In the team’s first game since the firing of Joe Girardi, the Phillies beat Shohei Ohtani and the Angels 10-0. Los Angeles, who has lost 9 in a row, surely were no tough opponent. Considering the Phillies have lost some embarrassing games this year, it sure felt good to embarrass someone else. It seemed as though the managerial change lit a fire under everyone’s batting gloves. The team stat line included 5 home runs, 9 scoreless innings pitched, 2 diving catches, and 1 win.
The home runs came off the bat of Kyle Schwarber(2), Bryce Harper(2), and Bryson Stott(First Career Homer). The offense that the front office paid for has finally arrived to south Philadelphia, and perhaps not a coincidence that it happened now. In his pregame presser, Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos said “It’s a sad day when someone losses there job because we’re not performing.” When players feel this way, the only way is up. At this point, the team has nothing to lose.
The pitching and defense was phenomenal. Zach Eflin had a career night, gaining the win on 8 scoreless frames and holding Trout and Ohtani to a sad 0-for-8 with 3 strikeouts. Defensively the Phillies shined as well. The obvious weak point seemed like a strong suit under tonight’s lights. The play of the night belonged to 2B Nick Maton. A diving play over the second base grass that resulted in a game ending injury to his left shoulder.
The story of course is first time skipper Rob Thomson. The 15 year major league bench coach got his first shot on the top step after the firing, and he did not disappoint. The scorecard is being hung in his office as you read this.
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