High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Phillies Need Walk-Off Wild Pitch To Beat Nationals

Episode Date: April 30, 2025

Jack Fritz reacts to the Phillies' dramatic 7-6 win over the Nationals on Tuesday night thanks to four hits from Trea Turner and some questionable defense from both teams. 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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We will attempt to do it tonight on the final out. Welcome on in Tuesday night Here on sports radio 94 double d y p Jack Fritz hanging out with you as we react to what was a Wild night at the ballpark one that was filled with a lot of ups and downs Some doubt crept in but overall a win for the Phils The game wrap-up is sponsored by Roto Router when plumbing problems hit wrap them up is sponsored by Roto-Rooter. When plumbing problems hit, wrap them up quick and call Roto-Rooter. Their team tackles clogs and leaks so you can stay in the game.

Roto-Rooter, your MVP for plumbing solutions. 215-592-9494 is how you get in on this Tuesday night. If you're leaving the ballpark, 38,000 strong, beautiful to see on this Tuesday night if you're leaving the ballpark 38,000 strong beautiful to see on this Tuesday and I would obviously love to hear from you if you are stuck in traffic, but if you watch this game on your couch just like me would love to hear from you as well the Biggest takeaways the game is brought to you by Morgan and Morgan America's largest injury law firm You know, my biggest takeaway of the game is brought to you by Morgan and Morgan America's largest injury law firm. You know my biggest takeaway of the game is as simple as this. They won a game they shouldn't have lost but they also didn't totally deserve to win it. Listen they for

a majority of this game played good enough to beat the Nationals. And again, we're talking about the Nationals. Now again, they have been frisky. They, they, they battled in the Mets hard over the weekend. You know, they split that series, they got smoked yesterday, but still that's a nationalist team. I don't view them as much of a pushover as I have in years past. And to their credit, they fought back tonight now had they lost that would have been a disaster and There a little bit a lot of of people to blame for it to big names tonight Which is funny because they also had really good nights the plate is Johann Rojas and Trey Turner like Rojas and Trey Turner like

Rojas play early Seemed like a misjudgment but still a play that he asked to make the one late now in his defense That's the hardest ball center fielder has to make a play on is a line drive right Adam ball was smoked But still his calling card is defense now on the other hand. He had a home run He had a single late that gave them some insurance and he did hit the ball right field That that brought Alec bone home from third base now you could argue that that is tongue-in-cheek because Bomber was out by about three steps you I think you have to take the shot there and about three steps you I think you have to take the shot there and

And attempt to tie the ballgame up. So I was okay with the send with foam. It's always tricky It was a shame. They couldn't pinch run for him because they because that Mudo Sosa was out of the game I'm not gonna lie. I wanted to Cal Stevens it up in that spot, but Johan Rojas had had a good night so far So I guess you trust him with the bat, but've seen him in that spot come up small too many times. I know it's like a small sample size and I'm still probably scarred by game seven against the Diamondbacks but you know Rojas has some plays in the field he wishes he could have back. Trey goes four for four. He's had seven hits in his last two games and the defense late was was was brutal. I mean it was brutal bad throw home now Had they won ultimately would have been like well or had they closed it out of them like well, right?

It's Tracee had to run but still Not good baseball there if you're gonna make the play at least get it out You know at least make sure you lock up one rather than getting it out make the play at least get an out you know at least make sure you lock up one rather than getting it out absolutely nowhere and then the throw in the in the ninth was was bad so again it's a game they really shouldn't have lost but they also kind of gave it away at the same time which I think leaves all feeling conflicted and we're kind of sitting here saying thank God they won and and thank God they won because that would have been a brutal loss and Kirkering again, you know, Ryan Kirkering now again, this whole night

is kind of like, yeah, I see that he had also get five outs basically. But at the same time, this is a guy who is pegged as a high-leveled reliever that I don't think we really super trust in high-level spots. And what was worrying me tonight is actually the reaction after he got taken out of the game, where I might have seen some confidence being shaken from the young Phillies right-hander He kind of has some some NOLA vibes to him when NOLA's is off and he's throwing that curveball over and over again

