High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - NLCS Game 3 Postgame Pod

Episode Date: October 20, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Phillies disappointing loss in Game 3 of the NLCS. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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As a reminder, Phillies blow one down in Arizona. Look, Arizona fought hard. Has a lot of game two in Atlanta vibes. That felt like more of a blown game. But Fritzy, Jack Fritz, James Seltzer with you for the next hour or so reacting to a loss in the NLCS. Jack, we said Phillies in five before the series. I still feel like it's going to be Phillies in five.

I'm sticking to that. But we got swayed by the 10-0 into thinking it was fully over. Arizona fought back tonight. What up, Fritzie? Yeah, I mean, and that was a game obviously the Diamondbacks were going to come in and be desperate. If they weren't, they probably have a heart issue.

So they did. And they fought hard. And I thought the Phillies kind of just gave that one away. I agree. I was disappointed in a lot of the offensive approaches. That's a game where you have a chance to step on a throat, and I think Brandon Fott has good stuff, no doubt about it. But to strike out the amount of times they did, it screamed to me like a team that was sort of smelling themselves

after what happened in game two and thought they could roll down here and continue things on. Now my positive is the Phillies basically sleptwalked through this game. And almost won. And almost won. And very easily almost won. And, you know, Christopher Sanchez on the mound tomorrow, which I was just dying at the thought.

Dude, I was giddy when I saw the tweets come out. I was so happy. Giddy. Like, the biggest smile on my face for it. Yeah, so Chris Sanchez on the mound tomorrow in a bullpen game for the Diamondbacks. I think this team is annoyed that they let one kind of slip away like that, and I fully expect them to come out tomorrow and be ready to go.

If I'm a Diamondbacks player and I'm a Diamondbacks fan, I'm not sitting here like, all right, here we go. I'm sitting here like, man, we sort of lucked out. And it was disappointing. Not showing up in an LCS game is very disappointing. But it would have been more disappointing if the Diamondbacks just didn't show up for a game this series. So they did.

They came out. The Bills came out flat and ultimately get handed a tight loss. Yeah, I mean, in reality, the kettle Marte and the Diamondbacks pitching showed up for this game for the most part. Outside of that, really, no one else did other than Philly's pitching until Kimbrell got in there. And to your point, I think the biggest frustration with tonight was the offensive approach. I mean, we're going to bat maybe a little bit. I mean, Fott was the offensive approach. I mean, working at bat maybe a little bit. I mean, Fott was good, man. Look, he was a top 20 to 50 prospect wherever you look

before he came up in all the baseball. Like, clearly the dude has stuff. And he showed it. You know, credit to him for showing up in a big spot. But, you know, after the first couple innings, you get to see him a little bit, a little aggressive with the approach. Like, change a little bit. Change the approach.

Work some at-bats. Try and get in the bullpen a little quicker. You know, it was frustrating. And, again, I think to your main point, this is a game that the Phillies should have won. You know, they should have won this game. They're the better team. I really, like, after the Atlanta game we came in here,

and I was confident, and you were a little nervous, but still confident, I really do come in here thinking they're going to win the next two games. I feel really confident about that. The Sanchez against the bullpen game is a massive advantage, and obviously then you have Wheeler going into game five, and especially up 3-1. And that's the thing is I see a lot of people getting angry on Twitter or upset about this,

and it's a do you trust this team moment or not. We've seen this team. Like Nick Cassianos, we all remember, right? We thrive when we get punched in the face. Well, they got punched in the face today because they didn't show up and they lost a game they should have won. Let's see how they show up tomorrow. I think this team is going to rally like they always do and be there.

Yeah, and, you know, people will question bringing a Ryan Carker into the game. Jack, have question. There's been lots of it. I was happy with it in the moment. I will not second guess what I said in the moment. I was fine with it. He just didn't have it tonight. Yeah, and maybe the lights were too bright.

And my biggest fear with a Ryan the last, you know, ever since he came up and the first outing was electric was I feared that teams would start sitting on the slider. You said this, Jack, this exact thing. So that was my biggest fear, and the Diamondbacks did that tonight. Whatever. And it wasn't sliding as much as normal for what it's worth either. Yeah, it was flat.

Yeah, exactly. He just didn't have his stuff tonight. It was flat. And at some point, Rob Thompson does have to think about tomorrow, too. So like, wow, winning this game would have been great and going up 3-0. And I think he did show aggressiveness. I mean, he pitched Jose Alvarado essentially. Well, he did, like two innings. You know, you also have to have Sir Anthony ready for tomorrow in a game where Chris Sanchez is starting. And he said that he said that Kimbrel's going to be ready to go. He said, you know, I assume Hoffman comes in at a big spot and gets out of it.

So, you know, he does have to also think about tomorrow. Orion's a kid who they clearly trust in big moments. They trust his mentality. And he just didn't have it today. The bigger question to me is Kimbrell. Without a doubt, Jack. I mean, he is someone who has been shaky for a while here. I know he had not a lot of run in the post season just yet,

but how many times are we going to have to see this where he's pulling the fastball, not able to throw strikes, walking batters to where it's like, we got to try someone else in that spot. The big question then James is who do you trust in that spot? Do you trust Sir Anthony in that spot? Kirkering showed tonight.

He wasn't able to get the job done. Do you trust Jeff Hoffman in that spot? Who last series, you could argue that Rob Thompson lost faith in him. That is the trickiest situation right now for Rob Thompson is, is Kimbrel your guy in the ninth or in the eighth to get you big outs. And the more and more you watch him, I'm just not there with them. 100% agree.

