High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Phillies Beat Mets, 1-0

Episode Date: September 9, 2025

Jack Fritz reacts LIVE from Citizens Bank Park following the Phillies' 1-0 win over the Mets on Monday night. Presented by Miller Lite To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to ...RingTheBellBook.com 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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Starting point is 00:02:04 Duran kicks the O2. Swing and a miss. He got him. Alvarez down on strikes. And the Mets are down eight in the division. As the Phillies with a one-nothing win over the Mets to open this four-game series. Eight games up. Welcome on in, it is the final out. Sports Radio 94, WIP, Jack Fritz, hanging out with you live from Citizens Bank Park.
Starting point is 00:02:35 Listen, big game feel tonight. Had to be in the building. Had to be in the building as the fills. When a game won nothing, they're not always going to be perfect. There were certainly a lot of good. Of course, you would like a little bit more runs, but ultimately, A win is a win, especially against a team that you have not had the best success against. The game wrap up is sponsored by Roto Router. When plumbing problems hit, wrap them up quick and call Roto Router. Their team tackles clogs and leaks so you can stay in the game. Roto Router, your MVP for plumbing solutions.
Starting point is 00:03:14 Listen, it was a good crowd tonight, over 40,000 in the ballpark for Phil's Mets. If you're on your way home and stuck in traffic, we'd love to hear. from you a 215-592-94 or if you watch this one at home would love to hear from you as well the biggest takeaways the game brought to you by morgan and morgan america's largest injury law firm and the big one is that arin nola for a season in which has been so trying and you keep waiting for him to find his footing and you question as to whether or not is he going to start a playoff game. Does he even deserve to be out there at this point? In a big spot, in a marquee moment against a division rival, that dude stepped up and pitched to the contract that this team has
Starting point is 00:04:06 paid him. So far this year, it has been a disaster, but much like 2023, where he was not great, but at the right time heading down the stretch run, started pitching better, was pretty good in the postseason, that's what Aaron Nola can do. He can rewrite his season. Was it, was it, you know, eight innings of shutout baseball? No, it was, it was six innings of shut out baseball and still showing that he's got some left in the tank. You know, after his last doubting, there was a lot of talk of, like, Aaron Nola's cooked, Aaron Nola's cooked, Aaron Nulles cook. I just don't feel that way. I think he still has pretty decent stuff. But from the standpoint of, like, what kind of version of Aranola are we getting? Does he still have a big
Starting point is 00:04:54 game field to him? Is he still, you know, that guy for him to step up in that moment against the Mets team that is not some kind of pushover? I thought was a really, really good job. He's the star of the game tonight. Of course, the player of the game brought to you by South Jersey Gas Conserve, helping customers and the communities have energy and money. Visit to South Jersey gas.com slash conserve. Aaron Nola absolutely positively stepped up in a
Starting point is 00:05:25 big moment and shut down a Mets team that has been not great. Like not great since the Phil's playing. For some reason up at City Field, the Phils can't figure it out. They've been kind of average ever since then. So Aaron Nola absolutely dominant tonight. Now, listen, when you're
Starting point is 00:05:41 at the ballpark, there's other stars here as well. and Devin Caney is here. Now, Devin, what a night, what a night here at the ballpark? A good little October preview here tonight. It even felt a little bit like fall, you know, not just like obscenely hot outside. It was nice, you know, doing Rob Thompson's pregame avail in the dugout and not sweating. So I enjoyed that.
Starting point is 00:06:06 I had no clue you were here, though, until you texted me. Do you watch the game in secret or something? Well, listen. You're too cool to sit in the press box with us? Well, here's the thing, is that I am, I've long been an October's man. You know, when October hits, I'm here. I like watching games at home, but I had some good seats tonight, so I was, I was, I was in a good position. But, yeah, no, it, I like that you went pregame of veil.
