FILADELFIA – Draw conclusions based on the first game of the major league season would possibly be a bit unwelcome, as it would not be an indication of what will happen in the last 161 games.
But if the Phillies’ defense and bullpen continue to perform as they did Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, this team’s playoff chances still couldn’t improve.
Since those two spaces were the main reasons the Phillies missed the 2020 extended playoffs, that’s why the 3-2 win in 10 innings over the Braves is so encouraging.
The result would have been another if it had been for 3 defensive gems and the 3 0. 33 blank innings in the bullpen.
“It would have been losing a game like that,” manager Joe Girardi said.
Shortsteel Didi Gregorius grabbed his shoulder and hit him opposite his chest as he fell on his back to finish the start of the ninth inning, and third baseer Alec Bohm jumped up to catch Marcell Ozuna’s line with runners at the time and third and an out on sixth.
But the game of the day was the repetition of central gardener Roman Quinn to close the start of the tenth inning.
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Quinn hit Ozuna’s flying ball in the shallow middle and fired a two-hop jump at catcher J. T. Realmuto, who eliminated Ozzie Albies, who was looking to score from third base, to maintain a 2–2 draw.
“Incredible defense, out of the standings, ” said pitcher Aaron Nola. “The defensive wins a lot of ball games. “
After the Phillies finished 28th in defensive problems stored among the 30 MLB groups last season, as well as 18th in errors, Girardi and his team focused on defense spring practice. The team was asked to do workouts that were not used to in hope that repetition would produce more consistent effects on the field.
Phillies reliever Connor Brogdon at Roman Quinn’s launch from the center of the area to receiver J. T. Realmuto to finish the tenth round: “I saved the game, so I had the most productive position in the house. “
“Our boys took that as a challenge in spring training,” Girardi said. “I appreciate all the paintings they’ve made and it was worth it (Thursday). “
The bullpen compiled the second worst ERA (7. 06) in the year in baseball history.
After Nola allowed a massive home run with two outs in the right area through pop-up hitter Pablo Sandoval in the seventh to tie the score to 2, Archie Bradley did his best in the seventh, and José Alvarado, Hector Neris and Connor Brogdon released a bleach. inning.
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“I think it’s a wonderful way to get off to a smart start,” Brogdon said. “Last year was difficult. “
Alvarado’s eighth race was an adventure, with more of the same on the way. Alvarado allowed a walk, single by Travis D’Arnaud and hit a batter before hitting Cristian Pache in his hundred-mile-per-hour pitch with targets loaded in the eighth.
Brogdon, 26, had the most impressive start of the four relievers and claimed his first MLB victory.
Upon entering with a runner at the start of the tenth, Brogdon allowed Freddie Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP, to finish the moment, and then Ozuna flew toward Quinn in the middle for what turned out to be the double play of the end of the inning.
Joe Girardi, coach of the #Phillies, in the bullpen with 3 innings and 0. 33 blank in a 3-2 win: “It’s refreshing. It’s encouraging. “
Girardi did not hesitate to call Brogdon in such a situation, despite the availability of veteran Brandon Kintzler and other more experienced weapons.
Brogdon had an MPM of 16. 88 in three appearances in August before being sent to Phils’ election in Allentown. He made some changes and failed on his return in September, allowing a single hit and retiring 14 in 8 2/3 innings. followed by a stellar spring (0. 00 MPM, one hit, nine strikeouts in six innings).
“I rearranged my way of thinking, ” said Brogdon.
That would be with Girardi.
“We saw his confidence take off last year,” Girardi said. “And I know it’s a difficult task for him to position him, but I have a lot of confidence in his talent and what he’s capable of.
Thursday’s result gave Brogdon more flavor in that department, according to moment base Jean Segura, who provided the single double in the back of the tenth.
“If we play the kind of game we play today, I make sure we’ll be in the playoffs, there’s no doubt about that,” Segura said.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes. com; @TomMoorePhilly