High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Casty Walks It Off

Episode Date: June 5, 2024

Jack Fritz reacts to the Phillies walking it off last night vs. the Brewers. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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or wherever you get your podcasts. This team. welcome on in. It is the final out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable never looks so good. Jack Fritz hanging out with you on this Tuesday night. As yet again, the Phils find a way to come back and win a ball game that frankly didn't feel like they were going to win. But they come back and they take one from the brewers again the team heading into today 12 games over 500 so this one counts every other

win this season doesn't count but again as soon as they play good teams and they already won another series so whatever they count now the game wrap-up sponsored by blazer swiss lube and krevitz the metal working fluid specialist providing professional CNC machine cleaning, coolant maintenance programs, and waste coolant disposal. Kravitz.online. If you are in your car on the drive home or you're just watching on your couch, we'd love to hear from you. 215-592-9494.

As yet again, the Phils find a different way, a different way to win a ball game. And no, I have not quit. If you listened to the afternoon show today, I'm still here. The biggest takeaway of the game is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan, America's largest injury law firm. I've mentioned it a couple times so far, but this team just continues to find a way. And you're starting to see the different versions of this team.

You know, early in the season, they're different versions of this team you know early in the season they're winning games by having you know their starting staff be out of this world that's when spencer turnbrill was in it tyler walker is currently screwing their ability to have a a low starter era regardless whatever we don't need to rant about taiwan tonight but it was starting staff insanely good bullpen not rounded into form yet. There's some shakiness there. Some guys shouldn't be here. And we're waiting for them to kind of get going because I think people believe in the stuff.

And the offense wasn't really clicking yet. Then the offense really got going. You know, they are still. I mean, again, I think this is more of an indictment of current Major League Baseball. But they, I believe, are still leading Major League Baseball in runs per game. So, you know, again, that feels like more indicative of the overall offense in the sport. But still, the offense was doing their thing for about a month's stretch there where it's like, man, you know, this guy's stepping up. This guy's stepping up.

They're scoring like five, six runs a game. And you couple that with a starting staff and a bullpen of the way that they had, then it was, that's going to lend yourself to having the best record in baseball and diving the most wins in a sport right now. And now we're seeing the offense slow down here. I think that has to do with the Brewers pitching staff. That's pretty good.

But them staying in it and them coming up close. Like, it did feel like they were probably going to lose tonight for most of the game. But they're still, with this team, more than the last couple years' teams, at least in the regular season, you always are just like, well, I can't turn this off because they could win it. And they could win it. It was nice to see them actually win an extra inning game tonight. It had been a little while.

Maybe it's because Gregory Soto wasn't pitching to start the extra frame there. And it was shocking. The Mets have nine 10th innings where they haven't scored. The Phillies are second in baseball with five. So it was good to see them break that. Obviously, that won't matter in the postseason. But regardless, they're finding ways to win. And it seems like there's a different guy stepping up each night.

And you're starting to see the depth of this team. You know, whether it's David Dahl last night, Castellanos tonight, you know, you're just starting to really feel what is just a really well-built baseball team, and they're finding ways to win. Is there some flaws right now, some things that you don't love to see? Sure. And that's my second biggest takeaway is that, man, this offense,

it's just they're going through this down period right now. And what's frustrating about it is that it's not really the bottom of the lineup. I guess if you were putting on a paper, when would you think that this offense is going to struggle? It's going to be, okay, Roas in over his head. I know Marsh is hurt right now, but the bottom of the lineup. The bottom of the lineup just not doing their thing. And the problem is that right now it's really the top of the lineup, you know, the bottom of the lineup just not doing their thing. And the problem is that right now it's really the top of the lineup.

You know, Schwarber's cold. JT's cold. Bryce is cold. Boehm's mostly cold. I know he had the big home run tonight. That was great. And Stott, they've all gone cold at the same time. And when they all go cold, that's how you have what has happened the last couple games here,

where it's just kind of excruciating. But again, Boehm hits the big home run there. And I heard L.A. talking about him kind of being jammed or just kind of – what I've seen from Boehm the last, I don't know, four games is he's really just missing launching baseballs. And I know that we've been so caught up in, well, he's a doubles hitter. I feel like he's trying to tap into that power, and he's trying to lift and launch.

