Eight Losses Away From 10,000 - A Loss That Says It All!
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by user Christof
THIRD IN A SERIES
The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Cincinnati Reds last night by a score of 9-6. This loss at home by the Phillies marked their 9,993rd loss in franchise history, leaving the club only eight losses away from the magical 10,000 loss mark. If there were ever a loss that showcases the futile history of the Phillies, it would be this loss.
First, the basics. This game was played at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies. The Reds entered the game with a record of 29-48. This record was not only the worse in the National League, but the worse is all of baseball. On the other hand, the Phillies entered the game with a record of 40-36, and within three games of the NL East leading New York Mets. With the basics out of the way, lets move to the game itself.
The Phillies starting pitcher last night was Jamie Moyer. Moyer, 44, was one of six starting MLB pitchers over 40 who started a game last night. Moyer pitched well, and even had a no hitter going into the sixth inning.
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, when Phillies slugger Ryan Howard belted a 505 foot 3 run home run. This was Howard’s 100th career home run. He is the fastest man to reach this home run mark in baseball’s history.
The three run lead and no hitter should have a meant a victory for the Phillies. Not so fast, however. It was a very humid night in Philadelphia, and this caused Moyer to tire in the seventh inning. Moyer left the game with the lead, but that lead soon evaporated. With Geoff Geary on the mound, not only did the Reds tie the game, but went ahead. When all was said and done, the Reds put up a 6 spot in the top of the seventh, giving them a 6-3 lead.
The Phillies, however, did not quit. During the bottom of the seventh, the Phils tied the game at 6. However, the Phillies bullpen once again failed, giving up runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Therefore, the final score became 9-6 in favor of the Reds.
This Phillies loss really does represent all that has been wrong with this franchise for decades. They keep it close and get ahead. This lead, however, cannot be maintained because of lack of talent in key areas of the roster. The club attempts to fight back, but the deficiencies are too great to overcome.
And now, the Phillies are only eight losses away from 10,000.