Starting point is 00:06:31 You know, that really shows that you are evolving into a true Big J. You know, it's not even availability. It's just a veil. Yeah, that's good. So, so Devin, you know, wasn't the most, like, offensive. show you're not going to win every every game eight nothing seven two whatever ultimately the phillies did their job against a a team that has given them problems and erin nola stepping up and taking the ball in this game and at least for one game silencing the doubters that felt like
Starting point is 00:07:04 does this guy still have it was was huge yeah i mean it he silenced me honestly like i hadn't been the most vocal about it because I like Aaron Nola as a Philly and I of course, you know, we want him to succeed. He's like one of the few homegrown guys, especially homegrown pitchers that we have in the starting rotation. But he hadn't shown me anything even towards the end of last season, then especially the start of this season since he's been back to make me believe that, you know, he could be a starting pitcher that I've confidence in in the postseason. Like that's even a stretch. But tonight, he proved me wrong. I think he proved a lot of people wrong.
Starting point is 00:07:43 He showed out and he tried some new stuff. He said, you know, he used his cutter a bit more. He diversified his pitches more and it clearly worked. So I'm happy for him. Did he say that post game? He did. About cutter? Yeah.
Starting point is 00:07:58 According to baseball, Savant, he threw one gutter tonight, which is hilarious. Well, which means maybe he's been working on. He's trying to throw it. I just think that's... He's trying to throw different pitches. Yes, yes, yes. Well, listen, and the key... You were such a baseball nerd, by the way, for that.
Starting point is 00:08:16 I was wondering if there was... I was wondering if there was an uptick in any usage for him. Yes, it worked. Well, the big part is that, listen, you... You feel pretty good about Sanchez. I mean, Sanchez is your race with Wheeler going down. And then you have Rangers pitching to a 1.09 ERA since the Wheeler injury.
Starting point is 00:08:34 Lazzardo's been phenomenal. Like, no one was going to have to start. our playoff game most likely whether or not people like that idea and he can't be he can't be done and i think what was so encouraging about tonight is he didn't look done like he looked like the stuff was still playing a little bit so um it just it was really really encouraging in a big spot some other things that i thought were important tonight it cannot be the the job that David Robertson is done since the Phillies signed him, especially because Kirkoring's been so shaky, David Robertson being able to step up and probably being their
Starting point is 00:09:15 second most trustworthy righty right now. And what's so funny about David Robertson is that he looks better now than he did in any of his time as a Philly, and he's in his 40s. You know, like 2022, he was a walking tightrope. But no one even remembers his first time around. I do. For some reason, he was throwing it a three-quarter arm. lot, which he's never done his entire career. And of course, he was done for the season after that.
Starting point is 00:09:39 So, like, his first time around doesn't really matter. But, but, but, but Robertson now, the, the fact that he is developing into this guy that you can, you can trust in, in, in big moments late in them, and, and someone who's just been around the block for so long, I think knows that I've pitched to these guys. He was great. And, and, and something that I think is equally as important is match Strom. I mean, Matt Strom has been good. His last, I think his last 13 outings, he's pitching to like a 0.75 VRA. Yeah. No, and he has. Like, when he came in tonight and they only had a one run lead, I was like, oh man. Yeah. Oh, man. This is not good. This is going to, this feels like a loss. It as you like to say. It feels like a loss. But no, Matt Strom has has been good.
Starting point is 00:10:27 I don't want to say great, but good. They need, like, they need. I like Tanner Banks. I don't trust him in a one run spot in the seventh or eighth inning yet. Like I still have a, like, he's very good from the standpoint of, I think he can come in the sixth and get you out of a tight jam. But Matt Strom has to be a high leverage back end option. And the fact that he doesn't, again, we're talking about, is this guy cooked? Is this guy not cooked?
Starting point is 00:10:52 Well, Strom from the standpoint of does he look done, does he not look done? he is certainly right of the ship and then Duran just when you're like oh no here we go here we go like the Mets have been silent all night and and stupid Mark Viantos who no one's better at heating up Mark Viantos than the Phillies like rips a ball into right field and you're like oh no but finally some of the stuff was back to being the stuff I thought McNeil had a tell on him I thought he did like he was fouling on it he was a little too comfortable They're pulling there for me. Well, yeah.