I was just waiting for it. I was waiting for it and and and load didn't miss it. So a sloppy game One they again should not have lost but thank God they won and some heads-up baseball late, and he got to give him credit for They again should not have lost but thank God they won and some heads-up baseball late and you got to give them credit for for grinding one out and and Not just rolling over and dying now I think they've had so many comeback wins against the Nationals in the last couple of years It makes it a little bit easier to have the never say die attitude But still you give them credit for fighting back. There was some good tonight that we'll get into but overall a a

Semiconflicting start to the final out tonight as we react to a Phil's win. Let's go to the phones Garrett's in North Carolina. What's happening Garrett? Hey, man. Love to hear Jack garrison north carolina was happening at and and one of the year sorry but the exact rate doing final out after a game like that man i needed a range of motions that i was i was not a good spot after the low on the computer you weren't either no i'm not happy about that when the within the radio i would have been on the radio

and l a couldn't shut up about that first misplay from Rojas. And you know, every time I end up calling in here, I end up going big picture. And you know, Wheeler would never say anything. And he's probably going to talk to the media and say, was my fault I left I let two more guys get on base without before I shut down the side after Rojas made that error but you know I feel like that's what they need is some kind of accountability or that just walking over to Rojas and saying what the heck how do you miss

that thing get me out of the inning you know what is funny that our houses seemingly have these defensive blunders only when wheel of the inning, you know? What is funny that Rojas is seemingly have these defensive blunders only when Wheeler's on the mound. You know, maybe he's got something against them. Yeah, I don't know. He's not going to show up as teammate though. I mean, I don't know. No, no, he would never. He's very, he's, you know, he's super honorable that way. He's always going to, you know, take the credit or responsibility, whatever it is. But, you know, I's super honorable that way. He's always gonna, you know, take the credit or responsibility, whatever it is. But, you know, I think, I think, you know, maybe just behind closed, not necessarily call him out that way. But, you know, I think that there's,

there's a little bit too much of this is just what happens. And this is, there's, you know, this is what we we're gonna live with and maybe we should have lived with it. Yeah, well, at the same time, and I appreciate the phone call, he was, Rojas has made, I think, significant steps at the plate. You know, he has these lapses in the field, 100%,

and especially for a guy who's calling card is his defense, but at the same time guys He hit a ball out of the ballpark to the deepest part of the field off of a real pitcher tonight I mean we are starting to see strides from him at the plate He roped a single late so I'm as frustrated with with what he does in the field You know to now he does also Go chase down a lot of balls. I mean he he He's he's a flawed player. But at the same time he's batting ninth for the most part plays good defense has some mental

lapses hundred percent, but I Feel like we're seeing more good than bad from you onjas. I really do and I was happy that he at least Put the ball in play to bring home Boehm now again Boehm would have got thrown out if keeper Ruiz catches the ball But he didn't strike out now. They took out a double play. I was actually was actually kind of Worried I listen It's a it's a tough situation because Him getting into getting the second base allows him to score the winning run

On a single and I get that There was a part of me that didn't want him to run because I felt pretty confident that Rojas could beat out a a Double play ball and at least they would tie the game up I understand getting into scoring position and ultimately it it worked and thank God But that was one thing I was thinking of maybe that's why they're not going but still you know That was that was good stuff at least offensively there in the ninth David is leaving the game. What's happening Dave? Hey, good evening. Jack. How are you? I am

I'm calming down. I'll put it it that way it was it was a tight last couple of things it sure was on combat from the game myself it was up and down it's really a shame that that couldn't get the win tonight sorry uh... couple of points uh... it charters defense uh...