And do I need him to be a lift and launch guy if it drags the average down? No. But I also think that there's 25 home run power in there, and there should be. And tonight was a good example of that where it's like i i frankly thought that was off the wall or maybe gonna be caught the in the at the warning track and it just kept going because he does have that strength but i think he just looked he's looked like he's been off by just a a millisecond the last four or five games good to see him catch

up to one there but still all those other guys pretty much have gone cold. Schwarber, JT, Bryce, Boehm, Stott, all of them. They've all gone cold. So it's been a really, really tough stretch for the offense. You know, it sounds like an excuse, but sometimes excuses are explanations or whatever, you know. Sometimes there's an explanation for things. The Phillies have faced a lot of garbage pitching

for a majority of the season, and they've taken advantage of that, and that's important. That's not this Brewers bullpen and whole little thing they got going here. I mean, the Brewers are a really advanced pitching organization. You know, they have a bunch of dudes

they can bring out that can get a job done, and that's not even with Abner Uribe or Devin Williams, who Devin Williams has done for like half the year. So they got some guys down there. And they're obviously smart with the whole starting a lefty as an opener to neutralize Schwarber and Harper, and it gets down to Stott, and then bringing in your bulk guy. It's annoying.

It's a bit two years old. You know, I feel like two, three years ago it was the hot, dry thing to do. But the Brewers, it's worked for them so far this series. They've lost, but I think that's more because their offense and this Philly's pitching staff. And my final takeaway here before we go to the phones, again, 215-592-9494,

is, I mean, what a tough SOB JT is. You know, JT is, I mean, I love Chooch. He's probably the best catcher I've seen here. And I know people go back to Boone and Dutch, but it's just that kind of stuff. Boone and Dutch, but it's just that kind of stuff. It's utterly like where he gets hit where, you know, guys don't love to be hit.

And he's down for a little bit. And I feel like most guys get taken out of the game there. And, sure, he was obviously banged up. He was obviously hurt. But he just stayed in. And then the start played late. Like, it's inspiring for a ball club when you see one of your guys kind of laying it on the line like that in a June 4th game in the middle of the summer. And I think that kind of speaks to the difference of the team

and why they've gotten off to the record they've gotten off to is because every little bit matters. And every game matters. And every moment matters. And it's why they've gotten onto to is because every little bit matters and every game matters and every moment matters and it's why they've gotten onto such a good record is because because every little thing just matters more and unbelievable toughness from JT great defense all throughout the night from this team I know that that has not exactly been this team's calling card the last couple of years but really strong defense tonight and it helped them win a ballgame. Again, finding different ways to win. Offense a little bit cold?

Okay, here's the pitching staff doing their thing in great defense by you, and you just hope that they can keep it close enough to the offense can come back and win a game. Finding different ways to win, it's hard to complain. 2-1-5, 5-9-2-9494 to get in wayne's in ocean city what's happening wayne hey great show jack i you know i said to whoever answered the phone it wasn't you i don't think didn't sound like you that it's been over 10 years since i've seen phillies play back-to-back games with that great defense. I mean, a couple of them plays, Boe made a third where he had to charge and make plays.

It was just amazing how good they played defense. Well, it was good to see Boe bounce back. He had a tough game, obviously, in San Francisco last week, and I was like, oh, no. He's had a really good year defensively. I hope this is not developing some sort of the yips. I think he's bounced back. But really, I mean, back to JT, too.

I mean, JT, last night, he picks that ball from Wheeler, which is a really tough play for a catcher. Incredible play. And then tonight, again, gets smoked to the plate, but he does his job. It's been impressive, and it's something that they've lacked, obviously, more in 2022 and beyond before that. But, yeah, this is a really strong defensive unit.