It's my biggest issue with this team moving forward throughout the rest of the playoffs and hopefully the World Series, expecting the World Series. That is the big question with this team. And look, to your question to me, I trust Jeff Hoffman in spots. He's made one bad pitch. Jeff Hoffman has been really good this year and really good in big spots. And obviously, I think we all agree, Jose Alvarado, the single top most

trustworthy reliever by miles. The problem is both those guys have been used in high leverage spots earlier in games. Do you want to hang on to Hoffman for the ninth or is it... Look, tonight, the ninth was the most important inning. It was the most important spot at top, but they were all important. If the Diamondbacks scored before then, you could still lose two. So it's, the back end there is concerning. I think I trust Sir Anthony more than I trust Kimbrel right now. You know, other than throwing the ball into center field, I think Sir Anthony's looked better in the playoffs than he had coming into the playoffs.

But, you know, I agree with you. I think you have two guys. I trust Hoffman, and I trust Alvarado with my life right now. I think after that, in a huge spot, like I trust other guys, Soto, Strom in certain spots, but in a huge, huge spot, like that third guy is the question mark. Yeah, and I wonder if the big adjustment for Thompson is going to be he becomes less aggressive with pulling his starters.

Which, you know, tonight you could say, I know he gave up the double, but it was really only Marte who hit Ranger today. That was it. He was great. I mean, Ranger, once again, what makes this team so exciting right now and why it's like there's not real reason to lose faith is your three starters have just been unbelievable. Like the biggest, the biggest question marks in this team right now is Kimbrel the ninth. Who's the,

who's the reliever you trust with that spot in the most. And then, and then boom, boom, you know, like, yeah, that was,

that was a really, really tough strikeout. It was, it was a really tough strike. I mean, he looked at strike three twice. I mean, come on. Doesn tough strikeout. I mean, he looked at strike three twice. I know. I mean, come on.

Doesn't happen often. I mean, I just, it feels a little bit like last year with Bone batting fourth, with Castellanos batting fourth, where it's like we're going to go down with the ship. Maybe there's a better option there. It's not like anyone else stepped up tonight. Castellanos probably is more suited for that role, but he's also been unbelievable in the spot that he's in.

So I think Rob Thompson's almost just like, I'm going to keep trying it and see if bone breaks out of it. But overall, like, those are the two biggest question marks after this game is what is the decision point for those two spots? Because everything else you feel pretty good with. Starters, really good. Jose Alvarado, brilliant. Jeff Hoffman, brilliant. two spots because everything else you feel pretty good with starters really good uh jose avarado brilliant jeff hoffman brilliant um you know i'm not too worried about the offensive stars that

have had great series so far because they had a bad night so yeah yeah we're with harper schwarber turner these guys are they didn't hit for one game one game like again i i just that's my biggest feeling being on the air tonight is to say relax if you are one of the people freaking out. And I know that a lot of people aren't. I know there are a lot of people like us who understand that it's the playoffs and you're not going to win every single game all the way through. There's a reason that never happens in baseball.

You can still roll. They can win this series in five, and they handled it like they should have. The Diamondbacks gave their best effort. Their backs against the wall. If they lost tonight, the series was effectively over. And they fought, man. And the Phillies, to your point initially, the biggest reason the Phillies lost tonight

was, as much as Craig Kimbrell is a problem, the biggest reason they lost is because they didn't hit. They didn't show up and have an approach. They came in and just kind of let the D-backs get on them and stay in that game and stay in that game and stay in that game. And the result was they blew

it at the end. But I don't think people should freak out. Let's go back like a week and a half or whatever it was. We were in this exact same spot, Jack. I was in the studio. You were not. You were from a different place. This time, granted, it's in Arizona. And we were reacting to a devastating loss to the Braves,

which actually made the series 1-1 at the point. And, you know, I think a lot of people were freaking out then. Just remember how we felt then, and remember this team didn't show up today. Be confident. Well, and this is why you go up 2-0. I mean, it's as simple as that. You take care of business at home so that you have a letdown spot on the road

in a desperate spot for an opposing team, and you have a letdown game. It happens. It's baseball. The key now and the most important thing to remember is that they have Chris Sanchez on the mound tomorrow in a bullpen game. They have Zach Wheeler on the mound in game five. They have Aaron Olin on the mound in game six, if necessary. And then they have Ranger Suarez on the mound in a bullpen game. They have Zach Wheeler on the mound in game five. They have Aaron Olin on the mound in game six, if necessary. And then they have Ranger Suarez on the mound in a possible game seven

if necessary. I mean, this Diamondbacks team would have to, like, really, really figure some stuff out for the Phillies to really have a chance of blowing this. Well, and again, like, this is the first time the Phillies haven't hit. Like, again, I don't think that this means phillies are just done hitting for the playoffs all right two on five five nine two 94 94 if you want to react to again it look a a bummer of a loss you know we even though i'm confident they're going to win the next two games i you know it's

frustrating i get it they blew it tonight react with us two one five five nine two 94 94 i keep referencing the atl Atlanta game too. Obviously, the last time the Phillies lost in the playoffs, the last time we were in this situation. And we started off with our guy who we've been starting off almost every single postgame show with. And he came on and said,

relax everyone. Chill out. This team is fine. Kind of like Nick Castellanos. He's our own Nick Castellanos. Let's go to our guy, Black Grady. What up, pal? That's right. You punch me in my face, you're going to have a problem instantly. But I'll be back the next day, too.

Baby Mamanolo, again, tight game. They threw a young kid out there. He had his one shining moment. They didn't know him. You know what I mean? He mowed him down. It's okay. There weren't no errors today.

I called Phil's in five. They're a professional team. This were no errors today. I called Phil's in five. They're a professional team. This is the thing that cracks me up. I know the fever hits everybody, and we're out there looking like a juggernaut. But the other team gets paid to play, too. They got to go home, sleep in their own beds. They got to start in the middle of the day, and they don't have to deal with the crowd that they've been dealing with.

So, yes, go give them a game to go win. That's their game. That's it. Tomorrow we go back at it. And that's all they had because all the other pitchers that they thought that they had, we could handle. So the spunk hit that we don't know, that was giving us a problem. So I'm not worried.