is really kind of getting impossible to watch. And I'm sure that the Phillies are probably going to leave him there this year, but it's going to cause a lot of problems in addition to the bullpen problems they have because closing out games requires good defense and the Phillies are so short right now at short stop. game requires the defense and the phillies are so sure right now at short stop and center field i hear you with the improved overall but i also watch two ball tonight there are catches but he got to make those plays sure so i'm a what a leader one-point one question i would be get your feedback on that and get your your insight what's going on at lehigh valley

i don't have mashing the ball and he's done this now at four different levels in the Phillies farm system in two years. He's right-handed and from what I read he's a solid fundamental player. You know they could use some new juice on this team. He's just destroying ball triple-a I would like to see him up here is there some reason why the Phillies are sitting on him he's 24 25 years old yeah I appreciate the phone call David yeah so autocam for those of you that don't know is I believe he was undrafted either way he is is has been a flying up to the minor leagues he's's a little bit older, that's fine.

You know, I'm gonna get, I don't wanna try to tell you this guy's gonna be a star, but I think he's gonna be a solid major league player. And he had two home runs tonight up at Lehigh Valley. They've been moving him around. Listen, I love opening. If you, I love opening the final out after a big comeback win

With some with some good minor league talk don't get me wrong But he had two home runs tonight six RBI's the iron picks won 19 to one been saying all year It's the deepest iron picks. He's my student my entire life But he was three for five six RBI's He's hitting 327 on the year with an OPS over 1100 he has nine home runs in AAA it's not like some of these ballparks are Mickey Mouse not like running and you know he's playing third base tonight he can play third he

can play first he can play second now I think he's only a quality defender at first base they've they've played him in left field a little bit. I think that's notable. They would have to create, no, they might have a 40 man roster spot open right now because they had to release someone. So I think technically they could put them on without having to drop someone off.

But the left field thing is interesting. If you think he's better than Weston Wilson, you can also have both of them You can have both Weston Wilson and and Auto Camp here But Like I keep looking at left field. I keep looking at Max Kepler. I think Kepler has been really solid I thought that ball late in the game tonight might have might have gone and Yes, he's had a good about a week and a half year since they made some adjustments to his swing Kevin long

has him standing more upright and closer to the plate, but I'm starting to get more and more intrigued with the idea of a camp a camp Kepler Platoon in left field now again, we want to get crazy and we want to start You know get real out there and say you start at their base of our bone I don't think it's gonna happen. But if you want to be all aboard the auto camp train fine But yeah, so I think there could be maybe a platoon in left field maybe a platoon in center field You know Rojas and and Marsh I don't know but if he keeps hitting, you know, the old adage is the player will let you know when he's ready and

AutoCamp sure looks ready and for a team that heading into tonight was 27th at home runs in the league and they're not exactly Slugging and and still it's not a it's not the most impressive offensive offensive performance on a night-in-night-out basis the most impressive offensive offensive performance on a night in night out basis having a kid come up like him and and maybe inject some some juice in the lineup would certainly be fun to watch. 215-592-94-94 is how you get in on the other side we will get to the pitch count possible injury as well and the player of the game all that's coming up next on the final out on sports radio 94 WIBA. Are you ready to dive into the story, stats and personalities that make baseball the greatest

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Alvarado ready again and the two two again swinging a miss. He got him another cutter and Jose Alvarado with three straight strikeouts to get out of the bases loaded. Nobody out jam. What's stones from Jose Alvarado. Welcome welcome back it is the final out sports radio 94 WIP Jack Fritz hanging out with you here on this Tuesday night as we react to the dumbest baseball game of the year no doubt about it, so Player the game. I'm gonna give those the alvarado player the game brought to you by South Jersey gas conserve

Helping customers and the community save energy and money visit South Jersey dot South Jersey gas comm slash conserve I'm gonna give to a hand because I know Trey got four hits But also some bad plays in the field Roas home run like to see it But again some bad plays in the field. Rojas, home run, liked to see it, but again, some bad plays in the field. They made off-board offensively, more total team guys here, and Alvarado in that spot to go bases loaded. Now, wasn't all his fault. Now, the first hit was smoked.