And I can't think anyone can have a better starting four. Stancher, I think, just don't score runs for us. His ERA is 2.8 and he's 3.2. Wow, I think it's down to 2.71 right now. He's allowed one home run in the year, Wayne. One. One. And I just wanted to say,

the last two nights, I think Rojas has looked like a 250 hitter, not a 190-200 hitter. I mean, he hit three balls hard tonight. He did, and I appreciate the phone call, Wayne. It was funny. Rojas looked like the most confident guy against Tyler Warmer Gill,

who kind of went shove city against 1-2-3 there. So, well, 1-2 and then walked Harper and boom. You get the point. Tyler Moore McGill is a really, really good bullpen weapon for them. But still, yeah, Yohan Rojas, slowly, slowly looking hitterish. And while it felt like Pache was starting to eat into his playing time, kind of some brutal Pache at bats tonight that we will 100% get to. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94.

Again, leaving the ballpark. We'd love to hear from you. It's Jack Fritz here in the final hour. Plus, on the other side, in addition to your phone calls, the player of the game and someone who should 100% be getting all-star consideration. Don't miss all that. Coming up next on the final out on Sports Radio 94, WIP. Needed that one.

Welcome on back. It is the final out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable never looks so good. Alec Boehm, big home run there. And, again, they kind of just fell dead. They fell dead tonight. And they needed someone to kind of pick up and carry them for at least an inning and save them a little bit.

And that's what Boehm did. So it was good to see Alec Boehm go yard there. Man, when he – again, he's such an interesting case because you appreciate the hit ability of Alec Boehm, where it's like this guy's hitting 300. It's a lot of doubles, a lot of RBIs, puts the bat on the baseball, and we get it. But man, there's some hope there for the power to develop. But he took a hack on that.

Alec Baum usually is pretty content driving the ball the opposite way and doubles in the gap, and that's a good hitter. But when he does that, it almost entices you for him to start lifting and launching more. Again, it feels like he's been just missing, just missing, really driving the baseball. But regardless, good to see tonight against a tough reliever out of the Brewers' bullpen. I believe hadn't allowed a home run yet on that sinker. So it was good to see from Alec Baum tonight. The pitch count is sponsored by the Plumbers Union Local 690. Protecting the health of the nation, visit plumbers690.org.

83 pitches for Chris Sanchez tonight. And yet again, just really good. Like he's just, he's almost become so underrated. Like it's not normal, I guess, for a four starter who doesn't really get much buzz. You know, everyone talks about Ranger and Nola and Wheeler. And for good reason, those guys are studs. But Chris Sanchez never gets put in that category. Chris Sanchez had three bad starts in the Turnbull

Taiwan. What should they do? Maybe we should get Chris Sanchez out of the rotation. It brought his ERA to like 3.6. He's done a 2.71. It's June 4th. He's got a 2.70 ERA. Guy's a stud, man. And the most

encouraging and positive and reason why i think it's okay to to believe in this chris sanchez run is he's got the velocity back up to like 95 to 97 but it hasn't really cost him his command because when there was this idea last year when in the year before where they knew he had 97 in his back pocket, but he couldn't command where it was going. He had no idea where it was going. And now he's almost got the best of both worlds

where he can still crank it up 95, 96, and then have the changeup off it, but it's not sacrificing having good command with that pitch. And if he doesn't have good command of this fastball, he's not the same pitcher. That's most pitchers. It's just been a really, really good start to the year, and I think he's underrated. Again, they're a fourth starter, and I think most people think of him

as more of a fifth starter on a – and the Phillies are a really good team, but I think that people view him more as a 4-5 guy. He pitches to a 2-7, and it's just easy. Like, 83 pitches tonight, he could have gone back out there, but he's just, he's workmanlike, and when he can get in those rhythms, and he can, you know, get in a role. Again, I don't think there's anyone on the staff that's as fun to watch. He's a really fun watch when he gets going. So, Chris Sanchez continues to just fly under the radar and do his thing and pitch to a 270 ERA stud.

