Via: nytimes.com
NOTE: This will be my last Philliesfridays writing for the foreseeable future. I’ll be preparing for the high school sports season writing for spotlightonberkssports.com, as well as Exeter’s publication. Stay updated on instagram, adamcookejournalism
Michael Lorenzen tosses 124 pitch no-hitter in his second Phillies start, Weston Wilson hits HR in first AB, Castellanos hits HR 199 and 200
Via: cnn.com
Wednesday’s game at Citizens Bank Park was nothing short of magical for multiple players. After splitting a doubleheader on Tuesday, the Phils and Nationals geared up for an emotional game with historic homers and a beautiful no-hitter.
After being drafted in the 17th round of the 2016 draft, Weston Wilson finally made his MLB debut on Tuesday for the Phils. With his family in attendance, he stepped up for his first ever at-bat in the second inning. Facing Mackenzie Gore, he blasted a curveball to left field, clearing the fence for a home run. Fans went wild, his teammates cheered him on, and his dad shed rejoiceful tears. He would finish the game 1-1 with 2 walks, scoring 2 more runs outside of the home run.
Nick Castellanos would provide for another notable home run-studded performance on Tuesday, going 2-4 with a pair of homers, hitting his 199th and 200th home runs in the game. In the 1st, Castellanos followed up Bryce Harper’s RBI double with a 2-run shot into deep center, clearing the fence into the bullpen. The homer put them up 3-0, placing him within one of 200 career home runs. In his next at-bat, he hammered a fastball to the opposite field, just clearing the left field fence. It was his 200th of his career, 19th of the season, and third in four games.
Though Wilson and Castellanos provided moments that already made the game feel good, it was Michael Lorenzen’s performance that made the night even more incredible for the Phils. After a 2-run, 8 inning performance in his first Phillies start last Thursday, he took the mound Tuesday. As the game progressed, Lorenzen pitched beautifully while primarily relying on 5 different pitches; a 4-seam fastball, slider, changeup, sinker, and sweeper. He entered the 8th with 100 pitches, no hits, 4 strikeouts, 4 walks, and a ton of weak contact that was fielded by the defense behind him. He pitched the 8th with a fly-ball to Castellanos in RF, and then line-drives to Rojas and Castellanos. He ended the inning with 110 pitches and still no hits, just needing 3 more outs.
Lorenzen’s family was in attendance, getting progressively more excited as each inning passed by. His father passed back in 2016, who Lorenzen remarked on, saying “he’d be right there with my mom, jumping up and down and showing that type of excitement. He would’ve been fired up, for sure. And I have three brothers at home that I know are celebrating, and a bunch of nieces and nephews that I know are celebrating as well.”
With 3 outs left in the 9th, Lorenzen faced Washington’s 2-3-4. He got his first out on a groundout by Lane Thomas to Alec Bohm, 2 to go. As Lorenzen quickly got Joey Meneses to an 0-2 count, a sketchy call by the umpire rang up Meneses on three pitches, 1 more to go. With 117 pitches, he faced Dominic Smith, who worked to a full-count. On his 124th pitch of the game, he threw a slider to Smith, popped up to Johan Rojas in center. As Rojas squeezed the ball in his glove, Michael Lorezen had thrown a no-hitter, and his teammates went crazy.
The excitement and emotions flowed from Lorenzen’s family, his teammates, fans at the stadium and at home, and with fans across the league. The no-hitter is the first Phillies no-hitter since Cole Hamels threw one in his final Phillies start back in 2015. “Unbelievable, welcome to Philadelphia buddy,” said manager Rob Thomson to Lorenzen in the clubhouse. His family, including his mom, wife, and sister, all went crazy, proud of Michael. He noted throwing a no-no was always a top goal of his, and finally did. He’s become a fan-favorite in Philly, and looks to be a strong asset in a deep playoff run.
Trea Turner goes on 7-game hitting streak after standing ovation
Via: inquirer.com
It’s no secret that Trea Turner’s 2023 campaign has been a low point of his career. After signing an 11 year, $300 million contract with the Phillies in the offseason, Trea has hit 0.243 with a 0.684 OPS. However, his efforts to improve and contribute to the team more consistently have been remarkable to fans, earning him a standing ovation against the Royals last Friday. Fans wanted to show their support during the slump and provide confidence for the 30-year old SS, which he thanked later in the week with multiple billboards around Philly saying “Thank you Philly”.
Ever since getting the ovation, Turner’s numbers have significantly increased, hitting 0.370 with an 1.134 OPS in the span. He’s driven in 8 RBIs, hit 2 homers, and recorded 10 hits in just 28 at-bats. His hits have driven the Phils to a 5-2 week, hitting in the most clutch moments and putting his team ahead. On Saturday, he went 2-4 with a double and homer. His homer was a 3-run shot down 6-5, putting the Phils up 8-6. After Turner followed up with a double in the 9th, he made it 9-6, where they would win. On Thursday, trying to win the series against the Nationals, Turner came to bat in the 6th. Facing Andrés Machado with Stott on first, he blasted a 1-0 fastball to deep left, putting them up 2-1. They would hold on for the rest of the game, winning 6-2.
Turner’s multiple heroic moments, even in games where the Phillies fell short, have been amazing to see for the whole league. Though Philly is usually seen by others as a harsh place for players, the care for a struggling player is just what Trea Turner has needed. Ideally, fans will continue the support, and he will be a key piece moving into the fall months. Even if the whole league had counted him out at one point, Trea Turner may just be back.
The Phillies sit comfortably in wild card standings, look to retain top spot through September
Current wild card standings as of 8/11/23, via MLB.com
With two dominant home victories against the Royals and Nationals, the Phillies have jumped to the top wild card spot. They currently sit four games ahead in the standings, and would face San Francisco if the season ended today. Their rotation and bullpen have been solid, with a more consistent, clutch lineup behind them. They play home series against the Twins (starting tonight), Giants, Cardinals, Angels, Marlins, Braves, Mets, and Pirates. On the road, they face the Blue Jays, Nationals, Brewers, Padres, Cardinals, Braves, and Mets.
Their series against San Francisco and Miami are both crucial to retain their top wild card spot, considering they most likely won’t snatch the division from the Braves. Both series are at home, probably becoming the six most important games of the season to secure their position. Other than the Braves, the rest of series this year are very easily winnable, and can boost them to a 90 win season. It would be the first 90+ win season since 2011. They currently have a 92.4% chance to make the playoffs according to Baseball Reference, mainly due to their recent success, as well as a lack of strong competition for the NL Wild Card.
With Lorenzen added to the roster and since showing his value, the Phils’ pitching looks better than ever. The pitching roster has a 3.96 ERA ranked 4th in the NL, while the lineup has improved with guys like Bohm and Turner stepping up. The only concern is the ability to go seven games against a team like the Dodgers, Braves, or AL winner, which is where they fell flat last year against Houston. However, this team seems to be a whole different monster from last year, able to ride out the 4-seed for a deep playoff run.
Adam Cooke Journalism 