High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Michael Lorenzen No Hits The Nationals!

Episode Date: August 10, 2023

Jack Fritz reacts to a historic night at Citizens Bank Park. Presented by Miller Lite. 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

All-star closer, Kenley Jansen, we have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? Baseball Isn't Boring, baby. I'm Rob Bradford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game. It's my podcast. It's my passion. It's a cause I started more than two years ago and is now the most prolific national daily baseball pod there is.

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Yeah. Lorenzen leaps into the arms of Real Muto, and the Phillies pile out of the dugout. In front of the mound, they celebrate a no-hitter tonight by Michael Lorenzen leaps into the arms of Real Muto, and the Phillies pile out of the dugout. In front of the mound, they celebrate a no-hitter tonight by Michael Lorenzen in his second start as a Philly. What a sport. What a sport. That's why baseball is the greatest sport on earth. Nights like that.

There's just so many storylines to get into. Obviously, the Mike Lorenzen no-hitter. It's the greatest sport on earth. And having that moment for a guy who just got here, his second start with the team. No one knew who he was a week ago. And now, in front of his mom, in front of his daughter,

in front of his wife, and being able to be a part of that and throw a no-hitter. It's the greatest sport on earth. Welcome on in. It is the final out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable never looks so good. Jack Fritz, hanging out with you on what is a big night and what was a special night down at the

ballpark. And let's get right into it. The biggest takeaway of the game, which is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan, is that there's something special brewing down at the ballpark. There's something special brewing with this team. And ever since the Trey Turner ovations, something has just felt different. It's felt different. The vibes, people can laugh about vibes all you want, but there is something different.

There is something special. And I don't know how you have any other takeaway from that game other than this is our guys and this is our team. I love this baseball team. I really, really love this baseball team. I was doing it on the run last year. That was magical. But this is when a fan

base truly gets to know and wrap their arms around a team. This is where you get the 200-plus sellout streak like you had from 2009 on. And those guys became integrated as a part of the city.

And it's just different in baseball. I mean, with baseball, you see them 162 times a year. Obviously, they're at the home ballpark 81 times a year. They have their ups and downs. But as long as they're going out there, they're having fun, they seem like they enjoy being a part of the team, you eventually develop a bond for them. And I know that a lot of these guys were mercenaries,

and even Michael Lorenzen is now in the mercenary crew, but he kind of just shows up and fits right in with the general vibe of this baseball team. They welcomed him in. I think he saw what happened over the weekend with the crowd. He felt that tonight. He mentioned that multiple times, both in his post-game press conference and on the field with TMAC about how the fans getting behind him gave him a little bit of extra juice.

And that's why this place is special. And that's why when baseball is going here, there is nothing more fun. There is nothing more fun than when this team is on a roll and the city gets behind them. There's been times the last couple of years where they'd be in first place heading into September, or they'd be in it in September, and there'd be 15,000 people at the ballpark. They earned that crowd, the crowd that we've seen a majority of the season, by what they did last year. And now we are being rewarded for that.

Like, you are starting to see special stuff. You are starting to see things that we'll remember for a while around here. You're starting to see chill-inducing stuff. So much. Like, think about the chill-inducing things we've seen in the last week. I don't know. Whether you're pro-ovation or anti-ovation, whatever. The first night, I got chills and welled up. When he hit the home run, chills and welled up. Weston Wilson hits the home

run, chills. Didn't well up, but I was chills. And Michael Lorenzen, again, we don't really know Michael Lorenzen yet. This is the second start. Chills and welled up. I mean, that's all within the last week. And that's all what brings a city and a team together. And that's why 07 to 11, like those were our guys. This team is starting to have that same feel. They really are. And just what a night down at the ballpark. There's so much to get into. But let's just talk about Wednesday, August 9th.

It's going to be one of those nights. Wednesday, August 9th, 2023. Think about everything that we had down at the ballpark tonight. We had an initial reaction to the lineup. Wasn't great. But Trey Turner gets another hit. Awesome. Nick Cassianos hits 199 and number 200.