Chris Nassel is on the final lap. What's happening, Chris? Hey, how you doing? Just a new season ticket holder and typically have a long ride home, long commute home and really appreciate your show. Thank you, man. I appreciate it. I mean, pretty good times down at the ballpark.

Good year to get in on the season tickets. It's amazing at the ballpark, actually. Yeah, so we're talking about all kinds of – there's so much to talk about. But the defense really has been playing amazing. And Alec Boehm, I don't know how many plays he had tonight, but I don't think any of them were routine. Dodd had a great play. Yesterday, Rojas, an incredible throw.

He almost threw a guy out at third tonight. I mean, we're really – nothing was easy tonight, it didn't seem like, but we made all the plays. Yeah. No, they did, and they made some exceptional plays too. I mean, again, like you mentioned with Boehm, and he was out in San Francisco and he had the bad game where he booted a lot of balls. I was like, man,

was the Alec Boehm run at third base all fake? He's bounced back in a really nice way. It's just so refreshing. They just are such a complete baseball team. Would I like them to get a bat? Yeah. I think they're going to need to do that. Jeff Passan said today they're going to be

scouring the market for a bat. But everything else is just there. And even defensively, which is not something we've been able to say about a Phillies team in a long time. Yeah, it's refreshing. But I appreciate your show. Thanks, Chris. I appreciate it.

I loved it in the final lap. Come on, we get to react to the best team in baseball right now. It doesn't get much better than this. By the way, speaking of an outfield bet, I was talking to Francisco before the show. I'm about ready to cannonball off the deep end into the Luis Robert. No. Dude, I'm just letting you know.

I'm just letting you know. He plays center field. He can be a 3.5 to 4 war guy. 38 home runs last year. Hurt all the time. All the time. If we can get him out of Chicago, there's a chance. There's a chance.

I'm just saying. There's a chance. Now, Francesco, I'm also, could be. I would never not accuse myself of this, a bit of a prisoner of the moment. He did just hit a home run and hit in Wrigley Field. But, yeah, I just, because, like, you look at the other bats, right? Like, Kyle Tucker is the pipe dream.

Everyone wants Kyle Tucker. I don't think the Astros are actually going to move Kyle Tucker. Luis Robert is the most interesting combination of, is a pure center fielder, so he can keep Marsh or Dahl and whatever and left. Pure center fielder. The upside is there. Again, 38 home runs last year. He's not a huge OBP guy.

He's a bit of a free swinger. But he's definitely flawed. There's really big talent there. And it's like, yeah, sure. Do I think Taylor Ward's a good player? Do I think Brent Rooker's a good player and all that but if you're looking for a big swing and a chance to get a guy that has had like a lot of buzz of being a top five mvp guy that just is again playing in like the worst situation outside of maybe oakland in all of baseball i just i'm

enticed by it i'm enticed by the by the Luis Robert trade idea for the Phils. So I mentioned someone that I think should be an all-star, and it's actually my player of the game, which is sponsored by South Jersey Gas, committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable natural gas. Make the switch at southjerseygas.com slash lovemyhome. And it's not, my entire player of the game is actually the entire Phil's bullpen, which continues to just be locked down. But Matt Strom should be an all-star.

And I know that's not like the most bold take in the world. Guys are allowed to run since opening day. It's ridiculous. And just the stones that ending, you know, he gets in the first and second guys get back-to-back hits off him, back-to-back singles off him. And then just to really bear down. Again, like, what's been so nice about this team is you just feel like they're tough, they're resilient, they got stones. And, you know, Nick Castellanos was talking after the game how JT's the backbone of the team.

And, again, when you see him make the play like he did tonight, it's hard not to get fired up and want to go win that game. But Matt Strom, it's been one of the Browski's best moves. You know, it's been under the radar, kind of seems like, but it's starting to definitely get on the radar because every time it comes in, I'm like, well, this is probably locked down. Like, I'm surprised when Matt Strom gives up runs, but it's not even him. I mean, Kirkering, I think, is really developing in a massive way right now. You know, ever since he's understood and gotten confident that he can get out with his fastball and it doesn't always have to be a slider, he's just been a totally different pitcher. And you're starting to see his moxie develop on the mound. It's exciting.