You don't be worried. My parlays were all trashed because nobody hit on either side of this game. I just threw it out the window. And no, Lotel, don't tweet nothing. He can't start tweeting. He's got to hold on to that thing. If you don't start, the mojo's got to be the mojo. But we're going to be okay because it's still right out there.

It's okay, though. We're going to be good. I love you guys. Love you. You're the best. Yeah, that's what I think about tonight, too, is that if Kimbrel can just do his job and get through the ninth, the Diamondbacks just have no one left.

No one else, Jack. When Seawald pitched, I was like, Craig, just give us one, man. One. Very frustrating. The Phillies would have absolutely had the advantage if the game had gone into extras. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. Jack, I looked down at my call screener.

Let's see what he has to say. It's been a big season for him as well. Our guy, Chuck from Mount Airy. Chuck, how you feeling? Hey, I'm feeling like they screwed us, man. They screwed us. Those umpires were hard. So, Chuck, I agree. The umpires were like they screwed us, man. They screwed us. Those umpires were hard. So, Chuck, I agree.

The umpires were like a disgrace tonight, but I honestly think they were a disgrace for both teams. Like, I agree they were terrible, but I don't think the Phillies got the worst of it than the Diamondbacks. I thought they were just bad all night all around. Hey, listen, man. Listen, I'm coming back right now from a watch event right now, and I didn't drop down there, so I'm just playing back right now.

And I'm screwed. I feel messed up, man. You know what I mean? Because one thing to lose, but it's one thing to lose the way they lost. And they screwed. I feel like we had that game. We had that game, man. And I hear what you're saying, Joe.

The man, Edwin, with a batter, he cleared the plate. And I hear what you're saying, Joe. The man. He had one with a batter. He cleared the plate. And they called him safe. One of the man was on the batter. There was another one. When they hit him, he was going straight down the pipe. And they called the ball. Like, come on, man.

You know what I mean? Yeah, I feel you, John. It was frustrating. I feel you. Trust me. I Yeah, I feel you, Jai. It was frustrating. I feel you. Trust me. I do. I feel your passion. I feel the anger.

But you remember a week and a half ago, right? How did you feel after that Atlanta game too? You felt the same way. You felt like a game that the Phillies, they were up for nothing in that game. They had it in hand. They had an error that gave up a run. They gave up home runs, like, out of nowhere.

Like, and then they came back and they beat the crap out of Atlanta. Like, Chuck, this team has been so good all year. You got to have faith, buddy. I have faith in them, but I just thought that we could have got this 30th, this win real quick, and it would have been 3-0. I agree. And then we could have did whatever. But now we got to beat somebody.

They gave away a chance to completely end this series, and that's what's disappointing. And now, you know, this thing has to extend until Saturday. And if they can't get one more win, worst-case scenario is that we have a game six at home in front of our ballpark. I mean, it stinks, but that's why you go up 2-0. They had a stinker tonight, and they totally gave away a game, and it's surprising coming from this team.

But at the same time, the Diamondbacks weren't – I mean, I would have been surprised if they just rolled over and died. They didn't. And the fact that they pretty much had a do-or-die game and needed a walk-off in the ninth, I mean, that kind of goes to show the talent disparity in this series. Well, Jack, listen, I'm not saying we ain't going to win the series. I know, I know, I know. But, you know what I mean, I would have loved to have this series. Well, Jack, listen. I'm not saying we ain't going to win the series. I know, I know, I know.

But, you know what I mean? I get it, Chuck. We need your boy tonight. Where is your boy tonight? It sucked tonight, Chuck. I feel you. It sucked tonight. It's all right, man.

Let me tell you something. We have 2-0. Our boy coming through with his clutch. I agree. Although, I thought he was taking Seawall deep in the ninth for sure. Yeah, it's okay. I guarantee you next game he'd come through. That's when he comes through. We have 2-0.

We need him tonight. He's bad tonight, but you know, tomorrow he'll definitely come through tomorrow. I guarantee you that. One thing I can tell you, I can tell you Bryce Harper. I'm not worried about Bryce Harper. I'm worried about the pitchers. I'm worried about the pitchers that got to go on like Sanchez and

Tywon Walker. I don't trust them, man. You know what I mean? And I don't know. I get it, Chuck. I need 3-1 going back. I need 3-1, man. The more. I need 3-1.

I don't need this thing to be tied up in 3-2. Chuck, great call as always, brother. I think they're going to hit 3-1, too. Look, I get it. I'm nervous about Chris Sanchez is what he said. How do you think the Diamondbacks feel about the bullpen game in the playoffs like sanchez was great this year and he hasn't pitched in a while the only thing that concerns me is that he hasn't you know pitching in a meaningful game in a few weeks i want to get into that coming up next jack at the the start for sanchez tomorrow

also i have a wild ranger suarez stat for you that you're not going to believe. Look, it was a frustrating night. I totally get it. And similar again to Atlanta in game two, they had a chance to put their foot on their throat. You know, if they had won that game two in Atlanta that they blew, that series was over that night. They ended up finishing in the next two at home. Like this team has shown a remarkable ability to get punched in the face,

as Nick Cassiano said, and bounce right back. It's the first time they haven't hit all playoffs long. Like, relax. 2-1-5. I know, but I hate this ballpark, man. Oh, Jack, so yeah, I'm happy you said it. The biggest takeaway from the entire night is, like, going from CBP to a cavernous tomb of a stadium.

Like, honestly, it sucked watching a game there. It's cavernous. The ball doesn't carry. It's dead. There's so many empty seats. There's no life to it. It was horrible, Jack. Well, yeah, imagine being here.

It's not in the ballpark. I have so many bad memories of this team here. I'm trying not to let filter into my brain. Yeah, I know. I know. Well, they're going to have some good memories tomorrow. I believe it. 215-592-9494.