Starting point is 00:11:27 No, it's interesting to say that because I was like, what is it with the Mets? I know. I know. Because the last, Geron Duran has not given up more than two runs since he was traded. And probably I would need to look at his stats from before. I was just looking at post-trade deadline. Except when he faced the Mets and tried to close out that game that they lost, six to five.
Starting point is 00:11:46 He gave up four hits, one run that lost in the game. And I don't know. It's weird. It maybe, maybe they have something on him. Makes you think, Jack. But, yeah, I know. But when they needed him, he stepped up and did a job. And ultimately, the Phil's come out of this one with a 1-0-0 lead.
Starting point is 00:12:05 Let's talk to my lead off-hitter. My, I guess he's, I guess he's Bryce Harper tonight, but he's still mostly my Tray Turner. And that's Dave and Marilyn. What's happening, Dave? I don't know about that, but what a win. I mean, I just love the fact that, you know, hopefully we can put a little pressure on the Mets to have to win down the stretch to put, you know, I mean, they're not guaranteed
Starting point is 00:12:27 to make the playoffs, and hopefully we can kind of make that even more of a uncertainty for them in the next two or three days. Stunner, Nola came up big for us tonight. Hopefully that can continue. But like you said, David Robertson
Starting point is 00:12:43 has been a godsend from, you know, coming back. It's amazing what he's doing. Love it. And, you know, it's getting to, got some decent news on Trey, I guess, today with
Starting point is 00:12:57 the possibility of him being back in the playoffs and then, you know, it might be a blessing in disguise getting some of these guys in the bat as you never know when you're going to need them in the playoffs. So, overall, good win. Hopefully Ranger can do a job tomorrow night and then, you know, get after Mania
Starting point is 00:13:13 and, like I said, get the Mets objects that we get them out of the playoffs. Yeah, well, I appreciate the phone call, Dave. They're not going to get after Manai. I'm just going to just get ahead of that one. For some reason, Sean Mania is just this team script tonight currently so devon you were down there after the game uh i noticed someone someone may have may have tooted now now is that is that a philly's player or is that someone in the in the press can i just set can you please set the scene for everyone because people are going to want to know
Starting point is 00:13:42 what happened we had spitgate and now we got fart gate down in the in the philly's clubhouse yeah so it's probably starting to make the rounds on social media um i don't know if it made television or not but when it did when it did when aaron nola and it wasn't Aeronola, to be clear. Thank you for clearing that up. At least I don't think it was. When he was doing his post-game availability in front of, you know, the step and repeat in the Phillies Clubhouse, it was pretty quiet. It's always pretty quiet in there.
Starting point is 00:14:11 And someone farted very loud. I'm not sure who it was because they have the Phillies backdrop up so we can't see past it. But it sounded like it came from the left side of the clubhouse, which is usually where a lot of the bullpen pitchers are. and starting pitchers. Interesting. Not sure. Not sure. It's a mystery.
Starting point is 00:14:30 Jack, we'll investigate it. But it was very loud, very unmistakable. And even Aaron Nola, who's like a very stoic guy, started laughing. Tell you what,
Starting point is 00:14:40 it was good to see a smile from Nolz. It was. Honestly, top three scrum moment, I think I've ever been a part of, you know, in person. Like, at that point, you just all have to laugh. Listen, I would never be accusatory,
Starting point is 00:14:52 but there's definitely a feeling that, Stubbsy's back in the clubhouse. I'm just saying. There's one guy that I felt like might have that in his bag. I can see it being Stubsy. And people say vibes aren't important, Jack. Dude, listen, I'm a Vivesman.
Starting point is 00:15:08 I'm a Vivesman. I'm glad Stubby's back. It was so funny. The first game Stubbs is back. Thompson's doing his post game press conference. And all you hear of the background, it's like, that's the first time you heard it all year. And it's like, there he is.