Like, he's got really good stuff. I think eventually he's going to be the answer here at closer, and hopefully he can be the one that can take down Papelbon as the Phillies' all-time saves leader. But even if not, he's a super valuable 6th, 7th, 8th inning guy. And just the fact that he's starting to develop and starting to really

have confidence with that fastball, it's massively exciting. So Kirkering continuing to develop. And then Sir Anthony, I mean, I mean, Sir Anthony in extra innings, I mean, talk about a breath of fresh air. This was a guy a month ago. People were like, he's got to go down in AAA. He can't be here. And they've made some tweaks. He's starting to add that like 99 with cut was fastball, which he had when he first came up. They've added some depth of that slider. They've changed his grip around a little bit and you're

starting to see his confidence come back. So the player of the game for tonight, for me, is the bullpen, but I really hope Matt Strom gets in the All-Star game because he 100% deserves it, and they can put him in any role, and I feel like he's going to be able to come out and really do his job. Andre's in Lancaster. What's happening, Andre? Hey, what's happening, Jack?

What's up, man? Not a whole lot. Got too – sorry, my voice is shot from the game. All good. I don't blame you. I don't blame you. Got to take my daughter to her first game. My son went tonight as well.

So it was cool to get the family out. But, man, I'm so glad for a pitch clock because three and they're getting antsy it's like it's like the best thing that's ever happened to sport it really is like between that and starting the games at 640 like it's it's awesome they got to figure out something with the offense that is not juiced baseballs because i think the league average is 236 right now but the the pitch clock is just phenomenal it's it awesome. But can we talk about our pitching? I mean, Christopher Sanchez is probably the most underrated player on this team. And the fact that Alec Boehm is just a vacuum over there at third base.

But the other thing I was thinking about the other day is, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't we kind of let Eflin walk and then we signed Taiwan? Like, I always think back to that. If Eflin's still on this team, man, you have a powerhouse of rotations going through. I mean, hindsight's 20-20. Well, the kind of

annoying part is that Turnbull again has a 1-6. If again, Taiwan, the whole contract didn't exist, Turnbull would still be in the rotation. Eflin's had, I guess, a bit of a down year this year. He's been battling injuries, but still. Yeah, he was really good last year.

He was sixth in the Cy Young in the AL last year. So, yeah, no, Eflin's a stud, man. Eflin's a stud. But when you're first fork, I mean, they do have what? Wheeler 2-2. You have Ranger who's still under 2. You have Nola, Wheeler 2-2? You have Rangers still under 2. You have Nola who's around mid-2. And then you have Sanchez with the 2-7.

It's like, man, I can't believe this is our lives. I know, right? I mean, as a kid growing up watching the 0-8 to 11 run and then going through the misery, now my son just gets to watch him win every night, and he's 5. So it's pretty cool to see. But, hey, love the podcast. Listen to it every morning on my way to work, the reruns.

So appreciate you, man. I'm glad you're able to call in tonight. I'm glad you're able to make the final at debut. I appreciate the phone call. Yeah, of course, this does get podcasted in the High Hopes feed. So if you miss it, you can always go and check out the feed. And for all the other good stuff that we have going on in the High Hopes feed. So if you miss it, you can always go and check out the feed for all the other good stuff that we have going on in the High Hopes feed. 2-1-5-5-9-2.

94-94 is how you get in. On the other side, the play of the game, plus a telling moment for how I think that the Phillies feel about this one player, plus a look ahead to tomorrow. All beforehand, things off to Jody Mack here on the final out on Sports Radio 94 WIP. That is our play of the game, sponsored by Mike's Amazing, the official mayo and mustard of the Phillies. Yes, play at the plate.