We'll continue to take your calls and react to a frustrating 2-1 loss in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. It's Fritz at Seltzer. It's High Hopes Radio on a special edition of Final Out. We're coming right back. It's Fritz. It's Seltzer. It's High Hopes Radio on a special edition of Final Out. We're coming right back. It is Final Out, a special edition of High Hopes Radio. Jack Fritz, James Seltzer with you as Philly's blue on tonight. A frustrating loss in game two of the National League Championship Series out in Arizona in just a brutal stadium to watch a baseball game in, especially when we've been spoiled by the college football-like atmosphere at CVP Fritz.

You were there, Fritzie. And we'll get into Christopher Sanchez in a sec. 215-592-9494. We'll get to the phones as well. But take us inside the building, Jack. I know on TV we were able to see a good amount of Phillies fans, certainly significantly more than Diamondbacks fans here. But, you know, it just felt like kind of a weird vibe through the TV in the stadium.

Yeah, it was funny. It's like you can always tell when like a fan base doesn't really get it. You know, like they had guys in the dugout with the noise cards up. Every two strike, you know, at bat, it's like, get loud, you know. And the in-arena announcers, you know, leading into the ninth, they were like, we need you. Embrace the chaos. Like, bring the chaos.

And it's like, I don't know. Hokey. We are very spoiled at Citizens Bank Park. And, yeah, it's a nice ballpark. I will say it was, like, really easy to walk through, which is really – Almost no lines, which is nice. I just – I don't like – you know me. I can't – I don't like the seats.

I like to be able to pace. Yeah, trust me. We never sit. Well, here's what else I'll say, too, and not to excuse anything, the Phillies bats did not show up today. But I can imagine it's probably pretty hard to feed off that crowd at Citizens Bank Park and then go play in kind of a silent-ish type stadium without a lot of, you know, action going on. Like, it's probably less juice.

I mean, Jack, they are human beings. You know this. But look, no excuses that the bats were horrible tonight but i'm sure it does take a little adjusting after you're you know so energized by that crowded citizens bank park yeah i don't know i just think they i think they walked into the ballpark thinking and we're just gonna show up and win and the dining backs had alternative plans and what's disappointing from that standpoint is I thought we were kind of over that. You know, to have nine strikeouts in, like, five innings off of a guy, I mean, who was more of a – I mean, he'll walk you.

I just think their whole approach in the first couple games of the series was jump on guys. And I thought it was smart against Zach Gallin. It sort of worked against Merrill Kelly. I mean, Merrill Kelly was pretty good. And then tonight, like, that's a kid who I feel like the more long counts you get into, the quicker you get into the bullpen. Like, Terry Lovello, you know, pulled him, and a lot of people thought it was too early.

I didn't hate the decision just because I knew he was, you know, game planning for Schwarber. But, like, I just – I thought they weren't locked in enough offensively to come in against a, a fired up a team with a, with a kid on the mound who has some big game feels on, you know? Oh, he was, he was good, man. And I, he, uh, he was good in his last start too, you know, four and two thirds shutout. I think like he seems like he might have it, this kid. Yeah. Yeah. He's got his stuff popped on TV.

Like, yes, the Phillies approach was bad and there were some bad swings and bad at bats. He might have it, this kid. Yeah, he's got something. His stuff popped on TV. Yes, the Phillies' approach was bad, and there were some bad swings and bad at-bats, but the kid also pitched really well. We can give some credit where due. At least to me, it looked like Fott's stuff was pretty nasty on TV. 2-1-5-5-9-2-94-94. Coming up in a minute,

I want to get Fritz's opinion on Christopher Sanchez tomorrow and more than anything on what it's like to have that type of layoff for a pitcher and how concerning that is we'll get to that in a sec let's go back to the phones talk to everybody josh yo josh guys i don't have you can't be worried i mean this is a game you know this is why we play a series it's not gonna be a we're not gonna run through everybody uh i thought no one ever has josh no one's ever gone undefeated in the playoffs. At least I don't think so. I'm saying that without knowing for sure. I'm pretty sure they have.

The 98 Yankees lost two games in the playoffs. I think that's probably the best it ever happened. Yeah. Guys, let's talk about our defense. Trey Turner was phenomenal. Bryson Studd, again, these guys are making plays. I mean, Turner turned away two runs. Like the double play was huge.

Friesen, I forget who it was, on third base. And then the back end and throwing it home to Riamuto to prolong the game. Guys, I could not have been prouder from a defensive perspective. We just couldn't hit tonight. And when you can't hit, you know, give credit to them. They made the things happen, but overall, okay, great. We took their best shot. Now let's just go beat them tomorrow

and beat them on Saturday, you know, and get out of here. Yeah, I'd be very disappointed if they show up tomorrow in a similar offensive fashion. I mean, they've been too good offensively. They've trailed for three innings this entire postseason. I think today was a wake-up call, and I think they come out tomorrow, and you see a much more locked-in, ready-to-go team, especially in a bullpen game. Like, tomorrow's a game, and I know we joke around about must-win or can wake-up call, and I think they come out tomorrow and you see a much more locked-in, ready-to-go team,

especially in a bullpen game. Tomorrow's a game, I know we joke around about must-win or can't-lose. You can't lose that game. Nope. That's a game that you have by the stones. Go out and end this and make it 3-1, and then make a comeback almost improbable. Exactly. Jack, I couldn't agree with you more.

Kimmel's been leaking oil pretty much for the month and a half. For the last two months. Yeah, two months. Yeah, two months. Exactly. Yeah. I mean, you know, it's one of those things. I mean, it's funny. The one run that they score,

Boehm has made every play at third base other than that one. Yeah, it's crazy when it's surprising that he doesn't make a diving play at third, you know? Exactly. So I'm not worried. I think there's – I always laugh at the Philadelphia fan base that, you know, I call them like the hallmark playoff fans, but they're not watching all season. Oh, it's over.