Starting point is 00:15:20 That's why he's important. That's why he's important. Anything else, you know, notable before you get out of here from the post-game scrum down there? Trey Turner spoke. I saw that, yeah. And he didn't really say anything that we hadn't learned, you know, about his, his hamstring strain is level one versus last year's level two.
Starting point is 00:15:39 He said, you know, he was relieved because he thought it was going to be, because he also had a hamstring strain back in 2017. So he was asked, you know, between the two, that wasn't as severe, like, which did you, did it feel more like? And he said more like last year where he missed six weeks. and he seemed a little bit relieved that it's not as bad as he thought. He thinks he'll be back in time for the postseason, if not a little bit earlier. And the good news is last seasons in, you know, getting this MRI showed that last season's strain healed up really well.
Starting point is 00:16:08 So I think I don't want to say all good things because being injured and missing time is never good. But, you know, he's been through this. I think he'll know how to, you know, recover and rehab a little bit better and quicker because he's going to have to. Yeah, my fear with Trey, I think he's going to be, I would be surprised at this point if he's not playing game one of the NLDS. My fear is that, is he going to be hesitant to run? Yeah. So, you know, Scott Lobbra, I think, put out earlier talking about the hamstring strain in 2017, he didn't steal a base till his ninth game, you know, and part of what has made, like, Trey has 30 infield hits this year. You know, it's part of why he's the National League hit leader is what he's done with the infield hits.
Starting point is 00:16:49 Like I, when he came back last year, he didn't steal bases. He, there was times where I doubled up where there's no shot, Drake Turner should be doubled up. So that was concerning. And then he said a couple of times that, that it affected his defense. And he's been so good defensively this year, you cannot have a step back with him defensively. No. Because he's really, really, you know, been plus from, from that standpoint.
Starting point is 00:17:12 So, I mean, we'll see who heals up quicker, quicker, him or Joe to camera. If I had to, if I had to bet, I think. I'm thinking Trey Turner. I think I'd take Trey, too. Okay, that's good. All right, Devin, thanks for stopping by. Of course. Thank you.
Starting point is 00:17:26 On the other side, we will play the audio that Devin actually got from Trey Turner here. What he had to say? Some other thoughts on the move of today, plus the injury report. All that's coming next on the final out on Sports Radio 94 WIP. Tim's new scrambled egg loaded croissant, or is it croissant? No matter how you say it, start your day with freshly cracked scrambled eggs loaded on a buttery, flaky Crescent. Try it with maple brown butter today at Timms, at participating restaurants in Canada
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Starting point is 00:18:26 What's up guys? I'm Jordan Robinson, host of the podcast, The Women's Hoop Show. We're heading towards the home stretch of the WMBA season, and there is so much to get into every episode. Twice a week, I'm joined by one of my amazing co-host as we dissect the biggest games, performances, and even some off-court drama. The playoffs are quickly approaching, and now is the best time to tune in. Who will come away is this year's champion? the competition is heating up and so are we listen to and follow the women's hoops show available now wherever you get your podcasts the righties pitch on the way swing and a miss struck him out and erin nola with six scoreless
Starting point is 00:19:04 innings to open the series against the metz a one two three sixth inning nola fan seven and we're headed to the bottom of the six the fillies have a one-nothing lead Heck of a night from Aaron Nola. Noel stepped up in a big way tonight against the Mets team. Who, listen, on the road, not as good as they are at home, especially against the Phillies. And, of course, you want to see them come out and score more runs. Fine. But they just needed a win over this Mets team because I think the Mets feel like they have a mental edge.
Starting point is 00:19:42 And that's why the ninth inning was so annoying because it was like, oh, my gosh, are they really going to come in here and steal a game. Had DeRan blown that game after what was a pretty positive night, I think it just would have added to the anxiety of the Mets. Now, listen, they're three and a half games up on the Reds. I would be surprised if they blew that. I guess anything can happen. I know the Reds played pretty well against them, but they're probably going to make the playoffs. I just, we, We've been over this a million times. There's no reason to want to see that team in the postseason.
