High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Phillies Out-Class Nationals In Fourth-Straight Win

Episode Date: May 1, 2025

Jack Fritz reacts to the Phillies' 7-2 win over the Nationals on Wednesday night and discusses what a break-out performance from the offense could mean for this team moving forward. 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

Are you ready to dive into the story stats and personalities that make baseball the greatest game in the world? Rob Bradford from the Baseballs & Boring Podcast here, and we'll have you covered every day with podcasts that bring you closer to the action. From the bleachers to the clubhouse, whether you're a diehard fan or just a casual observer, these conversations are aimed to educate, entertain, and most importantly, inform you. Follow the baseballs and boring podcast in the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcast. Let's try this again. Welcome on back. It is the Final Out. Jack Fritz hanging out with you as we react to the Fills winning 7-2 tonight over the Washington Nationals. The game wrap up sponsored by Roto-Rooter. When plumbing problems hit, wrap them up quick and call. Roto-Rooterer their team tackles clogs and leaks so you can stay in the game Roto-Rooter your MVP for plumbing solutions again 2 1 5 5 9 2 994 if you're on your way home and we'd love to get in that'd be great Obviously would love to hear from you get your takeaways from the game or if you watch the one at home

We would love to hear from you as well the biggest takeaways the game are brought to you by Morgan and Morgan America's largest injury law firm and You know not to act like we just we're walking through the desert and we found water for the first time but What a refreshing performance fight by them tonight they kind of hit all the the check marks that I think you you wanted them to see or all the the the check marks that I think you you wanted them to see or all the When we talk about clean baseball and last night not clean baseball at all, you know It was sloppy the Phillies made mistakes. They made mistakes in the field. They didn't I don't think did super well situationally and

It almost cost them a game It almost cost them a game and thankfully they were able to it out, mostly because the Nationals are the Nationals and their bullpen is atrocious. And I thought last, or I thought tonight, you got a much more locked in performance from them. And that's good to see. You know, Rob Thompson, I thought, you know, he's obviously not someone that is super, super critical

of the team in public, but I thought he was more blunt about last night's effort not being good enough and I thought they responded I thought they responded and played their their cleanest game of the year from pitching from situational baseball I mean oh my goodness in the fifth inning they they got a double they got him over and got him in I didn't know what didn't know what sport I was watching. They they had some hits with runners in scoring position they they hit some home runs and They got four perfect innings from Jose Ruiz and Tanner Banks and Carlos Hernandez. I

What what what are we watching? I mean, what are we watching? I didn't know that was possible So those guys went multiple innings to Wow. Wow. I didn't know that was I didn't know that was allowed I did not know that was allowed next Kepler One one host of this show he's the player to count on as he often is on the pregame show Kyle Schwab are big stuff from him because Schwartz has really slowed down since he's gone to Protecting Bryce in the lineup and that's two straight days with a home run in the four spot Affiliates are like 27th and I think they're 27th in baseball in in home runs out of the four spot

So yeah, obviously getting him going in that spot him looking more like a a threat should hopefully open up pitchers You know giving Harper made more pitches to hit they go more right after him rather than pitch around them and you know kind of getting that performances is is really good, but overall just a Really good solid all-around win by them tonight One that I think they responded well off of the night before and one that finally saw some some baseballs leave the ballpark Maybe this is the weather heats up the Phil start heating up would love to see it two one five five nine two ninety four ninety four to get in a second

Thing that really stuck out to me is that I thought I thought Chris Sanchez was fighting himself all night now it was good to see the velocity was ticking back up it was good to see you know I thought he flashed some of the change up but overall it was more a grind just like his last start was and it hasn't been as free flowy now most important is that he looks healthy. I think maybe the extra rest they gave him Maybe that kind of got him out of his rhythm a little bit, but I really thought Sanchez was was fighting himself I was a little surprised actually that Rob Thompson pulled her from the game when he did he was at 85 pitches and It was early enough in the game I guess the fifth inning when they pulled him

Maybe I I was I just like the way Rob Thompson has managed the starters of the last couple years I really just expected Chris Sanchez to go out there for another inning but overall I think on his start for the night A most important is that the velocity was was right around where it's been for a majority of this season if it was down to 92 I think it would have been much more panic in the streets but it was right there where it needed to be I think that as he gets back into a normal rhythm, he'll get back into it. I think he'll get back into where we've seen him for really the last calendar year. But I thought tonight was really just rust and fighting himself and not being able to get into a rhythm and not really super cause for concern. So good stuff tonight pretty much all around only question mark with Sanchez