I've seen the Phillies screw that up far too many times in my lifetime. Good to see it just work normally. And I was already getting preemptively mad that they were going to call it like running into the base path or whatever there. But thank God they didn't. It's a ridiculous rule. But whatever. With everything they've gotten right, you know, that's the Buster Posey stuff. It still drives me nuts.

Welcome on back. This is the final hour sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable. Never looks so good. Jack Fritz hanging out with you on this tuesday night before handing things off to jody mackett some thoughts here on how i think that they feel about this one philly in a second but george is in villanova what's happening george jack good evening how you doing it's good to talk to you buddy i know you've been trying to get through for a long time and it's 11 o'clock on Tuesday night.

It feels like the right time to get into this. Well, it's all right. Everything happens for a reason. I've got two things to talk about. I'll start with the Phillies. Love your Twitter game. I'm all about it. Oh, you've got the best Phillies takes.

But just for fun, I know you're talking about the deadline and the bats we should get. What do you think about doing nothing? I feel like we got all the momentum. Chemistry's there. Why try and, you know, rough the boat a little bit? Yeah, it's tough balance because you don't want to screw up the chemistry this team has.

And, you know, people will say, you know, the people that I don't understand a locker room will say, well, you got to find a way to get rid of Cassianos. That team loves Cassianos. Sure, is he frustrating? Could he cost him a World Series? God forbid, maybe. But those guys love him.

And I think it would do more harm than good if he moved on from him or anything like that at this deadline. So I agree with you, but I think when you're looking at – if I had to guess, they'll probably add a right-handed left-fielding slash center field guy if they can. And I don't think that that displaces – like it wouldn't displace the Marsh Rojas. It probably would Pache.

The David Dahl thing is fun, but we'll see. The all-in move would be the Robert or Tucker thing. I feel like you just got to take the risk that it might screw up club chemistry. I don't think it would. I think there's enough good leaders on this team that they'd be

okay. Fair enough. The second thing, and I was trying to call in on the afternoon show. I know this is an afternoon show thing, but I was trying to call in on the afternoon show. I know this is an afternoon show thing. Yeah. But your punishment. Yes. You know, I didn't get to finish the show.

I don't know if there's any good punishments that were out there to fit the crime. But something that I think would be a good punishment for you would be you got to get a cat at a local Philadelphia ASPCA shelter. And you got to name him Reese. And you got to take care of him. Yeah. I think it's the only way. It's not bad. So it's so funny because like,

it started to get painted. Like I'm anti, anti Reese. Like I love Reese. Like I was, I made sure I was down there last night, you know? So like if I need to get a cat now,

the problem is this is that turns into what? Like a 10, 12 year commitment. You know, that's a lot of commitment. I appreciate the idea, though. Spike, I'm sure, would love to do something animal-related. Just an idea.

So have fun with it. You're taking it like a champ. I think we're figuring it out Thursday. So a lot to get to on the next couple days in the afternoon show. But I appreciate the phone call, George. I'm glad you were able to get through. You too. Thanks. All right, there he able to get through. You too. Thanks.

All right, there he goes, George in Villanova. Dave is in Maryland. What's happening, Dave? Hey, what's up, Jack? Just another great night, another great win. Just how tough is JT Riomuto? It's crazy. It's amazing.

I mean, honestly, I want him to have a day off tomorrow just because – You know he's going to be in the lineup. You know he is. Yeah, I just want him to get those three days off. I look at the schedule and I'm like, yeah, it's a good day. You know, you want to, but I think he'll be in there, honestly. But just, I mean, people just don't understand how bad that hurt. And it was just crazy that he just stays in there, takes a drink of water, spits it up, and, you know, just keeps going.

It's awesome. Me and my wife, who, you know, we obviously have Walker. He's, you know, 15 months old now. Got into a heated debate as to which is more painful, the JT versus giving birth. She wins. She wins. But it's definitely painful.