Starting point is 00:20:23 But at least by getting that win tonight and slowing down some of the momentum, and maybe the Mets feel like, all right, we don't have a super, super mental edge over them, at least here. You know, Aaron Nola coming out and doing that tonight and maybe letting him get on a roll here for his final three starts of the season before we're heading out of the postseason. I mean, if Aaron Nola can pitch like that, does open up the scenario to where maybe you let Lazardo start a game and Ranger
Starting point is 00:20:54 piggybacks off of them, or Ranger starts it in Lazardo, you say, hey, go give us three innings as best as you can. If Nola pitches close to that, you feel much more comfortable about getting a little creative in October. But the pitch count is brought to you by the Plumbers Union Local 690, protecting the health of the nation, visit Plummers. 990.org. 94 pitches from Aronnell tonight did a job struck out 7 in a spot where they really
Starting point is 00:21:25 really needed them in a pretty festive atmosphere down the barbopal park. It was Margaritaville night, so you know, the ballpark was going to be ready to go as they were playing Jimmy Buffett in between every half ending. Sean is in Medford. What's happening,
Starting point is 00:21:42 Sean? Hey, how you doing? Just from Nicole in first off, Shadow Noel. That was huge. love to see that from him. You know, when we get that in the playoffs, that's kind of one of the scenarios where it's like, what choice do we really have? So hopefully he can pull out one of those.
Starting point is 00:21:58 But the main reason I was calling was to honestly talk about Cassianus. For the longest time, I kind of viewed him in the light of like, man, if he just could stay hot for one more game in the playoff series, you know, we could have gone a little bit further, but he's always kind of tiered off.
Starting point is 00:22:14 I think that we have to start looking at it is the reason we get so let down by him is because of impact and the X factor he can have. When he's going, this team is so much more dangerous in that four slot. Like, Boom and JT. are so here and there, so is Kastianos. But when you look back, like, he had more hits, double
Starting point is 00:22:31 the hits than anyone else in the Mets series besides Harper. He had the back-to-back solo shots and the Braves in that series, first time in postseason history. He has those. I know the metric said he shouldn't have to slap to those catches, but that's like electric and invigorates the team in the clubhouse. I just think that us going in and him being hot
Starting point is 00:22:48 could be such an X factor compared to what Kepler provides on the basis and defensively. And we know now we kind of have that plug and play from Kepler if we need it if he does go cold. But I think our main priority should be getting him hot, especially with Turner kind of basing out and certainty with the handstring. Yeah,
Starting point is 00:23:04 I just think that, well, the trade doesn't really affect much of the outfield rotation. I don't mind where they're at with the outfield. I want Bader to play center field every single day. Three more hits tonight. Now, some ill-advised. his moves on the base baths. I mean, getting thrown out there.
Starting point is 00:23:19 He was out by a mile. I know they call him safe on the field, but he was not there on time. And then tried to steal a base and was thrown out by a good amount. But still, he had three hits tonight. So we went three for four continuing to hit since coming over. And Marsh now battling the flu. Hopefully he's going to be all right.
Starting point is 00:23:40 But, you know, those two, I think the energy that those guys bring, I like the Marsh-Bader, centerfield, left-field. and Marsh has been a little bit better against left-handed pitching. So it really turns into right field and riding the hot hand and Rob Thompson having a feel for what he wants to do in that position. And Castellanos has not been a disaster. Obviously, you know, drove in the run tonight, which was nice. But I think Kepler is also swinging the bat pretty well right now.
Starting point is 00:24:08 Is it amazing? No. Do you wish you're getting more production from right field? Sure. but I think right field at this point is going to strictly be who is having the better at bats at the moment because I think left field's pretty settled and I think the center field is pretty settled. Now, Trey Turner did talk earlier as Devin mentioned and he updated everyone after the game on how he's feeling about his injury. Here's what Trey Turner had to say.