The wheels are coming off. Relax. Relax, okay? Josh, good call, buddy. Well, and once again, like, I've just been so unimpressed with Lavello this series. Oh, he's been a mess, dude. I mean, the fact that at one point in the game, it's tight late. It was still Alvarado on the mound.

The fact that it was so easy to walk, I believe it was the guy batting fifth, so that it's Alec Thomas up against Jose Alvarado. Yeah, I think it was Walker. It was walking Walker to get to Thomas. It was Walker to get to him because you pinch ran for Tommy Pham. I know, I know. I mean, that's atrocious. And we saw it in the other game where he has Pavin Smith up.

He pulls Longoria, and you end up with Emmanuel Rivera, who is just not – I mean, Longoria still worries me. It's not like he's a great player anymore, but I think he still has thump in his bat. I just, Lavello's been just very, very, very tricky. Yeah, bringing Mantaply in, I think it was, to face one lefty in Stott and then having the righties after, and you couldn't take him out if you couldn't get him out.

I mean, there have been multiple spots where Lavello's been really strange with his decision-making. But also to Josh's point, you point, we haven't given enough credit. It was a loss, but other than Kimbrell, the pitching was great, and the defense was unbelievable. I know what they said on the broadcast. You were at the game. But, Jack, I honestly, in my lifetime watching baseball,

I'm sure I've seen it before. I don't remember a runner on that situation with first and third no outs a grounder that that gets a double play and doesn't score the run unless the double plays with it out at home like i don't ever remember like a classic six four three or five four yeah six four three double play where the runner didn't score in that i honestly i feel like i've never seen that yeah and obviously the only reason that oh wow got turned. Oh, wow, first in playoff history, apparently. Dan Wilson just got in my ear. So there you go.

Like, that's how rare it is. Well, yeah, I mean, it makes sense. It does not happen if you don't have a second baseman with as strong of an arm as Bryson's thought. Great call. I mean, because, like, just being here, it was hit the turner, and I was like, smart, you'll get to play at second base. And all of a sudden, he whips at the first, and I was like, oh, he's obviously safe. And then he called him out. I was like, smart, you'll get the play at second base. And all of a sudden he whips at the first, and I was like, oh, he's obviously safe.

And then he called him out. I was like, wow. I did not see that one coming. And that's honestly what does hurt more about this loss is that they had so many momentum shifts. Well, the Ranger play, like the Scott Ranger play, I mean, that play was unbelievable. To get Corbin Carroll on that was, like, shocking. Yeah, I hope that, you know, I don't want to, you know, poke a sleeping bear here, but Carroll has just had such an eh series.

Yeah, he's had it. He smoked the ball. He smoked the ball that Johan Rojas was able to come down and grab. Johan Rojas, by the way, might be afraid of walls. I know. That was strange. Look, it's cavernous out there. rojas was able to come down and grab johan rojas by the way might be afraid of walls i know that was that was strange look it's cavernous out there gabby moreno did think he hit that 700 feet and he's never played there and the wall is way deeper than most but yeah and look the read he got on the ball before i mean he made that one look easy that was an unbelievable jump he got on the on the bat

before but all right before we go back to the phones jack the sanchez thing we obviously wanted sanchez over walker i'm super happy and not surprised i think we all expected tober to make the right decision here but the one concern and it would have been a concern with either of those guys but the one concern with sanchez going into this for me because i i trust the guy he's been a really for the the season probably their second best pitcher over the course of the season um obviously you don't trust him as much as the other guys now but um he hasn't pitched in a couple weeks uh you know we saw it with i think he's better than bailey falter but last year bailey falter had been pitching well going into the playoffs

that that you know waits two weeks pitches in i think it was game four actually the nlcs ironically yeah and uh and get doesn't last an inning um how concerned should we be about the layoff um definitely concerned i mean it is a long layoff especially when you're pitching and you're in such a good rhythm um you kind of i guess what i'm hanging my hat on is that you have to trust their process i mean they knew that this was going to be a game in which they needed someone to start you know and and they have been throwing simulated games, and I assume that they are watching those and saying, okay, he gives us a better chance to win.

And I'm glad. The difference between Falter last year and Sanchez tomorrow is that Sanchez just had a way better year. Way better. Way better year. And I just like his demeanor. He talked post-game. He's Ranger-ish.

He is Ranger-ish. And it's good to have Ranger back, by the way. Back, back. Oh, yeah, which reminds me. I got a stack coming up. But Sanchez gave a nice little wink and said, I'll be ready to go. I like that confidence. And for us, how confident we can be in Christopher Sanchez,

the Diamondbacks are starting their bullpen tomorrow. Again, this is a game that you have to win. I mean, you have to win this game tomorrow. Go up 3-1 and let's end this thing. But overall, I expect maybe a little bit of rustiness, but I think he's so calm. It's not like he's a super, super stuffed guy. He's 93 with a good changeup.

I don't think that takes a long time to kind of get back into the rhythm of. I totally agree. I totally agree. I'm looking forward to seeing Sanchez pitch tomorrow. Speaking of Ranger, I mentioned him. Jack, I don't know if you saw this stat going around, but it's pretty unbelievable. In a minimum of five starts, the best ERA in postseason history ever. Anyone.

Third place is Christy Matthewson at 1.06. Second place, Sandy Koufax,.95. A couple pretty good pitchers there. First place with the best ERA in the history of the postseason with a minimum of five starts, our Ranger Suarez, a.94 ERA. That's pretty wild, man. Yeah, it's a shame to see Koufax being dethroned on so many of these lists by the Phillies.

I mean, when you're on a list with Koufax and Christy Mathewson, you're doing something right, man. I mean, that's a list. Well, I mean, it's that. It's Wheeler having a lower postseason whip than Mariano Rivera, who's a reliever, by the way. Reliever, exactly. It's crazy.