Probably could have stand extended another inning but again, I don't mind getting him out of there and and letting guys get some work in and Look at the fills score early score late Again, I don't know what baseball team I was watching tonight, but it was a treat 215592 9494 to get in Matt my guys in Westchester. What's happening, buddy? How you doing man Not too bad coming back with a game right now

That's about as comfortable of a game as I've been to in probably two years now a little kick your feet up at the old ballpark tonight Yeah, 12 straight outs from what Ruiz banks and Hernandez Four perfect innings four perfect perfect getting didn't know they had it in them. Oh my god. Yeah Couple things um Didn't quite see what happened to Rojas there on that stolen base. Yep What did he what? there on that stolen base? Yep.

What did he, what's the deal with him? Is he still healthy? He stayed in the game. Yeah, he stayed in the game, I think, is the most important part. I couldn't tell if it was hand-related. I don't think it was. My one buddy who played the outfit, I think,

he speculated it might have been the back. I don't really know. But the fact that he stayed in the game and looked pretty mobile out there. I mean, listen, I was ready to call up Justin Crawford, I mean, in a second, but regardless, it looks like Rojas is gonna be fine, and he's continuing to show some things at the plate.

Yeah, and then the other thing, Sosa reached on error in the sixth or seventh inning or so. What are the chances that that ball gets changed to a base hit because my buddy tonight I was at the game with he had five bucks that I bad for so to reach on an air and he won like 400 bucks on it. So How do you make that bet that's so He just saw it was plus 75 hundred like screw and those five bucks on it and hit we felt the way flipped out

Wow, no, that's awesome awesome stuff Matt. Appreciate the phone call That's a that's a pretty bold bet. I hope for his sake that it does remain but man, what I just a Throw away of a five dollar bet, but hey sometimes those hit two one five five nine two 94-94 to get in if you're leaving the ballpark We'd love to hear from you and get your takeaways on this one tonight on the the other side, we'll get to big, big news for the weekend and the player of the game. We'll get to all that coming up next on the Final Out on Sports Radio 94WYB. Moms, dads, are you the parent of a student athlete? Do you want to know how to get the

most out of youth sports? If so, listen to the next Pitch Podcast to give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the best insight there is when it comes to youth sports. We'll cover everything from nutrition and training to mental toughness and teamwork. It's a podcast you can listen to together with your kids so everyone can benefit. Follow next pitch on the Odyssey app or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome on back it is the final out sports radio 94 WIP Jack Fritz hanging out with you as the Fills work a quick one tonight I mean that game was done at what like 905 so it was a fast night down at the ballpark and and one that I'm sure if you went you get to go home relatively early you broadcasted the game you get to get home before like

1030 that's a big win if you have to do the final out you get to bed before 11 it's a win-win-win all around they should do this more often much much much quicker hit a bunch of home runs, pitch really well, it's not this hard. Try to explain that to this team for a long long time. The injury report is brought to you by the Plumbers Union Local 690, protecting the health of the nation. Visit plumber690.org, looks like Roas is fine, he got his wind knocked out of him,

Rob Thomas said that after the game, I would have loved to have heard it. But again the Whole internet was down. So that's that's the excuse sometimes, you know, there's an explanation not an excuse So that we tell ourselves but the real news of the injury report tonight is Is Rangers for us who is gonna be starting on Sunday, which is great news Obviously getting Ranger back is is awesome Is Ranger Suarez, who is going to be starting on Sunday, which is great news. Obviously getting Ranger back is awesome. Contract year, hopefully they get a contract year Ranger. That'd be a lot of fun for everyone involved.

I don't think he's going to be with the Phillies after this year, but still, obviously I think we're all rooting for Ranger. He's a great Philly. And I mean, they're starting to have a plethora of starting pitching. Now Taiwan's going tomorrow. He's pitched well enough, I guess, to stay in the rotation. I mean, it's been three innings and four innings the last two starts. Obviously, he got pulled at one time because they were worried about arm soreness. I kind of, I mean, they'll probably go six man, Rob Thompson mentioned that before the game, and then they'll keep Wheeler on his regular rotation, like his regular rest days, because obviously he does not like the extra rest in between starts, but maybe they stretch these guys out. I mean, it's a good problem to have. Obviously you want these guys to be as fresh as they can, and the more and more you spread them out it helps the

starters. You know they've tried this in the past and it does kind of hurt the bullpen in a way so I was kind of throwing around the idea like do they just go with Taiwan Ranger piggyback and see if they can take down a majority of a ball game. Maybe. I don't think that's gonna be the case. Then they're just gonna bring back Ranger and see how he does. But yeah, either way, that's really good news. Ranger has pitched really well up at Lehigh Valley. So excited to see what he's got for us this weekend against the Diamondbacks,

which is a fun little early season series. Diamondbacks playing pretty good baseball so far. Good offense. They might avoid Burns because he's pitching tonight. But yeah, I'm looking forward to this weekend, of course. Let's go back to the phones here and talk to, let's go to Maggie in Swarthmore. What's happening, Maggie?