Starting point is 00:24:40 This was, we thought was pretty similar to last year, but it's better. It's kind of smaller. It's in the same area on the opposite side, but smaller. So I think that's a good sign. And getting this one done showed my one from last year healed really well, too. So I guess that's a positive there. But it just felt like a lot of volume this year, a lot of sprinting.
Starting point is 00:25:04 And I think I was a little dehydrated, you know, that day and probably had something to do with it. But sometimes you, you know, you try. trying to play through days you don't feel great or this or that or whatever it is and things can pop up and this is one of them so you've got to deal with it and try to put it behind you well first off let's get hydrated i mean come on what are we doing but regardless he doesn't seem too down doesn't seem too despondent i i think i'd be surprised if he played in the regular season again my my optimistic sense would be okay he made the final four games Final week of the season, I think, is the optimistic sense, but, you know, give me three games.
Starting point is 00:25:47 Getting the two-seat is now imperative. You know, they're in a good spot of being clear of the Dodgers for the two-seed. You know, I think the last of my check, the Brewers were up early over them. The Phillies could extend their lead over the Dodgers, but getting the two-seed is just so big. No, sorry, it's still, they're not even playing the Burbers. It's the Rockies Dodgers. So I don't know how confident I feel. And the Rockies being able to go out and do a job against the Dodgers.
Starting point is 00:26:24 So it's even more important for the Phillies to play well. And obviously that series out there becomes more and more important. But getting that two seed, getting the buy, letting Tray rest up that final week. I mentioned it when Devin was here, but it's not about Trey playing again this year. Trey's going to play again this year. I have no doubt about that. It's what version of Trey Turner are we getting? Because last year, and I know he said it wasn't the same, but last year before he went on the, before he had the hamstring, he was hitting like 3.30. And after that, he just wasn't the same guy. And you hope that he can come back and hit the ground running.
Starting point is 00:27:04 And when he had this injury in 2017, he came back and he was hitting fine, but he wasn't really running. And part of what has made Trey Turner a six-win player this year is what he's been doing on the base pass with his legs, being impacted from that standpoint. Now, what I do find interesting, and I know tonight wasn't the, you know, it's not like Bryce went off tonight. But if Bryce could hit lead off, then you go turn or two, shoreboard three, It does get Schwerber protecting those guys in the lineup. It's not, again, it's not perfect. But if Bryce can do that and he can get the most of the bats in a ball game and it gets them to be more selective and he's not swinging at first pitches.
Starting point is 00:27:49 Now, there was a sequence tonight. I don't know, was it the seventh inning where, I mean, him and Schwerber, I think, both swung at first or second pitches. And the inning was over very, very fast. It feels like we've been seeing more of that. but I don't I wouldn't go Harper Schwerber Turner I would go Harper Turner I do want to split up those lefties because I do worry about you know the Brewers and the lefties they can bring out of the bullpen kind of neutralizing them
Starting point is 00:28:18 like Schwerber and Harper have been good against left-handed pitching but you know there's a difference between there's a difference in left-handed pitching and I think the the the Brewers have really really good lefties that could do a better job of neutralizing those guys. All right, on the other side, we will get a look ahead to tomorrow, plus run your phone calls here on the final out on Sports Radio 94 WIP. Ontario, the weight is over. The gold standard of online casinos has arrived.
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Starting point is 00:29:58 and I put a charge into one a little bit later as well and And it's a right field platoon right now. And good on Rob Thompson. I think that is getting the best version possible out of Kepler and Cassiano's. And guess what? If Cassiano takes a job and runs with it, great. I mean, we know that Cassiano's can get hot. And he's paid like someone that is one of the best players in his team.
Starting point is 00:30:25 I don't think the Phillies should bury Castiano. So I think that would be wrong. I don't think Rob Thompson's going to do that. and the best version of this team, I think, is still with Cassiano's being a productive player in right field. He just hasn't been. And Kepler's been a pretty decent player. I think he's been amazing, but he's been good enough, and we know what he brings defensively. And again, I think that the energy that Martian Bader play with in center and left field has been really important for this team.