Weston Wilson, in his first at-bat as a big leaguer, goes deep. 28 years old. He's been in the minor leagues forever. His whole family's there. They're getting special. And it's not very often that a 28-year-old rookie makes his major league debut, hits a home run, his first at-bat, and he's completely overshadowed by someone else.

But that happened tonight. Michael Lorenzen threw a no-hitter. It was just... It's baseball, man. That is what it is. If you ever want to describe baseball to someone who doesn't get baseball, show them Wednesday, August 9th, 2023. And the most interesting part, I talked about the crowd,

and the crowd was really good tonight. It might have been the smallest crowd of the year. It was still over 30,000, but we've seen, you know, for a majority of the year, I feel like 37 at a minimum. But regardless, I mean, that is all-time stuff. That is special stuff. And just this last week of baseball, this is a fan base and a team in sync with one another. And you're starting to see the best version of this team.

And I know that it's hard to do the correlation, but it's also hard not to believe it. And one of my takeaways from the ovations over the weekend was not just about Trey playing better, but I thought all the stars were playing better. And since they put Boehm in the two holes, since the ovations, the offense looks much, much better. Castellanos looks like he's back in his groove. Harper looks really good. Turner looks really good.

Boehm continues to look really good. We'll need JT to get going. But I think what happened with the crowd almost eased the tension of of a lot of players on that team because it felt like a majority of the season with home games when things weren't going their way they'd all tighten up and try to be the hero and i think what happened over the weekend just kind of eased a lot of their tensions um And you've seen them just play better, play more free, go be the stars that we know that you are.

And this last week, it's just there's something special brewing down at that ballpark. That's my biggest takeaway of the game, which is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan, America's largest injury firm. 2-1-5-5-9-2-94-94 is how you get in. We'd love to get your reaction. A no-hitter at Citizens Bank Park.

First one since Halliday. We remember the last time they threw one was obviously Cole Hamels. I mean, talk about being romantic about baseball. Retires this week. Ryan Howard in the building tonight. Johan Rojas made the catch way more way easier than odubel herrera did uh by the way i mean johan rojas's reaction to it was was freaking awesome man and and like obviously the brand marsh injury stinks but i'm i'm happy watching johan rojas patrol center field every single day he is

a joy to watch and brings good energy um my final takeaway here in the open, and I'll get some phone calls. I mean, Dave Dabrowski is damn good at his job. He is. You know, when they made the trade, my initial reaction was, I like Michael Lorenzen. I think he's a good pitcher. I think he's a four. I think they'll go six, man. I was not totally down on it.

I thought they gave up a pretty good prospect for him. But, I mean, you talk about scouting a guy at the right time. His four appearances before the trade deadline, he had scoreless outings in three of them. He comes here first out against the Marlins, brilliant, and then throws a no-hitter in his second outing. I mean, Dave Dombrowski is just, he's a stud, man. He is a stud.

He's a difference-making GM. And there's been very little he's gotten wrong since he's gotten here. And it's so, so, so reminiscent of what Pat Gillick did when he took over this team back in 06. So Dave Dombrowski, you know, he's not getting a huge shout-out for a lot of people tonight because Lorenzen obviously did his thing in Westwood-Wilson. But, man, what a guy and what a GM. And Michael Lorenzen's second star is a Phil. He throws a no-hitter.

Unbelievable. Let's get this reaction immediately. Daniel is in Newtown Square. What's happening, Dan? How we doing, Fritzy? Oh, I mean, how do you think we're doing? I was down at the ballpark. I mean, nothing can really compare to that free-spat spike,

but that came pretty damn close. I mean, like you said, just magical. This team really started to play some good baseball after a pretty slow start. Man, I'm lost for words. Yeah. Dump that. Like you said, like you tweeted, Castellanos hits two home runs.

Weston Wilson hits a home run and is a bat no one can talk about. No one's even talking about it. What a game. Bill? Yeah, Dan, your phone's breaking up there a little bit, but it's just, again, that's the beauty of baseball. And Harry Callas used to say it all the time.