Hey, I'm on my way home from the game. Nice. I have to say that it was a great game. It was super fun to watch. But I will say that even when we were at 7-2, when they pulled up the bullpen, I was not relaxed. I was not enjoying it. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. And I was stunned when the game was over without anything terrible happening. Yeah, it was just like, it was weird Maggie. terrible happening. So yeah, I was just like it was weird man He's like well, it's just over. It's just that that's it

Okay, yeah, no it was great the super fun, I mean Chris Sanchez was scary to watch a little bit But you know, he got it through and that and the opposite great I was glad to see Trey Turner walk in the first inning and then get the score on that home run So yeah, great game altogether Baby steps with Trey. That's what that's where we're at. But he's he's I think he's seen the ball a little better You know, he's had some moments where he's still chasing a lot. But I tell you what I think he's uh he's got this little two strike approach going where he's not doing the big leg kick

and I think that's kind of toned down all the Trey movements and hopefully it leads to a lot more consistency. Obviously he's had a really good stretch here. Last nine games batting 421 heading into the night. Didn't get a base hit but didn't look excruciating out there. So yeah, I think Trey is coming along, Maggie,

but overall, I mean, that's a quick ballgame. You get to scoot on out of there and be home at a reasonable hour. It's perfect. Yeah, I'm almost out. Thanks. Appreciate the phone call Maggie. There she goes, Maggie and Swarthmore. The player of the game tonight is brought to you by South Jersey Gas Conserve, helping

customers and the community save energy and money visit South Jersey gas comm slash conserve and I'm just gonna give it to the bullpen because I think a couple things They were perfect and this wasn't the big guns This was Jose Ruiz who came in was still a tight game and and did a job love to see that Tanner banks who I am floored by yeah, I think he's doing a nice little 2022 Brad hand impression and Where I don't know if I'm ever gonna really totally believe it

but for right now he's he's getting a job done and hey, he did paint 94 on the outside corner in Maybe there's the James would so even though he looks like like his mechanics look like when a position player pitches Not doing a bad job old Tanner Banks. Yeah, I might have been too tough on him saying couldn't get out some the P-sack So good on Tanner Banks and then Carlos Hernandez Who might be like counting down his days here as a filly with Ranger coming back. I don't think I do roster wise but but still It was a pretty free and easy ninth inning for him as well. So

I'm gonna give the bullpen good contributions offensively obviously, you know JT having that home run was nice to see Kepler Schwaber that home run was nice to see Kepler, Schwaber, Stock continue to do a good job in a lead off spot. So all around a good night for the Phils. On the other side, we'll get a look ahead to tomorrow and some final thoughts before getting on out of here. It's Jack Fritz here on the final out on Sports Radio 94 WIP.

Welcome back, it is the final out. Sports Radio 94 WIP. Jack Fritz hanging out for the next couple of minutes before handing things off to Ashlyn Sullivan. She'll take you through the rest of the night here on the station. We'll go back to the phones here and then I got some final thoughts before getting on out of here. Mike Sendalko. What's happening Mike? Hey, what's up? Can you hear me? I got your brother. What do you got man? Go Huskies man, there's not many of us but listen we are the few the proud the many I Actually, I ran the club baseball team from like 2015 to 2017 Oh nice. So wasn't quite good enough for the team that you played on but you know Well, neither was I so

That's why we're sitting here. So what's going on man? Yeah, it was good to see the Phil's pulling out tonight I didn't catch the game because I was umping the nice but uh, it was good to see Sanchez have a good out Yeah, JT hopefully is back wakes up a little bit You know, it's good good to see that he did tonight, but yeah, I just I just wanted to see the team keep it rolling You know, they're too good of a team Yeah, and they got to play consistent baseball, you know And that was the most disappointing thing of last night is and they won and that's fine