I mean, there's been a lot of ridiculous postseason stats. And, frankly, I'm just glad that we're here with Ranger. And however this season ends, hopefully it's with a World Series title, I think they're going to re-sign Nola now. I think that's pretty much done. I was thinking about it tonight, Jack, the Ranger contract. What's this guy worth? Well, there's a Ranger contract, but there's also heading into the postseason next year

and the following years with three guys who have been really, really good in big games. And for as much as maybe we question them in the regular season, clearly something happens in the postseason where they're ready to go. And you look at him, you look at even some, like, Jose Alvarado, who is just a playoff goat at this point. They've got a lot of big game field to them. But, you know, obviously tomorrow is a big one as well.

It is. But that's why you should trust this team. And they've got a lot of big game bats who have, you know, we talk a lot about these pitching numbers that, you know, obviously until tonight, let's not forget the historic numbers that we were seeing from the offense, both in this postseason and career numbers for guys like Bryce Harper. Like, let's not forget how big game the offense has been when needed to,

and I expect it to be tomorrow. Let's go back to the phones. We already heard from Chuck from Mount Airy. Jack, let's go to another of your guys. Herb in the Northeast. Herbie. What's going on, boy? I want to know, are you in Arizona or just Jack?

Just Jack. Just Jack. I'm in the studio, Herb. Oh, you're in the studio. Okay. Okay. Okay. Well, you know, Jack, you saw.

I heard there was a lot of blown calls tonight. That's why we needed you out there, Herb. I mean, holy cow. Can he get on a plane? Let me tell you something. That Rackley umpired a few days ago. I saw that game. He missed about six or seven.

Yeah, it was rough. It was hard to tell from here, honestly. Oh, Jack, let me tell you, dude. It was a mess. I saw one tonight on the outside corner. There was one on the outside. I think Schwarber got rung up. It was on the outside was, I think, Schwarber got rung up. It was on the outside corner.

There were so many misses by the home plate on tonight, and the problem was, it wasn't consistent. Like, one pitch in the exact spot would be a strike, and the next one would be a ball. Like, I'm, look, I wish umps were better, but I'm fine if you're consistently horrible.

He was consistent. He was not consistently horrible. They call that makeup call. That's what they call. Yeah, it felt like the bone strikeout call was a makeup call too. Boom, that one that boom struck out 3-2, it was on the inside corner. If he would have been slightly off the plate, just slightly off the plate, inches, okay, off the plate to give him more room to swing that, if he gets a hold of that pitch, it's out of the ballpark.

Yeah, Herbie, I'm with you about it. It was right there. It was right there. It was right there on the inside corner. Dom made a good call on that. I usually know just by... I mean, my eyes are

pretty good. I was watching TV. I was at the Penrose Diner watching the last two winters. What was the game day atmosphere like there? Kind of like it was in Arizona, I'm guessing.

There ain't that many people at the Xfinity tonight. There ain't that many people. It's very quiet here. There's a nice amount of Flyers fans. Flyers, I heard, are winning or something. We'll talk about that later, Herbie. Herbie, what a pleasure, buddy. We got to get this W to Marjack.

We will. Yeah. Well, I expect you on a flight down here, buddy. We need a new home plate umpire. You're going to get in that dugout to Marjack or what, huh? I'll think about it, yeah. All I hope is that they clinch in five so I can cannonball over the pool. Take a little BP with them, all right?

That's going to happen, Herbie. Good call, buddy. It is, yeah. Yeah. Joe Mantiply officially starting the game tomorrow. For those who forget, Joe Mantiply's line from game two in Philadelphia, third of an inning. Three hits.

Three earned runs. Two walks. No strikeouts. So, you know, I think you feel pretty good about that start, Jack. Well, I mean, that's only because good guy Jack Fritz is here to pick up his wife's water bottle. Oh, yes. I forgot about the Joe Manaply connection. Hopefully I can find her tomorrow and then maybe walk by and A-Rod knock the waterRod knock the water bottle out so they can pick it back up and keep the good vibes going.

Maybe his whole family will be out there like they were here. Oh, they were here. Yeah, I saw them again. They're all over the place. They're very, very proud of Joe Mantiply. I think they might be all Diamondbacks fans is just all of Joe Mantiply's family. In all seriousness, though, I hope that they've been doing Harper batting fourth against lefties for a long time.

Just bat him third. Just stay with what you got. Yeah, because they don't have lefties late that can really beat you. Don't overreact to a guy who's going to pitch an inning or two. Totally. Yeah, I agree. All right, 215-592-9494. One more segment for us to go.

We'll continue to take your calls and react to, again, a frustrating Game 3 loss in the NLCS out in Arizona. Back at it tomorrow, Christopher Sanchez against Joe Mantiply in a bullpen game for Arizona. We'll set it up again when we get back. It's High Hopes Radio, a special edition of Final Out. We're coming right back.

Hey, fantasy football owners. The road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception. Join me and James Coe as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster. Wide receivers. We analyze route running, target share, and all the metrics that matter,

giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers. As you prep for your draft, let us give you the coverage you need. Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. It is a special edition of High Hopes Radio. And final out, it's Fritz and Seltzer reacting to a frustrating loss as the Phillies go 2-1. Now down, I guess, 2-1.

It was 2-0. Now they have 2-1 lead in the NLCS. Back at it tomorrow, Christopher Sanchez on the hill versus a bullpen game for the Dimebacks. Let's get some calls before we get out of here. Tom Kelly coming up next. I'll just tell you, I was talking to Tom during the break. How's he doing? He sounds great.

