It’s been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for the Philadelphia Phillies this season. Philadelphia entered the season aware that this could be its last opportunity to win a World Series with its current core, following a disappointing loss to the Houston Astros in 2022. After getting swept by the Mets this time last week, the Phillies had something to prove against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Game 1: Phillies Kept Fighting
The Brewers took an early lead, getting to Taijuan Walker early. Bryce Turang started things off with a leadoff home run, followed by a two-run double by Blake Perkins. They would continue to add on, with a solo home run from Caleb Durbin in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Bryce Harper got the Phillies on the board in the 4th inning with a solo shot, but it would be quickly erased by a sac fly from Jackson Chourio.
In the 6th inning, the Phils stormed back. They scored three runs to take a 6-5 lead and were able to get to the Brewers’ bullpen, knocking Jacob Misiorowski out of the game in just 4.1 innings. The score was tied at 6th heading into the inning, with both teams fighting back and forth. Philadelphia took an 8-6 lead with doubles from Harrison Bader and Bryson Stott, and Milwaukee once again tied it with a huge two-run single from Isaac Collins.
All tied up in the 9th inning, the Phillies did it again! Two huge RBI singles from Brandon Marsh and Harrison Bader put them ahead 10-8. Jhoan Duran came in and slammed the door, completing an awesome comeback win for the Fightins.
Game 2: Brewers Take Control
Game 2 was all Milwaukee, as the Phillies never made the game close at any point. With Zack Wheeler’s injury, many were hopeful that Aaron Nola could step up and have a role in their postseason rotation, but he continued to struggle. He went 5 innings, allowing 6 earned runs on 6 hits, and his ERA is up to 6.78 on the season. Unfortunately, Aaron Nola has not looked better in any way since returning from the injured list a few weeks ago.
Sal Frelick got the party started for Milwaukee with a single to CF, allowing Chourio and Turang to score on a throwing error by Harrison Bader. Isaac Collins blew the game wide open with a three-run home run, and the Phillies were quickly down 5-0. Jose Quintana pitched a good game, going 6.1 innings, allowing just 3 earned runs.
Weston Wilson put the Phillies within 3 on a two-run homer in the 7th inning, but the Brewers bullpen came in and got the job done, allowing just two hits in three innings.
Game 3: A Late Inning Battle
The final game of this 3 game set was a pitcher duel, as Ranger Suarez and Freddy Peralta were sharp today. Suarez completed 6 innings, giving up 6 hits, 0 earned runs, and striking out 4 batters. Peralta was able to muster through 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits, 0 earned runs, and striking out 8 batters. In the 7th inning, Alec Bohm tripled to right, and Trea Turner drove him in on a RBI single. The Phillies added on another run in the 9th inning with an RBI double from Bryson Stott.
The bullpen was once again locked down for the Phillies, as David Robertson, Matt Strahm, and Jhoan Duran came in, only allowing one hit in three innings of work. Harrison Bader continues to make jaw-dropping plays since being acquired at the Trade Deadline, robbing Andruw Monasterio of a home run.
Final Thoughts
This series was huge for Philadelphia. They showed tremendous fight in the first game after falling behind early, and showed even more fight in the final game, winning a close game. The last thing they need to accomplish this season is to take care of business against the New York Mets when they come to town next week. Their bullpen has struggled all year long, but came up clutch when it mattered most.
As for the Brewers, this was a tough series to swallow. They are 5-5 in their last ten games, but the good news is that they still hold a 5.5 game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. They will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates for a three-game series tomorrow, which should be relatively easy for them.