Like, you have no idea what you're going to see when you go down to the ballpark. You just – you have no idea. And Castellanos getting his 200th home run tonight. Like, that's a milestone home run. Like, 300, 400 jobs to be bigger. But, like, Nick Castellanos just bounced back from 11 for 94 slump in July and looks back to being the Nick Castellanos that we had seen for the first half of the year that made him an all-star.

Weston Wilson, I mean, that's movie script stuff. First at bat, 28, 3,000-plus minor league games or whatever. That seems like a big number, but something 3,000 plus minor league games or whatever. Or, I don't know, that seems like a big number, but something 3,000. It's a home run. It's first at bat. And then Michael Lorenzen just coming in and throwing a no-hitter. And he had the walks early,

and I was like, ah, this doesn't feel like he's going to go very deep. He got through the sixth, and I was like, I'm always of the belief that a combined no-hitter doesn't really count. So I had to quickly start scrambling in my brain to how I could spin this positively for the Phillies. And then it just started getting out really, really fast.

The Rodolfo Castro play late in the game was big, and he just kind of settled into a groove. And he just started getting outs really, really quick. And by the seventh, I saw a lot of people freaking out, like, oh, Thompson's going to take him out. Listen, they went six-man for a reason. They need to save arms in that bullpen since they're down a guy with going six-man,

and they have two off days. He'll give them a leash here. And I do wonder, and Thompson's quote after the game is classic, just about how if he went to pull him, if he walked Tom Smith, he's going to need a bulletproof vest. People would have been pissed. But I thought Rob Thompson had a good feel for the moment there. I'm glad that he stuck with him.

Matt is in Malvern. What's happening, Matt? Jack, I mean, what do you mean? This is – I can't believe it. I'm getting on the Blu-ray right now going home, and I am through the roof right now. Well, I mean, you were in attendance for an all-time Phillies game. All-time is an understatement. I mean, this is a Wednesday night in August,

and it felt like a postseason game at the ballpark. Yeah. Well, so did the crowd really know? Like, usually it takes a while for the crowd to get on hand. Would you say they knew after the seventh, before the seventh, or was anyone talking no-hitter? What was the vibe like? The crowd knew somewhere in the fifth, sixth area, and everybody knew from the rest of the game on that this is what the scenario was.

Nobody said a word. Everybody knew, but nobody said a word. It just got louder and louder and louder. And I think the craziest thing about this is you look at this lineup tonight, Topper put out a scheduled loss, and we got a seven-run no-hitter. It's absurd. I mean, that sounds like baseball to me. That just sounds like baseball.

And it is what it is. I have some thoughts coming up on the lineup in the next segment. But, yeah, it's just Wednesday, August 9th, randomly, let's go to the ballpark, see, you know, the team's playing pretty well. Seems like a fun vibe. You know, see what we can do. Bank, show up, and there's a no-hitter, Weston Wilson. It's just awesome.

It's freaking awesome, man. Like, what a night. What a night down at Citizens Bank Park. To be honest, when he got out of the fifth, I think, the team echoes a break, and it was like, said something, but he didn't say no-hitter, and I was proud of him. And I was like, hold on, he's got a no-hitter right now? It didn't feel like that.

And then the last three innings was just unbelievable. High intensity, good moments, and again, just an all-time great night down at Citizens Bank Park. 215-592- 9494 is how you get in. If you read the game, would love to hear from you, hear your experience. It's one of those nights we'll remember for a long time around here. Get in, join the show. It's Jack Fritz

here on the final lap. Also, on the other side, I do have some thoughts on the lineup for tonight, why I think they're doing it, and an interesting quote post-game from Michael Lorenzen about this one person and how he is turning into a difference maker for this team. We'll get all of that coming up next here on the Final Lap. That family here, he's originally from North Carolina, the 1-1. Swung on, hit deep, and I think he did it.