Like, I agree 100% with Tom. Basically, when we're done, what Tom says is how I feel. So, if you want to call Tom, call Tom and talk to him. It'll basically be like talking to me. All right, let's take some calls before we get out of here. Let Tom, call Tom and talk to him. It'll basically be like talking to me. All right, let's take some calls before we get out of here, Fritz. Go to Maryland and talk to Dave. Hey, Dave. Hey, guys.

Obviously an annoying loss tonight. That's how I guess you best describe it. They had plenty of opportunities to, you know, get the job done. I just, you know, a couple of concerns is Harper didn't see many pitches to hit tonight. A couple of concerns is Harper didn't see many pitches to hit tonight. So, I mean, if that becomes an overwhelming theme the rest of the way, the playoffs, I mean, Alex is going to have to step up or whoever is hitting there. Obviously, Kimbrel is a concern.

But, you know, with the non-sweep and the ability to, you know, the Diamondbacks, you know, giving us their best shot and winning. I just look at it, and I've always looked at it this way, after winning the first two. If we sweep them, series over Friday, that's a whole week off. Oh, this is a good spin. This is a good spin, Dave. I appreciate it.

I love this. I mean, that's been the theme of the playoffs, right? The time off is a disaster. I know the overwhelming, like, result is you want to win, you want to take care of business. But I look at the 07 Rockies. They marched through the Diamondbacks, I think it was, in four. And the Red Sox, I think, won four-two.

And they were off for seven days. And then the World Series came, and it was just a different team. And I wouldn't, you know, if the Diamondbacks take one more, like, again, we have to play Monday. You know, I think we're going to win the series. I mean, I think we're more talented. But also, I think the fact that the, you know, that I've been worried about that off time if they do.

I mean, obviously, you know, if you lose, you lose. But I think they're going to win this series, and I think that, you know, having less off time is they do. I mean, obviously, you know, if you lose, you lose. But I think they're going to win this series. And I think that, you know, having less off time is a definite, you know, thing that you've got to worry about. Dave, I think it's a great call. And, look, I think the off time thing, you know, has been overrated in terms of the teams that get to buy and all that. But, you know, I don't think you need a ton of off time before the World Series.

I don't think you lose to not get it. Sitting Friday to Friday is a long time. It's a long time. It's a long time. I agree. And again, like we came into this series expecting it to be five. Like you and I both predicted Phillies in five. That's right in front of us.

Like I can't freak out at a game where, I think you put it so perfectly, Jack, the Diamondbacks gave it their best shot. They fought super hard in this game. And they needed a walk-off hit to win it. And it was the first time this playoffs the Phillies have not shown up. If you haven't been nervous about the Phillies, you know, they bounce back every time they've been punched in the face. You know, give them a chance to bounce back.

Let's go to California. I don't even know if they got punched in the face tonight. They did. Like, you know what I mean? No, I know what you're saying. It's just like. They punched themselves in the face. How about that?

Agreed. They turned around. They grabbed a fist. And they just walloped themselves. I guess I feel so much different tonight than how I felt after game two in Atlanta. Now, obviously, the Braves are a way better team. But, like, blowing a 4-0 lead to that Braves team is different. The only, the only difference for me is,

is now you're on the road again, whereas they did have the home ballpark, you know, kind of pop. That's the only thing that, that worries me tomorrow is getting the energy back up on the road, but that's what shows the, the mental makeup of this team. And if it's truly as special as we believe it is. Well, and this is, again, a much less devastating loss to a not-close-to-as-good-a-baseball game.

This is a game where you walk into the clubhouse. And say, we sucked. We need to be better tomorrow, and we will be. You look yourself in the mirror. This is not a pick-yourselves-up-off-the-ground game. Great way to put it, Jack. Yeah, you look yourself in the mirror. I mean, everyone loved Nick Sirianni not talking to the players

after they lost on Sunday. it, Jack. Yeah, you look yourself in the mirror. You know, I mean, everyone loved Nick Sirianni talking to the players after, you know, after they lost on Sunday. Maybe this is one of those players like, we got it, just you know, let's show up and write a win a ball game. And again, I don't know how you can watch this team this playoffs. And look, who knows?

Weird things happen. Maybe they don't show up tomorrow. But if you've watched this team in the playoffs, if you've watched the focus that they have, the way they talk, the way they've gone about their business, and the way they responded to a much more devastating loss, granted at home, you know, with the home crowd after, like I don't know how you couldn't trust them to bounce back. So here's one of my big questions from tonight.

You know, going back to the Kimbrel kind of situation, Going back to the Kimbrel kind of situation, I wonder if Rob Thompson, he had the luxury for the first half of the season and even the last two months where Kimbrel hasn't looked as great, but he had the luxury of being able to put Alvarado in 6th, 7th, 8th, whatever, and shut down an important pocket of the lineup. You think you save him now? Do you go more Soto and Strom? That's a really interesting point. Do you go more Soto and Strom? That's a really interesting point.

Do you go more Soto, Strom, Soto? I actually really like this, Jack. Yeah, I think I trust Soto and Strom a lot more than I trust Kimbrel. So if we're talking about, and again, look, the danger in that is that you use one of those guys earlier and you never get to the situation later where you need Alvarado or can use Alvarado and end up losing the game because you didn't use him in that spot. That's obviously the thinking of using him. But I would rather have Strom and Soto pitch than Kimbrel.

So I feel like that's the most effective way to do that. I think Strom's got, he's got some big game feel to him. You know, where it's like a big spot. He closed out that other game. That was a big spot. He did. Soto still, you know, will have agonizing pain, I'm sure, watching him most nights. But Strom's got a feel to him.

And I wonder if these tight moments, maybe tonight. And listen, I don't think anyone, I don't think any other reliever in our lifetime navigates that little outing there besides Jose Alvarado. Yeah, especially three pitches for the three outs or whatever. But at some point, with the way that Kimbrell's pitching late in games, you've got to try something different. And I think I'd rather try that before I move Boehm out of the cleanup spot. Of the two questions, I trust Boehm more to bounce back than I do Craig Kimbrell. 100% agree with that.

