It’s multiple-choice time on a Wednesday. The red-hot Philadelphia Phillies have been cooled off by:
A) Strong starts by Seattle’s Logan Gilbert and George Kirby
B) A resurgent Cal Raleigh
C) The return of the Mariners’ J.P. Crawford
D) All of the above
Choice D is correct.
The Phillies traveled to the Pacific Northwest this week with a nine-game winning streak. After 9-2 and 4-1 defeats to the Mariners, Philadelphia will try to avoid being swept in a three-game interleague series Wednesday afternoon in Seattle.
“It’s tough, but kind of like we just talked about in here — I think we ran into two really good starting pitchers the last couple days, and just didn’t get the job done,” said Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, who is 0-for-8 in the series.
“I don’t feel like we’re beating ourselves or doing some stupid stuff. I feel like we just got beaten. You move on; you can live with those and you tip your cap to those guys over there.”
Added Aaron Nola, who took the loss on Tuesday despite a quality start: “It’s tough; they played us really well these first two games. … Got to come out (Wednesday) and try to get that game before we head out to Anaheim (to play the Los Angeles Angels on Friday).”
Kirby allowed one run over 7 2/3 innings Tuesday and Raleigh homered in his first at-bat after going deep three times in the series opener.
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Kirby “strangled” the batters and that Raleigh is “on fire at this point.”
The Mariners got a boost Tuesday as Crawford, a veteran infielder who started his career in Philadelphia, was activated from the injured list (left wrist inflammation).
Crawford had a single and a run as the Mariners scored two insurance runs in the seventh inning en route to winning for the fourth time in their past five games.
“It’s great getting J.P. back,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “Obviously, we talk a lot about what he brings to the clubhouse in terms of his leadership and just what he means to this organization. … It feels a little bit more like the family is getting back together.”
In the series finale, the Phillies will start All-Star left-hander Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.35 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10).
Luzardo has won his past two decisions and eight of nine, though he didn’t get one in his last outing Friday against visiting St. Louis when he gave up four runs (two earned) on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, with one walk and nine strikeouts in a game the Phillies won 7-6 in 10 innings. He is 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in seven career appearances against the Mariners, including four starts.
Woo, who is 7-0 with a 1.96 ERA at home this season, was skipped the last time through the rotation due to discomfort in his right shoulder. He beat host Houston 3-2 in his most recent outing Aug. 16 when he allowed two runs on three hits over six innings, with one walk and five strikeouts. He’s 1-0 with an 0.00 ERA in one previous start against the Phillies.
–Field Level Media
