High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Phillies Beat Mets In Game 1; Take Over First Place

Episode Date: June 21, 2025

Jack Fritz reacts to the Phillies taking Game 1 against the Mets and moving into sole possession of first place in the NL East. 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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I feel a little less alone You thought we were just gonna sleep tonight? I mean, what are we talking about? I mean, it's a Friday, I know that we recorded the podcast earlier today. But at the same time, if we're not at least getting a little bit of conversation up after a win like that, then what's the whole point? So welcome on in. It's a little solo Friday night edition of the I Hope's podcast, Jack Fritz here with you as you know, they wanted to watch a movie or something. So I said, hey buddy, that's a huge win. We should probably, well, let's get on this.

And he said, already in bed. Come on, man. I don't know, how can you even sleep after a win like that? So we're here. I don't know how long this is gonna be. This is 100% gonna be the ramblings of a madman because the Phillies met the moment tonight. And I think that's the biggest takeaway for me

from that game is you can tell me it's June 20th. You can tell me it's who cares. This is a series in the middle of the summer. You can tell me the Mets aren't playing good baseball. The Mets did not roll over and die tonight. The Mets showed up. They looked like they wanted to show that they're still in the Phillies' heads.

And you know what the Phillies did is even when it became 2-2, and we'll get into tie leverage there, even when it became 2-2 they kept fighting. They kept fighting and that didn't look like a team to me tonight that was just saying this is just another June series and I didn't want them to treat it like another June series because it's not. Again, that Mets team has just they've just been in their heads. They've played them tough. It felt like they would get the big hit when they needed the big hit. The Phillies stole game two last year and it was great. But man, did the Mets feel like that they were in a different class than the Phillies?

And the biggest thing that the Phillies had to do this series was remind the Mets that they're still here, that they're still here and they're not going to just roll over and let the Mets just dominate them. I mean, they're not going to just let the Mets come into Citizens Bank Park and dominate this baseball team. I understand it's game one. I understand that there's still two games left in this series. Totally. But at least for one night, and I would be damn near shocked if they can't take at least one more in this series. But at least for one night, it was tense, it was tight, and they came through with big hits when needed.

They got some two out hits with Ron's scoring position. That's huge. A couple of their stars showed up. But for the most part, that was a total team effort tonight. And I'm proud of the Phillies from the standpoint of they looked into it. For me, it looked like they treated that as if it was a playoff series.

And I appreciate that for it being June 20th. I appreciate that level of care because you know what that is? That is a team in sync with its fan base. We did a whole show today here on WIP. 51% of people trusted the Phillies heading into the series. 51%. And that's with the Phillies heading into the series. 51%. And that's with the Phillies being tied for first place. That's with the Phillies going down to Miami,

taking three or four, doing what they did over the weekend, and completely riding the ship. It was like, this city needs this series to believe in the Phillies again. They need this series to say in the Phillies again. They need this series to say, damn it, they got it. They got me again.

And I think we're beyond the point of bleep it, let's just go all in, whatever. Like I'm totally ready to get my feelings hurt all over again. ready to get my feelings hurt all over again. To not the shock of any single person listening to this right now, we're all the way back in. We're all the way back in.

What a night. And I got a gift credit where credit's due. CBP treated that like a playoff series. And even some of the old chants started coming back and that old CBP treated that like a playoff series. And even some of the old chants started coming back and that old CBP momentum. For June 20th, there's something about the City Connects. I'm letting everyone know. There's something about the City Connects

where the state starts playing pretty well in the City Connects. And there's been some extra juice with a couple of the City Connects games. I mean, the Dodgers game that Lazardo shoved in, The the the the the the the

the the the the the the the I think the thing that keeps hitting me is for a while now, really since that Mets series, they've played good. They've been a good team. They have that one night of a tennis stretch, but that's been more of a blip on the radar

than the norm. And like I just mentioned, it didn't seem like... I think people during the stretch got to the point where they said, they're clearly good. They're clearly a good team, but how good are they? Can they beat the Mets? Are the Mets still in their head? And tonight it looked like they took that personally.