He did it. Weston Wilson has homered in his first Major League at-bat. How about that? And enjoy that trip around the bases, West Wilson. I mean, I know Michael Lorenzo threw a no-hitter. I totally understand that. I know Nick Cassiano's had two home runs. But that's the Mike's Amazing play of the game.

Presented by Mike's Amazing. The official mayo, mustard, and vegetable oil of the Phillies. Weston Wilson, 28 years old, been the Miners forever. Just raked in spring training. And I was like, who the hell is Weston Wilson? Goes off there. Goes to AAA. Continues to go off.

I like that they put him in left field tonight They activated him And I thought it was weird because they put Marsh on the I.L. I thought they needed another outfielder I was glad to see they put Weston Wilson In the outfield, didn't need another infielder And just looks comfortable Looks like he put together good at bats Looks like he obviously has a power stroke

Looked pretty easy That's good stuff And I don't know He put together good at-bats. Looks like he obviously has a power stroke. Looked pretty easy. That's good stuff. I don't know if he's going to start going off now. He's been a career minor leaguer. But we went through Coast. Why not Weston Wilson? Is Weston Wilson this team's version of Chris Coast? We start talking about a lot of special stuff going on with this team.

Maybe Weston Wilson is another part of that. But, man, there is something special brewing with them. And this last week has just been – obviously the magic of the run last year hooks people. I mean, it was hard not to. It was infectious. It was incredible. But, like, this is –

having moments in the regular season, I think is what, you know, builds the diehards. And, and for the last 10 years, it's regular season. Baseball has been pretty dead around here.

But, but this last week and now the fans, people can mock it all they want, but I feel like the fans and I I believe rightfully so, are making a difference now in that ballpark. You start to let us start to believe we're making a difference. I mean, watch out. Watch out.

It is the final out. Sponsored by Regency Furniture, affordable, never looks so good. Jack Fritz, hanging out with you. Reacting to the Michael Lorenzo, no hater of the Weston Wilson. First home run of his career, and Nick Cassianos with his two home runs to go for number 199 and 200. I'll get back to the phones here in one second. But before the game, the lineup comes out, and obvious freakout, Stotts out of the lineup,

Schwarber's heating up, he's out of the lineup. And while I agree, and while I think it is frustrating, agree and while I think it is frustrating they are clearly of the belief that you want to arrest these guys now for the stretch run and what I believe they're doing is definitely playing with fire a bit but I mean they have a three-game cushion in the wild card obviously the wind tonight helps Bryson stock did wear down in the World Series last year. He did not get a hit. My argument against that is that I thought that was more intense circumstances. I mean, Bryson Stott's year last year, he was in Redding,

and then he went to the Arizona Fall League, and then he was in the early spring training and then he was in, obviously, spring training competing for a job. He just didn't have any time off. I think that's why he wore down the postseason because he essentially had been playing for 10 months straight. He's a young kid. I play him every day.

But if they're worried about – they are load managing their way to the finish line here. And when you're 10 games back of the Braves, you're probably not going to catch them. It's an easy stretch. You should be able to throw your B-line about and beat these teams. And then you have to hope that in September, these guys are more fresh and more ready to go

and ready for a deep playoff run. I know people bring up the Braves and how Albies and Acuna and Riley, I believe, have played every single game. And maybe that's what works for them. We'll see. It didn't help them last year. So it's – I'm not totally – it feels a lot like the Eagles of last year where it's, you know,

people are freaking out in training camp. They're not hitting anyone. The practices are 58 minutes long. No one's practicing. And they go out and they have 22 of 22 starters healthy for the Super Bowl. So I'm kind of putting my faith in them knowing what they're doing and trying to be smart about this. But at the same time, definitely a little worried that it's playing with fire a bit

and tempting the sports gods. But regardless, work tonight. They scored seven runs. We'll see. I mean, tomorrow, another night game. Maybe they just go for the kill and take three or four. I do think it's going to be a bit of an emotional letdown coming off a no-hitter.