Ruiz got a little bleeder out to right field. That's not totally his fault. The tray play happened, and then, bang, he went strike out strike out strike out and Again, even what you could my backyard here. You would have thought that was game seven the World Series that was a big moment and His stuff just continues to look excellent. So Jose Alvarado my player the game if that goes haywire They probably lose this one. So good to see Jose Avarado continue to have a really strong start to the season we're gonna

do an injury update here after we talked to Josh in Allentown what's happening Josh? Jackie baseball what's going on? How you feeling buddy? Three points three quick points. Cool. Wheeler of course hit the over six and a half baguettes odds for the strikeouts great to see it never a doubt loader racking second one is why is romano not coming in and that state situation and separate

i like how your car i like how now that this is not a occurs i just like how now we're back on in on her man a while a week ago people like their man Oh, thanks cut him get him out of town. I agree with you 100% But I mean that that's your guys throwing 98 and it's sliders looking very good. Yeah, Kirk ring Just might Kirk ring. I think in Has to I don't know if he's gonna be a high leverage guy You've hoped for that sure but he just might be a fourth best guy out of the bullpen And a really good on a really good bullpen. I'm not sure he's built for late in games

Right and the only other the only I was we're at the game. I'm just sick of seeing Tray and sure stuff I know if we're stuck with him this year Probably it's sure but sure would you think next year year they're doing the swap with him and stop maybe So and I appreciate the phone call. I think is I think his futures in the outfield I do he's just He's just not a natural shortstop. He doesn't throw the ball naturally doesn't feel the ball naturally doesn't have the instincts out there and and People always do this thing with Trey where they act like it's so ridiculous about him playing the outfield. They like to pretend that he's played shortstop his entire life. He hasn't. His first game in the big leagues was in center field. Growing up he was an outfielder.

He transitioned into being an infielder later in his career. You watch him, he's just not a natural shortstop. I think at the plate, you're seeing some good stuff from him recently, of course. Now you wanna see some more extra base hits. It was good to see him get his second extra base hit in his last 30-some plate appearances, but still you take it. He's just not a natural not a natural shortstop and I hear that stop

moving over there I Think stop should just stay where I just I think he's a plus plus Defensive second baseman. I think he's in Okay shortstop. I think he can make all the plays in front of them hundred percent But I think taking a plus defensive player at second base and moving him to shortstop I mean might come down to if Aiden Miller is ready and And he's off to a slow start up in Redding Although if you want to go see the the Redding fighting fills on May 31st

Me and Celts will be up there watching the the boys and then Aiden Miller's road to the show Hopefully is fully heated up by then But I think they're gonna ride it out with Trey this year, you know, I think that they're banking on You know, you work with Dickerson a lot he He's obviously I think he's committed to it I just don't think he has the natural instincts to play shortstop and and you know There's a play over the weekend. He was late getting a tag down or tag was in the wrong spot. He just He's just not a natural shortstop and it's every time the balls hit to him. You kind of hold your breath now

He's been I think better defensively at the beginning of this year, but still it's not like Every ball is it to him you feel like is a coin flip and that's a it's a frustrating spot to be in. The injury report slash pitch count is brought to you by the Plumbers Union Local 690 protecting the health of the nation visit plumbers690.org so good news on Bryson Stott he said after the game to reporters that he's good they did some x-rays on his left hand and no damage. So he said it's only his left hand I guess I got stepped on by Brandon Finnegan. That was definitely a concern because Scott has been