But like that's not sustainable and it was a sloppy game and I really do think it's it's semi notable that You know, I thought Rob Thompson was critical after that which is good I think these guys kind of need that sometimes and I thought they really responded in a positive way this and this the thing that that the that you know the Rob Thompson sometimes being hands-off and You know at least publicly not not criticizing these guys It's not is that it's not like they're a young team You know, this is a veteran team that knows when they're doing things should know right or right and wrong and that stuff's okay like this is a veteran laden team that I think can handle it and you know last couple years

They've never exactly been the most crisp baseball team maybe they need more of that from from him so you know just one game don't want to get too ahead of myself but I thought that was that was semi-notable how they responded after you know a little bit more public criticism about how they played. Yeah I think I think they needed it you know like you said they are a veteran team and you know it's good to see players like Stott. Stott's been playing well yep and you know, it's good to see players like Scott stop and playing well. Yep And you know after a down year last year, it's good to see him his confidence build and so I'm excited for this team

I think they can really turn it around obviously they have so much time But you know, I'm really really hoping they can make a run here get hot Yeah, I appreciate the phone call Mike and it's a good little stretch, you know, they have This series against the Diamondbacks this weekend, which will be tough and then I believe it's And then I believe it's Cardinals Pirates Rockies and then ace in three straight series. So, you know, the A's are Semi frisky they're playing out there. So just to prepare you Semi frisky they're playing out there. So just to prepare you

It's like a launching pad out there in Sacramento, but it's a good little stretch here. The Rockies did win today So watch out they might go on a streak there. I believe they're 5 and 24 now, but yeah, I just like this is the time for them to really kind of get going here and And get back into the to the NL East race and I don't be heard earlier But I'm in the high hopes Jackie baseball report again If you're ever looking for a Philly's podcast out there may I recommend the high hopes podcast me and James Alters nerding out about baseball And why we while we are shamelessly plugging here? The ring the bell book is that a book that I co-wrote with my good pal Kevin Revy Is also available available for pre-order. So if

you order now, it comes with a signed copy by both of us. If you want it personalized, whatever. I'll personalize it, we'll personalize it, we'll make it nice. I think it's a fun look at Philly's history and actually just got the final editing process done today. So, you know, all systems go as we cross the finish line with this thing. So you'll be hearing more about the book, I'm sure. So we'll be plugging away. But listen, my official statement on the Mets is that they're using their magic up a little too early this year. And the official statement is they're peaking early. A lot of little nonsense that is pretty hard to keep up for 162.

They're going to face some adversity at some point. We'll see how they respond then. Every time I see Nimmo, Alonzo, Jesse Winker, who I just, I loathe. I loathe Jesse Winker. There's this corny thing with the camera the other day where they look into it after they hit home runs. I think there's only one team to blame

for letting the Mets become like this cool hip team and that's the Phillies. It's the Phillies' fault for letting this nonsensical Mets run happen. It's just brutal. It's just brutal. So some final thoughts here. Now, bullpen's like kind of stabilizing

Kirkering is still a big wild card I was actually it's not obviously I take the insurance runs not saying I wouldn't but I want to see over a man I would look like tonight You know, I think for the most part Carlos and Anna is just a guy host Ruiz. I think is more of a fifth six inning guy Joe Ross is kind of settling into a role Listen, i'm not trying to get ahead of myself with the phillies bullpen But we always got to check in on our iron pink iron pigs. They win again tonight the 21 and uh, 21 and And eight now again deepest iron pigs team of our lives

Uh now offensively everyone's hero Otto Kemp was over four or three strikeouts don't love to see that don't love to see that at all Rincones got two hits which is which is nice but the story tonight is the iron pigs rotation slash bullpen Nabil Chris Matt who they've turned into a starter even though he was a reliever for the Dodgers and Padres the last couple years He went six innings again and struck out five and allowed to earn his era is 2.7 on the year Seth Johnson Who had been a starter if you remember they got him in the Gregory Soto trade

They got him in Moises Chasse says Johnson was viewed as a starter but they've started transitioning him into being a bullpen piece and He's been up to like 98 I believe in the couple bullpen outings they tried him in back-to-back games So I think they're seeing if something can kind of click there. He walked to tonight, but he did not allow a run max Lazar He is on the 40-man roster. He struck out a guy and walk on a scoreless inning and then Joel Kunel Who is apparently starting to turn heads up there. His ERA is 1.42 He had two strikeouts tonight and earned a save. He does have power stuff. He