I wish there was an off day tomorrow, frankly. But regardless, let's go back to the phones here and talk to Zig Man in Tampa. What's happening, Zig? Jack, how you doing, brother? Doing great, man. How about that night? Oh, brother, who let the Philz get hot, man?

I don't know. Who let them get hot? What a bunch of morons. Why would you let this baseball team get hot? I don't understand. I mean, my main takeaway, I've been saying this for the past week or so, think i i really fully trust this team but they're just such a likable team man like top the body you got castellanos you know as our famous caller would say i mean even he's pulling it back up i mean i just feel like with the turner thing you know he took they all take

accountability you know when they're having a bad game there's really no unlikable player on this team and it's like especially with with baseball, like you were saying, it's just such a magical sport in the sense that we're watching this team from, you know, March to hopefully November, October. You know, that's a long – 162 games plus the playoffs. That's not the Eagle, you know, 16 games. Like, this team is a part of our lives every day, basically. And so it's just such a special – it's just so great to have the Phils back,

brother, you know. I mean, it's just such a great feeling It's just so great to have the Phils back, brother. I mean, it's just such a great feeling. I feel like the Phils are back. Who let them get hot? I don't know why they would do that. I mean, I can't think of a better pitcher quite at the deadline, you know, or via trade. I can't think of one. In the team's history, no doubt about it. I can't think of one.

Even Cliff Lee. Can't think of one. Yeah, it's just... I've said it a million times tonight. It's hard not to keep repeating it. This is why I love this sport. And if you're a baseball fan, even if you're not a baseball fan, it's hard for other sports to recreate what you just saw down there tonight. Because baseball is a sport created for moments.

In basketball, you have the buzzer beater. That's a sport created for moments. You know, like the harp. In basketball, you have the buzzer beater. That's a moment for sure. Football, the field goal and walk-off touchdown or defensive play, that's a moment. But, like, it's very rare in those sports that you have it at, like, a moment early in the game. Or you have some no-name coming up and having a special moment like,

like Weston Wilson had tonight. I mean, there was just, there was so much down at the ballpark tonight. And it, and again, it's this team just feeling like, like ours and being our guys.

And I credit a lot of it to obviously obviously, Dombrowski for what he's done and knowing what a winning culture looks like. But also, one of his first three-eighths signings. And I've given this guy credit for a lot of what happened last year, and I think he deserves it. I know he's batting 180-what or whatever. I get it. I just think this is a lot of the leadership

and what Kyle Schwarber brings to a clubhouse and has gotten out of these guys. And ever since he's gotten here, it's been infectious. It's been hard not to feel it. Now, it's been slow starts to the season. They were seven games under last year and six games under this year. But they eventually get it right. And I just – I think Schwarber, for as polarizing as he is,

the most – I think he is the most important Philly in that clubhouse when it comes to keeping this team together, being their emotional leader, being their leadoff hitter. And it's – they didn't have this before he got here. They had talented teams before he got here, but they didn't know how to win. And I think that Kyle Schwarber has almost taught them how to win. What a special treat.

I mean, there's no one who definitely likes the Phillies more than me, which I feel like is impossible. But she's leaving the ballpark. I got to bring her on. What's going on, Cindy? What a night. I mean, are you kidding me? That was – and the fact that when you said it's just a random Wednesday night,

I mean, you're so right. Like, I can't believe what I just saw. I really can't. It's baseball, Cindy. I know. It's just like it's unbelievable. The employees got their rings today, you know, in like a little ceremony this morning.

They had a luncheon. John Brazier told me they were going to have a post-game reception. Are you kidding me? And they just saw no hitter and what better post game reception is that seriously like i and it was funny i i was listening to you i don't think i really knew it until the seventh i was in a suite and like when you're in a suite it's not quite like when you're in the field, you know. And the TV was on.

And, like, all of a sudden, everyone was kind of looking around going. And then, of course, we all said, mm, zip it. Yep. That's good work by you. We can't ruin that moment in the ballpark. No, but it was like we just kind of – everyone was, like, looking around and just in shock. And when he – I don't know. I've been – I was at Roy Halladay's no-hitter, you know, in the postseason.

