Phillies Use Long Ball in Win
The fireworks continued on Saturday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, but it was the Philadelphia Phillies, who supplied the bang, as they hit three home runs in the 5-1 victory, in game two of the series.
The Reds broke the scoreless duel in the top of the fifth inning, as Phillies starter, Ranger Suarez, took a first pitch fastball, and launched it over the right center field wall for his 7th dinger of the year, and making it, 1-0.
Philadelphia tied the game at 1-1, as Edmundo Sosa, who was starting today at second base, finally solved Cincinnati’s starter, Nick Lodolo, and hit his 3rdhome run of the year just over the fence in right field.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a walk, and then with one out, it was Alec Bohm jumping on a high fastball, and he blasted over the center field wall, and this gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead. Bohm’s home run was his 8th of the year.
The Reds had an opportunity, following a single and an error by Trea Turner, but Spencer Steer hit into a double play, and then Orion Kerkering got a ground out to end the threat in the eighth inning.
But, in the bottom half, Turner reached first on an error, and then it was Kyle Schwarber hitting his 27thhome run of the year to left center, and his oppo taco made the score, 5-1.
After the sixth inning, the Phillies bullpen consisting of Jordan Romano, Tanner Banks, Kerkering and Matt Stram pitched the final four innings, and allowed only three hits.
Both starters pitched well on Saturday. Despite allowing two home runs, Lodolo only allowed four hits in six innings, and struck out eight batters. Meanwhile, Suarez allowed only five hits and one run. Suarez struck out six, and lowered his ERA to 1.99.
Both Cincinnati and Philadelphia were a combined 0-13 with runners in scoring position.
Up next for Phillies
The Phillies will have Zack Wheeler on the moundgoing for win #9, and he will face Cincinnati’s Chase Burns, who will be making his third career start. First pitch is schedule for 1:35 p.m.
-David Weightman/ Olde City Sports Network