Will The Lull In The Phils Rotation Be Their Downfall This Week?
- BroadStreet Sports
- Oct 31, 2022
- 2 min read
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - The Phillies have been lucky, to say the least; Through 13 playoff games, 9 of them have been headlined by either Zack Wheeler or Aaron Nola. Shortened playoff series like the Wildcard (2) and NLDS (4) have allowed the Phillies to run with a 3 man rotation for nearly the entire postseason.
Nonetheless, as we trudge on into game 3 of the world series, the road ahead does not look as flattering. As of now, Noah Syndergaard and Ranger Suarez are projected to start games 3 and 4 for the Phils. The pair has allowed a combined 7 runs through 15 innings this postseason. Despite putting up a few good frames, they have certainly not performed as well as the top of the rotation (which is to be expected of course).
Furthermore, they will be opposed by the likes of Lance McCullers and Chrisitan Javier who have been lights out for the Stros in the playoffs. McCullers has boasted a 2.45 ERA and has pitched the Astros to two wins against the Yankees and Mariners while allowing just 3 runs across 11 innings of work. While Javier has done more of the same; allowing only 1 run through 6.2 innings.
There is no doubt that these two games are the most pivotal of the series. If either team is to sweep then they would hold ultimate control headed into what could be a deciding game 5 matchup Wednesday night. While a sweep would be ideal, the Phillies should be grateful to split the next two with the Stros and hope Aaron Nola can give them a 3-2 lead headed back to Houston on Friday.
Just because the Phils do seem to be outmatched, does not mean they can’t take all 2 or even 3 from the Astros this week. This club has overcome some bad pitching in the playoffs already, getting bailed out by their bats on more than one occasion. However, If the Phils are going to make it out of South Philly alive this week, it’s no doubt going to come down to the arms of Noah Syndergaard, Ranger Suarez, and the entire bullpen. We’ve seen some underdogs do it before, so why not again?
Yes, why not. Life throws curves, eh? Ranger and Noah will no doubt be prepared mentally; the pen is full of pitchers who can get batters out. All the whole team can do is their best. Topper’s judgement has been as good as anybody’s. “It’s why we play the game.”