But, like, this was just unbelievable. I, like, I'm losing my voice. Well, sorry. It's just like think about everything that went into that game. And I've said it a million times tonight, whatever. But like, Weston Wilson should have been the story of the night. Nick Castellanos, a nice secondary. But still, 200 home runs and two in the same game.

Like, it's just, that's why we watch every night. That's why we care. That's why it matters here. And I just's it's beautiful it really i did think of you because obviously you and i in the postseason last year we kind of had a ritual after every win i would run by the the booth and high five you and james and it's like i was like oh shoot you weren't down there, were you? No, I was not. I'm at home.

Okay. Okay. Well, anyway, what a game. I never call, but I'm like, if there's anyone I want to share a no-hitter with, it's Zach Fritz. All right. Appreciate you, Cindy. Talk to you soon.

Okay. Bye-bye. All right. There she goes. Cindy Webster. 215-592-9494. If you're at the ballpark, obviously we'd love to hear from you. I do want to talk about this, though. And it's part of why, obviously, Mike Lorenz is my player of the game,

which is brought to you by South Jersey Gas. Committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable natural gas. Make the switch at southjerseygas.com. Love my home. Obviously, Mike Lorenz is the player of the game. But I want to give special credit to one person who I think has been under the radar here when it comes to the impact that they've made, and that is Caleb Cotham. Here is Michael Lorenzen after the game with Scott in L.A.

talking about one of the tweaks that Caleb Cotham gave to Michael Lorenzen. Honestly, I haven't had my good changeup for two years now, and Caleb Cotham gave to Michael Lorenzen. Honestly, I haven't had my good changeup for two years now. And Caleb Cotham, he pulls up a picture from 2019 when it was at its best. And we see that there's a difference in my grip. And so today's the first day that I've thrown my actual changeup in a couple years. And so I don't think it's any coincidence that this is my best start. Yeah, I would say it's your best that that you know this one this is my best start yeah i would say it's your best start there mike but uh caleb cotham i mean look at what he's gotten out of

this pitching staff um but noel has obviously been a frustration point um but everyone else is just kind of they've been like tywin walker has had a good year rangers been up and down but had a june and has kind of been fine. Chris Sanchez has came out of nowhere and been really good. Zach Wheeler, for the most part, seems back. You look at the bullpen and what they've gotten out of Jeff Hoffman.

I know he's bad last night, but whatever. Craig Kimbrell has been, it's like a Renaissance season for him. Gregory Soto, I feel like throwing more strikes. We did last year with Jose Alvarado. Like it's just,

he's gotten a lot out of these guys, and he's found little things. And finding a little thing from Mike Lorenzen to get that version of the changeup, I mean, that was nasty. Now, it didn't look like the Nationals game planned for it, but still, that pitch was – that's an equalizer for left-handed hitters all night long. That's an equalizer for left-handed hitters all night long. So Caleb Coffin, I just think he deserves a lot of praise for what he's done with his pitching staff.

I mean, majority of the year they've been top five in a lot of categories. Look what he's done with Michael Lorenzen already. A no-hitter and eight strong in his first outing. So maybe they've got a steal here. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. I'll get through as many phone calls as I can next segment before handing things off to Rob Jerry and look ahead to tomorrow's game down at Citizens Bank Park.

It's Jack Fritz here on the Final Out. Hey, fantasy football owners. The road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception. Join me and James Coe as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster. Wide receivers. We analyze route

running, target share, and all the metrics that matter giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers. As you prep for your draft, let us give you the coverage you need. Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts swung on hit deep right field going back on it is thomas looking up and it is gone

and castellanos has seen two pitches and he's homered on both it's his 19th of the season and the 200th of his Major League career. How about that? Wow. 5-0 Phillies. Let me just say, I am so relieved that the Castellanos 11-for-94 streak that he went through, I mean, it felt a lot like last year. But, but, I am so glad that it did not continue. And he looks like the guy that we had. He even looks better.