Really good to start the year and it's it's been so refreshing Watching him get back to the 2023 Bryson Scott and you're starting you're getting back to appreciating the little things he does well scoring on that play is not easy That's instincts. That's baseball IQ. I think he has one of the highest baseball IQs on this team I would argue it's not the brightest baseball team IQ wise Like just baseball IQ wise. I think he is without a doubt one of their smarter off of smarter players all around that plays pure baseball

instincts late in the game I like they took into his own hands two outs try to make a play there and believe in yourself and getting home so you know he got down it was interesting as a bat it was like a 2-1 fastball right down the right down the middle and he took a hack at it to try to end the game but like it takes it takes like you have to have self-confidence I think for to do that kind of approach where you feel free to let it rip on a 2-1 pitch and then have the confidence to be able to to to foul off some pitches and and work back work work account and with two strikes going to work so it's really good to see Stoddard getting back to

being the guy that we saw two years ago and last year hopefully we can chalk up to a bad elbow but pitch count wise Zach we were through 106 pitches tonight those the best command he's had of the sweeper all year he's able to use that but Pitch count wise Zach we were through 106 pitches tonight That was the best command he's had of the sweeper all year He was able to use that pitch to both the righties and lefties You know He's got so many pitches that when one's not working it feels like he can find his second pitch Can you see his velocity was still there in like the the seventh? I saw I'm still hitting 96 would have obviously like to see him get through that inning unscathed

strong came in Again, just have to get an out against the lefty there and CJ Abrams. It's a one-two count You throw a fastball essentially right down the middle Should have been a sweeper or should have been a slider and after the pitch before that he took an ugly hack on to foul off so Bullpens guys are doing their jobs. They've there's been some interesting developments out there obviously Romano and You know Joe Ross has actually had a pretty good stretch here. Alvarado has been great strong Hasn't been as good as he was last year and Kirk rings a one

They have to really really get going and I hope he doesn't lose too much confidence after what is happening right now because again it happens to the best of us and there were some outs that had to be made out there that didn't happen he has to make pitches defense has to make plays on the other side we will get a look ahead to tomorrow and some other final thoughts here before handing things off to Tom Kelly here on sports radio 94 WIP the pitch warbors swings lifts it in the air deep left field wood drifting back to the track at the wall out of room it's gone and Kyle Schwabers

showing off his opposite field power it's his eighth home run of the season and a two run shot will put the Phillies on top to nothing Boy, did we need to see that from Kyle Schwaber? No, you know this morning tweeted out his numbers since he started protecting Harper in the lineup believe he had 280 somethings slugging percentage, which I'm not a math guy, but that's not great. 208 average and a 391 OBP, great, but only one home run and obviously he's there to protect Bryce and having those guys both going cold at the same time, not great. Now it was good to see Bryce almost hit one out, smoked the ball late right at the first base and it's funny his only hit of the night was a bunt

So I mean those two obviously have to get going you feel pretty good with stop Turner where they currently are one thing to that I've kind of been noticing with Turner a little bit is He's finally committing I think to a two-strike approach. He you know the last couple of games he's not doing that big leg kick when there's two strikes and it's more of a like a like a toe tap kind of thing they were trying to keep his head level I don't know you know early in count early in in in the at bats you know he'll still do that stuff where it's like a one-one pitch one-one sweeper that's 59 feet so a worm burner and he swings over top of it. But at least with two,

honestly I would like to see him go two strike approach the entire bats, but you know, the strikeout rate is, is coming down a little bit. OBP is, is, is going up for Trey. Some maddening swings and misses, but overall the plate, I think we're seeing some, some good developments there there but obviously Schwab are protecting Bryce can't have his production fall for Cliff Bryce has to get going as well you know the stat for the game I saw from good friend John Stonis about out like last 97 games Castellanos is a higher OPS than Bryce. That's going back to last year. So I just, in the power department,

has to get going there. I don't wanna like start freaking out too much about like where are we at with his back because that's like doomsday stuff and that they just wanna ball game. But you know, getting him going, getting him right and having those guys in the middle of lineup, I mean, it's really the way they're gonna want to hopefully win a championship Some good developments still a frustrating offense overall if those two guys are what their back of the baseball cards as they say

You know says they should be they'll be fine. So Yeah, I just, it was good to see Schwab, or at least at the home run there and maybe that kind of gets him going. He's traditionally been an up and down guy. As long as he's been here, OVP's always been there, but still, good to see him exit the ballpark tonight. Let's close it out with Richie in Philadelphia.

