite 9 errors on the year, Bohm has turned it around as of late and no longer feels like a hole at the third base position. His barehanded play in the sixth inning was a prime example.
The end of the ninth inning featured more standout defense by the Phillies. With one out and a runner at third base, Daniel Vogelbach of the Mets would step to the plate. The big first basement would punch a ball to shallow left field. Phillies outfielder Matt Vierling would not only make the grab but proceed to throw out Starling Marte at the plate to send the game into extra innings.
The youth movement would once again shine in Philly as Alec Bohm knocked in Bryson Stott to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the top of the tenth. David Robertson would come in to close the door and got the job done in the bottom of the inning to wrap up the ballgame.
The Phillies took the first game of three against New York this weekend, and it remains to be seen how the other two will play out. But for the Phillies, confidence in the city and the clubhouse continues to rise.