Starting point is 00:30:55 So, you know, good on Cassianos, getting the big hit tonight. and providing all the offense the Phillies needed. Now, it is funny, and this is of Jeff Kerr, eight games up with 18 to play. Cannot believe there's only 18 games left in the baseball season. But if the Phillies go 9 and 9 the rest of the way, 500, the Mets would have to go 17 and 1 to catch them. So the Phillies are in a pretty good spot here.
Starting point is 00:31:25 I know 7 up with 17 to play. like in 07 we don't need to count our chickens before the eggs hatch but still this team is in a very good spot heading down the stretch run and and i know that this the series out in LA is really really important from the standpoint of the two seed you know we talked in the pregame show about just coming out of this with a split is is okay um but going out there against the dodgers trying to try to lock up the two seed would be would be phenomenal but the last nine games is pretty advantageous for this team. So they are in a very, very good spot as they look to wrap up the division.
Starting point is 00:32:06 The more important thing is getting the two-seed and making sure that Trey Turner is as healthy as possible for the NLDS. Now, tomorrow, Sean Minaya is on the mound versus Ranger Swares. Rangers been great. And shout out to Ranger really stepping up with Wheeler going down. I've said it like a million times since, you know, since his last couple of outings, but, you know, Ranger just being, you know, saying to himself, okay, team needs me, I'll get back to being peak Rangers, Suarez is about as Ranger as it gets.
Starting point is 00:32:41 So, Shum and I has been good against the Phillies. We know he's got a little crossfire thing. 2022, he was not great against the Phillies in the postseason, but certainly in the regular season, he has done his job. Now, he is not going deep in games. It's mostly five innings, and then he's out of there, so hopefully the Phillies can get him out as quick as possible. Steve's in Clementon.
Starting point is 00:33:03 What's happening, Steve? Jackie Baseball. What's going on, buddy? How you feeling, brother? After that game, I lost a few years of my life. But you know what? There's not a single closer, or not a single picture on a team
Starting point is 00:33:17 that would have got through that night thing the way they're running. Not one. Alvarado would not have done it, and Kirkland definitely would not have done it. I have no faith in them, especially the way that, the ran has shown that he can pitch and close that game.
Starting point is 00:33:33 Well, that's why you go get him. That's why you go get him, Steve. It's as simple as that. Even when he found his way into some trouble, he's got the stuff to pitch his way out of it. I mean, shout out to Francisco Alvarez for just deciding that Duran was going to throw him fastballs. And good job by Duran and Real Muto to recognize that
Starting point is 00:33:52 and throwing slider after slider of knuckle curve after knuckle curve and getting him out. Yeah, I mean, Duran, we've seen Philly's pitchers fold in that moment. That's the reason why you go get that guy. And once they got the McNeil, and I said, okay, we get McNeil out, it's a mismatch with Alvarez. And you're right. Like, he got himself out. There was no plate discipline.
Starting point is 00:34:13 Nope. And it was. Yeah. And I appreciate the phone call, Steve. And McNeil's a big one. McNeil felt like he was kind of on him. I feel like maybe he had a little tell. I don't know.
Starting point is 00:34:26 I just, he was a little. 2 on 102 for my liking, but regardless, Duran was able to get the job done and, you know, shows them fortitude. From the standpoint of momentum and getting momentum on your side, had Duran blown that, even a tie game, I know you would have felt fine or mostly okay, heading into extras, but had he allowed like two there and all of a sudden, backs against the wall, again, against Edwin Diaz and the thought keeps creeping in your head of, oh, my gosh, do they just have something on this baseball team? Do they have the mental edge?
Starting point is 00:35:09 Was it perfect tonight? No. But at least from the standpoint of getting some momentum back on their side, I think they did do that. And it's on Ranger tomorrow to go out and keep momentum on their side. So that's going to do it for me. Luke Nichols produced the program tonight. Jody Mack?
Starting point is 00:35:27 Judi Mack is coming on next. He'll take you through the rest of the night here on Sports Radio 94 WIPA.

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