I mean, because he's hitting home runs now. Like, he was hitting over 315, but it was like, yeah, you kept waiting for the power to come. The power's here. I mean, those balls were walloped tonight. So, man, just he had a big home run on Sunday. He had two tonight. Power strokes coming. And really, the power strokes coming for a lot of guys on this team.

I mean, Schwarber had the two yesterday. Harper had a homer yesterday. Castellanos, obviously. Alec Boehm is really, really developing into just a machine. And I'm so happy. Now 7-2 with him in the two spot in the lineup. I believe they're averaging six and a half runs per game with him in the two hole. It just looks better.

It just makes more sense. He puts the bat on the baseball. And now he's starting to drive it for power out the deep right, the right center field gap. So he's starting to drive it for power out the deep right, the right center field gap. So he's developing into a monster. It just feels like – I know it's crappy teams, but you can talk yourself into anything as an athlete, and so what if it's crappy teams?

You still got to beat them, and you still got to go hit home runs. And it's all sort of clicking right now now there is one thing that could throw a wrench in in all the good vibes and i hate to do it but i mean knolls is on the mound tomorrow versus patrick corbin um and like i just i keep waiting for Aaron to just say bleep it and go out there and shove. Maybe all the good energy and the good vibes, whatever, maybe it'll carry over to Aaron and be like, hey, we got you too. But if there's one thing that could be a fly in the ointment to all the good vibes right now, it's certainly Aaron Nola on the mound tomorrow.

But he's going up against Patrick Corbin. It was a 5-55 ERA in his last six starts. He's just been, I mean, just one of the worst pitchers in baseball with a huge contract. And the Phillies just, it's a chance to take three or four. I know it's going to be an emotional letdown off of tonight. Like, it's a classic letdown spot. But this is a Nationals team that you should beat up on. So, I mean, no real excuse.

And there's no reason why they should lose tomorrow. But it's definitely an emotional letdown spot. Let's go back to the phones here. And then Rob Thompson. I like him. I really do. And I think he gets a bad rep. I think people over-criticize his moves.

I think they think way too in the moment rather than the bigger picture with a lot of his moves. The Stott sitting is annoying. I agree with you. But I like the way he addresses the team. You'll hear what he said here in a little bit. Mike is in Westchester. What's happening, Mike?

Fritz, did you see the scene on the field? I mean, it was just incredible from i mean west wilson home run to uh i mean the fans t-max call and rojas jumping around out there like in the backyard i mean it it was it was it was incredible and and my my biggest takeaway from tonight i mean obviously lorenzen's performance was incredible but But that post-game interview, right, he's wrapping up, and every single one of his teammates is on the front steps waiting to greet him. I mean, these guys just love each other, man. They want to win for each other, and it just feels like they're our guys.

Like, what a ball club and what a team they are. You know what I mean? I'm so glad you brought it up because I was thinking it too. You have Nick Castellanos putting his arms around like the pitching coach like well like that that's so like random but they seem like they're obviously very close and you see all these guys still out there the guy's been here for like a week like he's been here for for a minute now he played with guys in the past but um you're so right, Mike. I think they were always close, but now, and I think the ovations helped, now they have the wind at their sails of this fan base behind them. And I think we're going to see special baseball, Mike.

We're starting to see it now, but I think it's only going to get better. I mean, yeah, I'm just so excited to have this team. And're a real team no they're not the mets they're not just a bunch of individuals getting paid out there they don't like each other we're the phillies um i just throw a little shot at the mets there you know i know it's nothing to do with them tonight but um real quick about dombrowski so i was young in 08 so i i remember it but i don't really remember how the fan base was feeling everything but my buddy pointed out to me that back then when the trade deadline happened in 08 people maybe thought we didn't do enough kind of like this year but they went out and got joe blanton maybe michael lorenzen's like this version of joe blanton i know you said chris coast earlier

maybe he gives us that push like blanton did he and blanton was really good for us so just excited to see where this team goes totally Totally, Mike. I appreciate the call. Grist Coast was for Weston Wilson, not Michael Lorenzen. But yeah, I mean, Joe Blanton never lost a start in a Phillies uniform in that year. Michael Lorenzen, 2-0. Maybe

they are the same guy. It was funny. I was watching him and obviously he threw a no-hitter, so the comparison seems ridiculous. It reminds me, he reminds me watching him a little bit of Kyle Loesch. The Phillies traded for him in 07. Now, obviously his ERA is much better than Kyle Loesch's, but how they pitched I thought was similar. And, you know, whatever.