What's happening Richie? Hey Jack, this is baseball Richie. You know who I am. What's up brother? How are you? I'm happy as all hell. I feel good. I can sleep without getting up at 3 o'clock in the morning and get a glass of water and feeling that... I don't know if that happens to you sometimes. You get up and then all of a sudden that game, the pit of your stomach, you think of it, right? Well listen, Richie, when they win the next day day for me I'm very pleasant to be around when they lose

No, I'm talking about Jack the middle of the night, you know, the loss hurts more than the wind. Oh for sure Not even close. Here's my comment real quick. You know, I'm only there's one pitch I'd love I think I told the Jack when he had two strikes, especially when I hammered a hitter I love that high fastball. They either swing and miss or foul it back or pop it up. Why the hell, do you know the court, do you know we pitched Ramudo cold forward and it was a fastball? They shook him off, you know? I would assume so.

Because that, and he, he, he does the same thing Nola does. Like when he gets, when he loses confidence, he just starts spamming the sweeper over and over again. And big hitters are going to catch up to it. And Low did. He went down and golfed it out. It was infuriating. That's the left hand. Like I said, that's the left hand, this power area.

That Low inside. Just get that high, you've seen it, that high neck, high physical. That's a valid back popper up. You don't see them pop a hook out of the left center or anything like that center anything like that. So I just assume a right into the powerhouse Jack right total I could have and stuff like it and then the last thing finally you press for time I really give start a lot of credit on that last play. Yeah I mean that he must have had a he must have had a really good running jump and You know, I would happen on the play that the Bobs in the sacrifice Like they catch you make a big play on that the catcher I think didn't he yeah

I mean, that's that's a he tried to go for the tag before you had the ball, you know, okay. Yeah Yeah, but you know, like I said, there was a good way, you know, it would have been disgusting most that makes it all the sweeter Yeah, I think I think they're gonna win for us you jack. They're gonna win about 8 or 9 in a row now. You watch. I hope so Rich. Yeah, I need it and I appreciate the phone call and great talking to you as always. Yeah Well, stop listen, there's gonna be a lot of local baseball coaches tomorrow showing his Secondary lead on that one. So it was it was certainly pretty textbook But yeah again a lot to a lot to react to this one and Kirk ring One of the biggest things he needs is I just think he kind of needs a better plan against left-handed pitching or left-handed hitters

I don't know What pitch like I feel like he just stays away away away to most lefties I would like to see him use that fastball in to get them off the outside corner of the plate and I still think you know developing that sinker more trying to find like some semblance of a change change up I just against lefties I get very nervous with Orion Kirkering in the game because I don't know really how he gets him out because if you if you hang that slot if you hang the sweeper, you have what Low did tonight.

And against better teams, you certainly don't want to have that. So either way, hopefully he bounces back. But I've had a dugout. He looked a little down in the dumps, which is understandable. It's a very lonely feeling as you're getting shelled. But still, hopefully he can bounce back one of these days. days tomorrow Jake Irvin on the mound versus Chris Sanchez good to see Chris Sanchez avoided any injury with the you know after his last start we only went two innings in the Mets series so obviously we'll be interested to see what

the velocity looks like tomorrow does he look like Chris Sanchez or is there any cause for concern there and he's being posed by Jake Irvin who? Might be kind of breaking out here his last three starts. He's pitching to a 1.3. ERA and He's not like pitching three innings. He's he's he's gone six and seven So now maybe Jake Irvin always had pretty interesting stuff Maybe he's having a bit of a breakout season for the Nationals. Either way, that's gonna do it for me I'll be back leading you tomorrow into the game and also have you post game, of course with the final out But Francisco Rojas produced the program tonight

Tom Kelly is next. He'll take you through the rest of the night here on sports radio 94 double