Tonight, at least for one night, it looked like they took it personally. And that ending where they scored all of those runs. And Turner gets the big hit, which is huge. He's been scuffling a little bit recently. And I think the nice part about the Turner struggles is that they don't feel as just dreadful as they used to, where it was a lot of chase, it was a lot of swing and miss, it was a lot of just ugly at bats. He's been hitting the ball pretty hard,

just happens to be at people. And on that particular at bat, he had that two-one pitch that was out of the zone, and he swung at it, and I was like, oh no, is he really going to go back into this tailspin and he's going to be flailing at pitches? And to his credit, he locked in with two strikes like he's done this entire year. It's been the most impressive thing about Trey is with two strikes, he's developing a real two strike approach.

He's not just giving way at bats. And he's able to stay in there and do a job. And then ultimately, the floodgates open. And we've all watched a lot of baseball. If you've listened to this podcast, you are a true baseball psycho. I have never seen that. I think we've all been in a little league practice or you know, like

high school practice and something like that would happen and Everyone would laugh and it'd be a good joke, but you don't expect to see it in a major league game and The JT JT being on Castellanos and sliding back to back by the way the home plate umpire just some egregious calls throughout the night I mean a horrible night absolutely horrible but I gotta be honest the double safe call is strong the double safe call he met the moment you want to talk about the Phil's new the moment the umpire met the moment same time hundred percent at the moment same time, so I I

I was almost in disbelief That's like you never see that especially the big league level you see that in a little league game You see that in them. Yeah a legion ball game see that in high school and the pros guy just just right there, bang bang. Oh, it was one of those things. We sat back and he said, that's why I love this sport. Because I think baseball more than any other sport, it just brings you all back to when you were a kid.

It's the most like that happened when I was a kid kind of sport. And I think that's why it's so relatable for a lot of people. And that's why it survived all of these years because it is a game that is passed down through generations. And I know it sounds so dramatic, but that kind of play where they looked like they were in Little League was such a fun reminder of how great this sport is. And them laughing in the dugout afterward, I mean, by the way, I know that the the older generation is probably not a huge fan of the

Apple TV games, but they're just great. Like, they're just great. The camera angles are great. They're on everything in the dugout. They just I would like to see a playoff game on Apple TV. out, they just, I would like to see a playoff game on Apple TV. And again, the best part is, is that in a bottom right corner, you can, you can, you can sync up Fransky and tomato with stocker and you don't miss a beat, but they were on everything, you know, and, and in a dugout, Cassianos and JT laughing about it, like that's, for June 20th,

for June 20th and how well they've played and how much they deserve the belief that I think we have in them right now. That was one of those moments where I just feel like we're gonna look back on the end of the year and we're gonna look back on the end of the year and and and we're gonna remember it that that's a that's a really memorable play a very memorable night I

Gotta be honest. I uh when Scott hit that ball. I was like great. Perfect. That's a sack fly We'll get an extra insurance run the bullpen tonight certainly seems light and insurance run. The bullpen tonight certainly seems light and it just kept traveling and traveling and traveling and the nice part about that is man that is a couple games now you know it's really started what the second game down in Miami where Scott is driving the ball again and you know, Stott's been talking a lot. By the way, Kevin Stott was doing just a great job on the radio side. Obviously LA is the GOAT and I love LA, but like Stott, you know, he was down in Miami and he said that they're working with St stock from the standpoint of standing up more straight

so he can get on top of the baseball because when he's a little bit lower, and I guess his stride lengthens a little bit, he's getting a lot of head movement, and it's causing him to not be able to pick up the baseball. Well, ever since he said that on, I think it was Tuesday night I was driving home, he's been on some baseballs.