We'll see what he can do in his next outing. Jim is in black. What's happening, Jim? What's going on, baby? Aw, man. What's happening, Jim? What's going on, baby? Aw, man. What a night, Jim. What a night. Were you down at the game? Hell yeah. It was my first one since the first no-hitter since Roy Holiday

did it back in 2009 playoff run. That was a great moment. But tonight, it's pretty cool too. But Jack, hear me out. You ready for this one? Always. Alright. If we get in within five games of the Braves by the time we play them But, Jack, hear me out. You ready for this one? Always. All right. If we get in within five games of the Braves by the time we play them in September, I'm telling you, we're winning the division, baby.

I guarantee it. You remember my last call when I called it? I'm doubling down on it right now. Good. I mean, listen, if they chase down that, now we'll make it even sweeter. Oh, the Braves, they play their stars every single game and look at them. If we chase them down while we're load managing our way through August, we are going to be relentless around here, Jim.

You better believe it. I'm telling you, five games before that series, and we're playing for another three games in Atlanta. I'm telling you, the vision is ours. I promise you. And it really seems like people are starting to believe that. And, listen, I would die for it to happen. It would be incredible.

That Braves team is really good. They have a 10-game deficit to make up. But still, I mean, the way they're playing right now, it's hard not to really believe in anything this team can do. I never stop believing. Never. That's not what we do, Jim. We never give up, for sure.

And, again, if they chase down the Braves with the Braves faltering down the stretch because they play their stars every game, that'd be good fun, for sure. But I want to play that support getting out of here and handing things off to Rob Cherry to continue to take your reaction throughout the night. And it's audio of Rob Thompson addressing the team after the game and Michael Lorenzen. And he's just, if you played baseball, you kind of just know it. If you haven't, it's hard to explain. Rob Thompson is just a baseball guy. And he brings a calm demeanor to that clubhouse. I think he's a smart guy.

I agree with most of his decisions. And I just think he has a good pulse on what this team needs. And this is a subdued speech, but it kind of gives you flashes into who this guy is. Here's Rob Thompson after the game. Mike, unbelievable, bro. Two outings here. Eight innings, first time, saved our bullpen.

Nine tonight, no hitter. Unbelievable. Welcome to Philadelphia, buddy. Yeah! I mean, it's simple, it's subdued, but he knows what to say. And he knows when to lay praise on his players. And last year in the postseason, talking to him, every time being like, you know, how many more wins,

or JT with the how many more wins topper. It's just he's got a good pulse in that clubhouse. And even if you disagree with his decisions sometimes, ultimately a manager doesn't really affect that much, but he can affect the feel in the clubhouse. And those guys play for him. And again, it was only a little thing, but I was like, you know, that's Rob Thompson, man.

That's our guy. 215-592-9494 is how you will keep reacting all throughout the night. I mean, again, August 9th, 2023. One of those random Wednesdays where you go down to the ballpark and you end up seeing a no-hitter. You see a guy hit his first career home run, his first career plate appearance.

You see a guy hit his 200th home run. That's baseball. What a night down at the ballpark. What a trade deadline by Dave Dombrowski. And we reacted to it all here on The Final Out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable, never looks so good. Thank you so much for hanging out. A special, special night down on the Final Out. Sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable. Never looks so good. Thank you so much for hanging out.

A special, special night down the ballpark. Nick Earnshaw produced the program tonight. I'll be back tomorrow night after the game and leading you into the game with Mark and Reese. Rob Cherry's up next here on WIP.