Betts Smashes, But Phillies Only Manage Split With Pirates

Its always fun when the Pirates and Phillies get together.  The Pirates defeated the Phillies in the World Series two years ago and won last year’s season series, what is in store for this year.  Pirates are deemed one of the favorites while the Phillies are considered a fringe team. 

GAME 1

DeGrom vs Peralta

Jacob DeGrom returns to the KPSL and doesn’t disappoint.  HE goes 6 strong innings striking out 9 while giving up two runs.  The Phillies bullpen did their job shutting the Pirates down the last 3 innings.

PHILLIES 6 PIRATES 2

HR: Lindor, Harris, Betts

GAME 2

Gore vs Holmes

The Pirates get to MacKenzie Gore with 2 runs in the 4^th inning.  Francisco Lindor answers back with a 3 run homer in the Bottom of the 4^th and Brandon Marsh hits a 2 run shot in the 5^th for a 5-2 lead. After an RBI single in the top of the sixth inning by Xavier Edwards the score is 5-3 and the game is now in the hands of the Phillies bullpen.  After an uneventful 7^th and 8^th inning thinks were looking bleak for the Pirates as the Trumpets blared for the entrance of Edwin Diaz.  Bryse Jophnson grounds out to second for the first out.  Javier Sonoja doubles followed by a Mookie Betts RBI single  (Score 5-4) and he promptly steals second.  Up steps Gian Carlo Stanton and lines out to the Shortstop.  Pinch hitting for Cody Bellinger is Pete Alonso.  And in a move only to take place in the Strat Universe, Edwin Diaz is replaced by Matt Strahm.  And in a move only in Strat Reese McGuire pinch hits for Alonso.  Reese grounds the ball to Matt Strahm who bobbles it drops it and then drops it again for an error.  And intentional walk to Jazz Chisolm loads the bases….and the stage is set Matt Strahm against Nick Allen.  Then bam up from the dugout steps comes Dominic Smith.  Fist pitch swinging lofts the ball to left field, Marsh is under it …and drops it..2 runs come in and the Pirates lead 6-5.  Dennis Santanna showed what a closer should do in the bottom of the ninth setting the Phillies down in order

PIRATES 6  PHILLIES 5

HR: Lindor, Marsh,

GAME 3

Petersen vs Castillo

THe Pirates scored first on a Javier Sonoja ground out.  THe Phillies answered with a Bryson Stott 2 run homer and a Corbin Caroll solo shot.   David Petersen pitched 7 strong innings allowing 6 hits and 3 runs.  The Phillies bullpen did its job, even though Edwin Diaz again tried to blow the save.

PHILLIES 4 PIRATES 3

HR: Sott, Carroll

GAME 4

Nola vs Verlander

A few years ago this is the marquee matchup, now it’s the getaway day game.  After 5 innings the score was tied at 4.  A three run homer by Alec Bohm tied the game for the Phillies.  The score remained tied until the top of the ninth.  Enter Kyle Leahy who gets the first out, hits the nex batter who scores on a Sean Murphy double who then scores on a Xavier Edwards single,  Dennis Santanna had another 1-2-3 ninth for the save,

PIRATES 6 PHILLIES 4

HR: Bohm Betts, Chisolm

OTHER NOTES:

*** Mookie Betts was an absolute stud going 9-16 with 2 HR 3 RBI’s and 3 runs, but he extended innings and allowed other to drive in runs.

***  The Phillies exalted bullpen lost two games and tried its best to lose a thir

***  Bryce Harper eliteness might be behind him he was 2-12 1 double, he did score 3 runs.

***  Corbin Carroll was 2-13