Sort of reminds me of Todd Coffey if you remember Todd Coffey from a couple years ago, but he You know from everything I've been hearing about those guys up in Lehigh Valley. He seems like I've been hearing about those guys up in Lehigh Valley. He seems like maybe a guy could actually help this bullpen with some major league stuff. Apparently, his splitter grades out really well, but that's all I got for you on our Iron Pigs report, which we have to get to every single night here in the third segment on the final out. So very exciting things happening with the Iron Pigs for sure. So a couple other things. So they mentioned on the broadcast tonight,

Taron Hatcher did a thing about Bryce Harper and kind of working with Kevin Long on a drill to get Harper to slow down a little bit. And the drill, hopefully it works, we'll see. I think it's notable that he's doing more hands-on stuff with Kevin long because everything I've kind of I guess heard or known about Bryce as Affiliate that he more is just in his routine in his routine

Does his own thing doesn't usually hit on a field will usually hit in the back cages and is pretty regimented and hit on the field will usually hit in the back cages and is pretty regimented and I don't know how much he ever really relies on a hitting coach I think it's kind of notable that that he was working directly with Kevin long Kevin long obviously his as caught some of the ire of the fan base obviously with the offensive struggles early, but Maybe they can find something there. He did smoke that ball In the middle of the game to get a double, almost hit a home run, late. So kind of anything to get him going. It's kind of, it's jarring seeing his average down

in like the two thirties. So, you know, there's some guys that are established that are struggling around baseball. You know, Mookie Betts is also hitting in the 230s, which is shocking for him as well. So it's not super uncommon, but obviously they getting Bryce going, Schwabler looks like he's maybe climbing out

of his little two week slump. Getting those guys going with where Stott and where Turner is, it's gonna make the whole thing look so, so much better. And then just like, I just think it's interesting that Sosa started tonight over Alec Baum with the like there's no real reason for it I know they want to get Sosa in there because they sat him essentially for about a week and a half and with the way Stott's playing you can't really take

him out Kepler, I think he's rounding into the guy that I think they thought when they signed him. It's really just the third base spot where you can kind of get him in there. And again, he brought up some good energy tonight. There was a little bit of a bounce in their step. I don't think that's all just Bohm being out of lineup because I do think they mostly like bone but there's just something about when SOS is in there a little bit of extra excitement and they need that because we talked a lot on the station today and talked a lot at the beginning of this year about how you know the beginning of the year is like I like the the

business-like approach I like that they're taking it seriously no more daycare but the the flip side of that is okay well they're having any fun do they want to go to the ballpark you know if you strip all their fun away it's a it's a hundred and sixty two game grind can you really expect this like yeah we got to win every like it's just this this pretty like we got to win all the time that can that can drain you and I think a guy like Sosa who is just happy to be there at all times I think he brings out the the lighter side of the team so I just want to see in the next week week and a half if This turns into more like a platoon or or turns into like a real battle For who's gonna start at their base again. Boom. His OBP is like 240. He's he's he's got a couple singles, which is good He's got a little he's got hits in a couple straight games,

but it still hasn't really been impactful. And there was really no reason to start, or get Sosa in there tonight, other than I guess you want to get him some work. But at the same time, if Boam was hitting 250, or it was like scorching the baseball, I don't think Sosa would have been in the lineup tonight, obviously I Just I think that's something to monitor is is what they're gonna do at third base for the next little stretch here

Do we see more mundo? Is it not just a once a week off day for bone? These are playing twice a week I don't know, but I do I do think it's relatively interesting and hey, maybe it maybe it sparks bone and you get the best version out of him because I still think that's the Philly's best chance to win is getting out bone to be the bulk bone that we've seen for a majority of the last two years All right. So tomorrow night another 645 start Taiwan Walker on the mound could use some length from Taiwan I mean four innings and three innings his last two times out He grinded in the last in his cub start so could obviously use some length there, but at the same time bullpen did a job tonight and

They should be pretty fresh tomorrow And good to go facing Brad Lord who in the off season he works at Home Depot. So they hit him around in the first series and I wasn't starting. He's more of a three, four inning type pitcher at this point. I wouldn't expect him to pitch into the fifth or sixth. But you know, the last two nights they've scored early, they've scored late. And that is what you want to see from the Fills. Don't just score early and then shut it down.

I've seen them do that for my entire life. So let's mix in some runs all throughout. How about it? Either way, that's going to do it for me. Francisco Rojas produced the program tonight. Ashlyn Sullivan, she will take you through the rest of the night here on sports radio 94WIBA.