And again, even though Bo Bohm hasn't been great, this offense has until tonight. I'm not going to freak out with a lineup that has worked really well for me in the playoffs after just one bad showing, after getting on a plane to Arizona in an afternoon game. It is a weird spot. Two o'clock on a Thursday. Yeah, two o'clock on a Thursday in a morgue of a

stadium after playing in the bright lights in front of this unbelievable crowd. Energy matters. Let's take one more call before we get out of here. Let's go to California and talk to Travis. Hey, Trav. Hey, how you guys doing? What's up, Travis? Doing great, Travis.

I mean, not great. Doing okay. Oh, yeah. Same here. This is my first time calling. I just wanted to. I mean, not great. Doing okay. Oh, yeah. Same here. This is my first time calling. I just wanted to say I'm a huge fan of you guys, the High House Pod. Appreciate it. Love it. Thanks, man.

Probably one of the few people in California that listen to it. And I always talk to my mom. My mom's a huge Phillies fan, too. We listen to it and stuff. Ah, we love that, dude. Thanks for what you guys do and everything like that. Thanks. Tell your mom we appreciate it, too.

I will. Well, I just wanted to call in and just say, well, first of all, now that we know Christopher Sanchez is starting tomorrow, I trust Christopher Sanchez. I think he'll shove. And his little smirk that he gave when he gave the comment that he'll be ready, I think he's ready. And I think he's actually super pumped for the moment. Second of all, I wanted to ask, you guys kind of talked about it just a few seconds ago, but I was just going to say, what do you think they do about the kimbrough situation because i would think or i would want like alvarado to close games but i feel like alvarado's kind of the guy

they use in like this seventh eighth inning when there's like a big spot and i don't know if rob really trusts anyone else in those spots um and then lastly just real quick i know the offense bounces back all the time but I just have this like scary little thought in the back of my head like I just think back to last World Series for whatever reason when they kind of just went dead at the end against the Astros and it kind of worries me

so I just wanted to know if that crosses your guys' mind at all but then again also the yeah but I mean this time back barely beat us when we had our worst game offensively all postseason but But then again, also the – Yeah, but I mean this time at backstage – Yeah, I mean this time at backstage – Yeah, the time at backstage barely beat us when we had our worst game offensively all postseason.

But, yeah, those are just my three things. That's one of the few you guys saw. And just once again, thanks for taking my call and thanks for – Travis, thank you so much, man. Again, thank you, Mom. And we love that. We really appreciate it. Yeah, I – look, I think everyone, when this – you know they they've been so hot then they have

a 10 nothing game you know similar to a 7 nothing game with a bunch of home runs and all that stuff you're like yeah they didn't show up the next day but i don't think it means they're not going to show up again you know well and if you want to like make everything a bit about last year which this team loves to do i mean they did come out, you know, Schwarber lit off the game with a home run, and they lost, but it was also a game that they could have won if, you know, Trey Mancini didn't exist or Chaz McCormick didn't exist or, you know, Brant Marsh puts the ball in play rather than striking out. Reese Hoskins.

Yeah, or doesn't strike out and leave Verlander up low. Doesn't strike out. They're starting Joe Mansiply tomorrow, and I know when you say starting, I'm well aware he's going a max of three innings. But this is a bullpen game. You have Chris Sanchez, who for a majority of the season was their second best starter. Trust the fills. They're fine. Tonight sucked.

But the makeup and the DNA of this team is too strong. And they come out tomorrow. And I think they put on some work with this against this Diamondbacks team. Phillies in five. I think everything you said, I couldn't agree with more. Phillies in five. I think Wheeler closes it out out there and I am unbelievably confident in them tomorrow.

I really am. I think they handle business. I think Sanchez pitches well and I think they hit. Alright, Fritzie, good luck tomorrow. Bring some good vibes to the ballpark, all right? Do better than you did today. Yeah, but the problem is that, you know, I'm very excited to do the pregame show tomorrow.

Pregame, buddy. But then I don't get over here until, like, the first or second inning. Oh, no, that's tough. So it's like I lose my big game feel. How about this? Do you want me to, like, finish out the pregame without you? You can, like, leave a little early. You sure?

No, no, I'm a professional. It's not all about me. I would never make things about me. I'll be here and I'll be locked in. And one game closer to, to me,

uh, cannonballing into the, the, the pool out there. Right. There's nothing I want more in life. I just see that. It's true.

All right. Uh, so we'll be back tomorrow. Fritz and I at six o'clock tomorrow for the pregame. Obviously, I'll be back at six a.m. as well. Listen to the morning show and listen to WIP all throughout the day.

It's only 930. It's 930. So what a night, buddy. This is a real treat for me tonight. It's 630 for me. Big night ahead. Yeah. You're going to go wild out there. Keep it tight, buddy. You got to be on the air tomorrow, all right? No, have fun out there. It'll be nice.

You, Markson, Ike, get some dinner, have a good time. That'll be fun. Oh, yeah. All right, we'll be back tomorrow again, 6 p.m. tomorrow, High Hopes pregame show, and then we'll be on after the game, postgame show, and I do feel confident we'll be talking about a Phillies victory and a three-run series lead.

Obviously, the offense has to show up. So until then, he's Fritz. I'm Seltzer. We'll be back tomorrow with another edition of pregame and postgame High Hopes Radio. And this has been another edition of Final Out. Thank you to Dan Wilson. Great job producing the show.

Tom Kelly's coming up next. Again, I agree with what Tom has to say. We were talking during the break. So basically just call in and talk to me and Tom without me being here. I'll talk to you guys tomorrow. Fritz will talk to you guys tomorrow. And we'll talk to you together at 6. Until then, he's Fritz himself.

Thanks for listening.