And it's not perfect, but he's been on base a good amount more. And maybe now just being lower in the lineup and not feeling the kind of pressure that comes with hitting leadoff. And Trey, by the way, totally settling into that role, looking like a natural up there. You feel pretty confident that when Bryce comes back, that they're gonna be fine from that standpoint with Trey up there, but still, stop driving that baseball.

I mean, Marsh has just been, I'm really happy for Marsh. Discover the magic of Bet MGM Casino, where the excitement is always on deck. Pull up a seat and check out a wide variety of table games with a live dealer. From roulette to blackjack, watch as a dealer hosts your table game and live chat with them throughout your experience to feel like you are actually at the casino. The excitement doesn't stop there, with over 3,000 games to choose from, including fan favorites like Cash Eruption, UFC Gold Blitz, and more. Make deposits instantly to jump in on the fun, and make same-day withdrawals if you

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from No Frills with PC Express. Shop online and get $15 in PC optimum points on your first five orders. Shop now at nofrills.ca. Are you ready to dive into the story stats and personalities that make baseball the greatest game in the world? Rob Bradford from the Bases and 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. I think there's a good player in Brandon Marsh. I think he needs to be a tough out. He can't be the big strikeout guy. I think he needs to be a grinder and you're starting to see more grind from from Brandon Marsh and not just giving away bats and working more three

two counts and and and putting a real charge into the baseball. So they're just starting to get good contributions from from everyone in the lineup. And I mean, even like Kepler had a good couple games now today he he actually just missed one which is a shame but regardless. Castellanos went big fly late. JT had a couple hits. Trey had a couple hits. Schwabber had it. Like it just it was a good good good all-around night for the offense that was it was capped off by that by that huge inning. And it really did, it did feel like a playoff game tonight down there. It felt like a playoff game with that inning

and them going off and of course, not getting a big hit, which was huge to see. But they're getting a lot of contributions because there's a time period there where it felt like once you got past what, fourth in the lineup, that it was an out. I mean, JT, Kepler, Marsh, Rojas, when Bomber was down there, it was just dreadful. And the nice part about where they're currently at is that you get in contributions one through nine And I'm fine with more stand down there now. He had the one miss play in centerfield. He's

He's just not as strong in center as he is in left. I mean left. He's a plus defender in center. He's just average to below average But at least at the plate he's Certainly doing his job. So again big takeaway big thing that hit me big thing that Dan there forced me to come on and and record this this little solo pod was just how How ready they looked for it and how ready they look to kind of stick to the math and say, hey, you know, we know you got us early in the year. We know that you guys in the postseason, but we're here and we're not we're not afraid of you. And they needed to set that tone.

They needed to set that down. And we'll see if maybe Bryce is back in there tomorrow, Sunday, certainly doesn't currently feel that way, maybe Sunday, but they're doing the job without him. They're doing the job without him, which is great. Wills definitely grinded tonight, didn't have his best stuff, his command was off early, locked in there in the middle portion of the game and gave them five shutout,

which what aces have to do sometimes. Little disappointed he didn't go out there for the six. I know he was at 98 pitches and I understand it was a stressful night on the arm. Do you need to put him out there for another inning? And I know that Taiwan has a pitch a lot. But man, the whole facade, the whole facade that, oh, well, you know, when Taiwan gets back on the bullpen,

you know, stuff's gonna play up a little bit. No, it's not, no, it's not. He's 94, he's 94 coming out of the bullpen, I guess 92, 93 as a starter. To think that there was gonna be any kind of play up to me is just foolish thinking. So, six pitches, two home runs.

I don't think that's what you want at all. And he's just gonna have to be a mop up guy. I know it's an $18 million sunk cost. But this idea of him being some kind of high leverage arm against real teams. You want to make him a sixth inning guy against the Marlins? You want to make him a sixth inning guy against some of these scrub teams?

