The Philadelphia Phillies choked on a golden opportunity for the second straight night as their season ended with a loud and resounding thud, and a line full of quiet area bats.
Phils’ starter Ranger Suarez allowed two hits and a runner to score in the first while the Phils’ top of the order went three up three down against D-Backs’ starter and rookie Brandon Pfaadt.
D-Backs on top 1-0.
With long counts and base hits allowed, Suarez struggled against the D-Backs. The Phils’ bullpen went to work. Jeff Hoffman started warming up in the third to relieve Suarez, but coach Rob Thompson kept Suarez on the mound.
Thompson said he’d wait until Carroll’s second at bat to judge Suarez.
By the fourth inning, the Phils were on top 2-1. Thompson stuck with Suarez. Hoffman was still warming up going into the fifth.
Suarez allowed another run. Thompson finally pulled him and put Jeff Hoffman on the hill. Hoffman ended the inning with a base runner he inherited, scoring.
A few D-Back batters too many for Suarez, and the score was now 3-2 in favor of the D-Backs.
The seventh inning saw Thompson first bring in Joose Alvarado, then bring in Zack Wheeler. Yes, you read it right. Wheeler.
Alvarado was pulled after another score by the D-Backs, creating the final score 4-2 D-Backs. Wheeler was pulled after two innings, and Matt Strahm finished the game.
The Phils’ bats were quiet at home in games six and seven. Did they choke? Were the D-Backs the better team? Those questions will definitely be debated by fans.
The World Series starts Friday at 8 p.m. in Texas. Rangers vs. Diamondbacks.
According to MLB.com, Phillies 2024 home opener is March 28th vs. Atlanta at 3:05 p.m.
