The Philadelphia Phillies wasted little time utilizing their latest addition to the roster. Just hours after finalizing contract negotiations, left-handed starter Drew Smyly was on the mound at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park to take on the Pirates.
Drew Smyly Allows One Run Over Six Innings
Smyly’s first start as a Phillie did not come without some adversity. He allowed a run in the bottom of the first and had to deal with a fourth-inning rain delay, but overall he impressed earning a no-decision after going six innings. He allowed one run on four Pirate hits and had eight strikeouts.
Pittsburgh’s leadoff hitter, Kevin Newman, doubled down the third-base line to start the game. Drew Smyly got the next batter, Bryan Reynolds, to strikeout, but Starling Marte followed with a flyout that was deep enough to advance Newman to third.
Melky Cabrera then singled to left to put Smyly in an early 1-0 hole. Smyly, however, kept his composure and got Jose Osuna to ground out to end the frame.
Weathering the Storm
After the 25-minute rain delay during the top of the fourth, the Phillies offense tied the game thanks to an RBI single from second baseman Cesar Hernandez.
Despite the delay, Smyly came back out for the bottom of the fourth and held the Pirates scoreless through the end of the sixth before departing with 96 pitches.
Phillies Bullpen Dominant
The Phillies’ bullpen has had its fair share of struggles as of late but was very strong Sunday.
Juan Nicasio, Adam Morgan, and Hector Neris each threw scoreless innings before Ranger Suarez took over in the extra frames.
After the Phillies’ offense was stymied in the top of the tenth, Suarez surrendered a leadoff double to Adam Frazier to start the bottom of the inning. He quickly recovered to sit down the next three batters in order.
Hoskins in the Clutch
The Philadelphia offense finally broke through in the top of the 11th. Bryce Harper led off with a strikeout, but teammate Rhys Hoskins was there to pick him up. Hoskins delivered a towering solo home run to left field on a 1-2 curveball to put the Phillies up 2-1.
The homer proved to be the decisive blow. Suarez was able to get Josh Bell to ground out to begin the bottom of the 11th. Cabrera followed with a single, but Suarez retired the next two batters via the strikeout to earn his third win of the season.
After all the injuries and lack of production from the team’s pitching staff, the Phillies have to be encouraged by Smyly’s start as they push to get back into playoff contention.
Manager Gabe Kapler said he pitched like “a professional” and was very impressed by Smyly’s curveball, which induced eight swinging strikes. He recorded five of his eight strikeouts with the pitch.
Even Pittsburgh slugger Josh Bell was impressed. “I think Smyly had a good curveball going,” he said. “It’s something that I haven’t really seen — none of the guys have seen.”
Looking Ahead
The Phillies have to be pleased to earn the much-needed series win. They will be off Monday before starting a quick two-game series in Detroit on Tuesday. Aaron Nola is scheduled to pitch against potential trade target Matt Boyd. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