OK, sure. Against a real team? No. Absolutely not. Tanner Banks, underrated hero of the night. He's it. I, I definitely was wrong from the standpoint of, I don't, I didn't think he was a major league quality pitcher. I still don't think I would trust him with like a one run lead in the seventh or eighth,

but from the standpoint of he's going to come in, he's going to throw strikes, seems pretty fearless. You know, he's not going to come in and nibble. He'll be in the strike zone. He knows that he doesn't have unbelievable stuff, but he's going to give what he has. So I guess from that standpoint, he is certainly doing his job. But man, taking down an inning plus there in the middle of the game, keeping it where it was, and not letting it get out of hand, and not letting the Mets jump on the Fills,

and keeping it a tie game, huge. Absolutely huge and letting the Phillies take over. And a couple other things before we get on out of here. Keep looking at the Mets and the top of the lineup is really good. Obviously, Lindor currently going through some struggles, made a really good bare hand at play, Nemo's Nemo, you know, Soto's heating uproomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parmesan delivered. Sunshine? No. Some wine? Yes. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. See app for details. Uh, excuse me. Why are you walking so close behind me?

Well, you're a tall guy. You throw a decent shadow when I'm walking in it to keep out of this bright sun. It hurts my eyes. Okay, well you know what, Spec Savers, you can get two pairs of glasses from $149 and oh you'll like this, one can be a pair of prescription sunglasses. Sounds great! Where's the nearest store? Mmm, not far, come on. Let's hurry then!

To my count! One, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one,

one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, one, two, one, two, one, two, one mean that Jacob Young, what was he batting? Fifth tonight? Sixth tonight? Jacob Young. In the bottom of that lineup, like, come on! We don't need this Metz, Voodoo Magic. By the way, speaking of Voodoo Magic, you know, Braves sweep the Metz. Okay, here come the Braves. Is it time to be a little bit fearful of the Braves? And lose what, 6-2 to the Marlins tonight? Something's off down there. Something's off down there.

Phil's a real opportunity here. They have a real fricking opportunity here. And I just, I couldn't be more excited. I couldn't be more excited. So yeah, tie leverage situation, not exactly great. Marsh certainly responding post-IL. Glad Trey got that hit. Maybe he gets him right back on track.

I know he got a hit after that. But man, that inning was so fun. And again, I've never seen something happen like that on a baseball field. I really haven't, especially in major league field. like that on the baseball field. I really haven't. Especially in Major League field. It was a really good reminder of how great this sport can be. And then tomorrow, as we continue the national TV run this team is on Nick Abel against the Mets

it's a pretty marquee spot for a kid who like we talked a lot about you know six plus era last year and in in AAA and comes up and flashes against the Pirates Last start against the Marlins. I gave him a lot of credit. I thought he batt that start same time. I wonder how it goes against a a Tougher opponent met certainly have some some tough bats in that lineup, but it's a real good show me Kind of situation for for Mick Abel cub start I give him credit for the Tucker thing But at the same time he allowed three home runs in that start in only what five innings. So I'm sure the league is starting to get more adjusted to him to start to figure him out a little bit

It's a marquee game. It's a marquee game in a marquee series that at least for one night The Phillies met the moment and I couldn't I could not be happier. I need this You need this series. I think to really get some wind in ourselves and believe that this team is is is different and it has the ability to go on a run here and and make some noise in the National League playoffs. It was it was going to take one of these these series against the Mets, I think, for people to start believing again. And the way they played tonight, it makes it harder and harder to not think there's still some fight left in this baseball club. There's still some fight left. They took down the Mets. What a night. What a night. All right. I don't think there's gonna be a solo pod tomorrow night

I think we back probably Monday, but hey if they win and Two guys almost crashing to each other Scoring on the bass bass. We might have to do this again, but thanks for hanging out and thanks for you know As always listening to a nice little solo You know As always, listening to a nice little solo, you know, ramblings of a madman here on this Friday night. So, most likely talk to you Monday morning. As always, Hi Host Podcast presented by Miller Lite and we'll talk to you soon.