It's definitely painful. Yeah, no. Just great effort by Sanchez again. And Strom out of the bullpen just, you know, letting the first two guys on or, you know, getting hits on the first two guys and just, you know, buckling down and getting out of that inning. It was just, you know, just good baseball that they're playing.

You know, I'd love to see them hit more. And, you know, that is what it is. Are the Brewers, and I had this question I asked my buddy during the game tonight, do they normally do this, or is it just against the Phillies? I feel like it's a Phillies thing. Yeah, I feel like it's a Phillies thing. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised. Why not start it tomorrow?

Seriously, I mean, I wonder if other teams are going to just start that, you know, but like, I don't know. Well, but most teams aren't built like the Brewers. Correct. The Brewers are again they're they're really advanced when it comes to like pitching development stuff so like there's there these guys are trained to do that and they're just trying to get every little platoon advantage they can I don't think other teams can really execute this like they feel like the Rays

of uh the Rays of you know a couple years ago where they were doing that every game. And, you know, when the Rays used to play the Phillies and give them a heck when they were doing that, it just, this team can, I feel like, can overcome anything. And that's like, you know, two, three years ago, they were losing that game 3-1 and never get their footing. You know, the pitching, though, just keeps them in every game and keeps them within striking distance. Yeah, totally, man. I mean,

the starting staff, again, we've talked about a lot tonight. I mean, Sanchez, again, he's got a 2-7-1 ERA. It's crazy. Now, there was a moment tonight that I think was very indicative of how the Phillies feel about one, you know, current Philly. And it was the sixth inning, runners-up first and second won out.

And it's a spot where there's a really tough lefty on the mound. It's David Dahl. Like, again, I'm pro David Dahl. You know, like, I've actually liked David Dahl for years. I'm glad he's a Philly. But still, he got called up from AAA. He had a good first game, had a double tonight. Good signs.

But when after that, Schwarber, who was hitting over 300 against lefties, and Bryce don't have great at-bats against the guy they brought in, the lefty, I feel like David Dahl is probably not coming through in that situation. So I didn't have a problem pinch-hitting for him there. It was telling to me that it was pache and not with merrifield you know with merrifield thermoses in baseball since 2017 has just not looked good at all the fact that he's not hitting in that spot and i didn't hit later either like you know i i guess the argument could be okay well i want to save him for a bigger spot later you can get a spot later either.

So I think it's pretty telling where they're at with Whitmerryfield. They gave him the first, like, month and a half of the season, and then now with the injuries, he's behind. You know, Clemens winning South, he's obviously behind Sosa, and it seems like he's still behind Pache. Now, Pache gave a horrible at that, So maybe Witt can get back in there. It's just such a shame because I thought he's a perfect guy for them to sign. $8.5 million, can play a bunch of positions, albeit not fantastic.

He's a really good second baseman. But still, he's here to be a right-handed bench option that can get some base hits. And he just hasn't done it at all. It's been a really tough go of it. And I feel like this is trending towards 2022, where, you know, after the trade deadline or at the trade deadline, they cut Odubel, they cut Jerry Simillion, they cut Didi Gregorius.

And it feels like that's kind of where we're trending with Whit Merrifield. They're going to need to find an upgrade there for a right-handed bench option because he just has not been it. Tomorrow, Aaron Nola on the mound. Hopefully another good pitching performance by the Phils. Nola's been on a really good run here.

No idea who's pitching for the Brewers. It's probably going to be Jared Koenig again because he's started the last two games. Can they go three days in a row of a lefty opener? It's kind of worked so far for them. So I don't know who's starting for the Brewers. But, again, I wouldn't be surprised if that guy's out there again because he's pitched in every game so far this series,

and it's worked so far. So either way, 4-0-5 start. We will lead you into it with the afternoon show. We'll get you set for the game as the Phillies go for a sweep over a team that is 10 or more games over 500. So it all counts now. It all matters now. Either way, Francisco Rojas produced the program tonight.

Thanks for hanging out. Jody Mack, he'll take you through the rest of the night here on Sports Radio 94 WIP.