9/20 Game Recap: Phillies lose to Blue Jays 18-11

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Tonight’s game was seemingly a microcosm of the Phillies entire season. It started early as Kyle Gibson allowed the Blue Jays to get out to a 7-1 lead. As we then saw the Phillies clawing back and giving fans a glimmer of hope bringing the Jays lead to just 5. But only an inning later we saw Phillies pitching take away that glimmer, giving up a combined eight runs throughout the next four innings. But what is that I see, yet another chance as Kyle Schwarber led the Phils to a five-run 8th inning setting the deficit at just 4. But of course an inning later you could probably guess what happened, Toronto went ahead and scored another four runs with ease.

It’s almost eery how this had game echoed the Phillies season and its ups and down, just as it looks as though the Phillies may embark on yet another late September collapse. I’ve been very optimistic throughout the recent five-game losing streak, But if the Phillies come out again tomorrow and show more of the same, it may be time for me to finally jump ship on this squad that I’ve held onto for dear life.

I thought it was also ironic that just as we’ve been complaining of the Phillies lack of offense and how they need to start playing more complimentary Baseball and help the pitching. That we saw a night where Phils pitching gave up 18 runs on 21 hits and struggled to find any footing at all.

Kyle Gibson was the ring leader of the Phillies defensive struggles, giving up 7 runs in 5 innings and allowing the Blue Jays to blow the game open in the first inning. Gibson has been nothing short of pathetic as of late and has shown no reason to believe he deserves a spot in this rotation come next season.

Tonight was more than just a bad loss, I believe it was a sign, it was a sign to this Phillies team that they need to turn it around or it will all be over sooner than they may think. And I honestly believe if the Phillies are going to turn it around and stay in this playoff picture, they will start it tomorrow night. Zack Wheeler will make his return to the mound tomorrow in hopes that he can help guide the Phillies to a win, but it will need to be an all-around team effort. That means the bats and bullpen will need to make some significant contributions. Hopefully, they can prove to us that this whole season wasn’t for nothing. But for now, good morning, good afternoon, and good night, and of course Go Phils!