Tonight's 4-1 win against the Braves was oddly lifeless. Even though it was Carlos Ruiz's 1000th career game and Ken Giles' first home appearance as closer, everything seemed oddly muted. Scoring runs and winning the game didn't seem to make anyone feel better.
Maybe it's because of all the singles. So very many singles. There were 24 total hits in tonight's game between both the Phillies and the Braves, and only 1 extra base hit. And that extra base hit was a Domonic Brown home run, his first of the season and his first since September 16. 2014.
Brown's HR was his first since September 16, 2014, a span of 46 games and 162 plate appearances. #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) July 31, 2015
Congratulations to Domonic Brown on passing Ben Revere and Cesar Hernandez in isolated power.
— Corinne (@Ut26) July 31, 2015
This calls for a celebration! Other causes for merriment: Aaron Harang pitched five innings of one-run ball, and after nine straight losses he has his first win since May 14. I hope he's relieved -- I know I am. Mostly because this was his first start off the DL and he didn't made a stop in the minors for a rehab assignment. So tonight worked out so much better than I thought it would.
Carlos Ruiz had a special night.
From CBP tonight pic.twitter.com/yF5fd9mn9p
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) July 30, 2015
And on top of that, he gave the Phillies the lead with this perfectly placed hit.
#Chooch celebrates his 1,000th game by giving the #Phillies the lead! http://t.co/DkYWzSPTmI pic.twitter.com/R8UGcT5JDD
— Phillies (@Phillies) July 31, 2015
There was one thing that got the crowd excited: Ken Giles. Tonight was his first home appearance as closer, and he absolutely knew it. Until he stepped out onto the field, his closer music was a secret. BUT NO MORE.
Ken Giles is entering the ninth inning to Avenged Sevenfold's Hail to the King. #closermusic
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 31, 2015
BEHOLD!
OK, stay with me for a minute here. Close your eyes and click the play button. Imagine Citizens Bank Park filled to the bursting point with fans in Phillies gear waving rally towels. This music starts and the crowd erupts as Ken Giles walks jogs out to the mound. DOESN'T THAT SOUND REALLY COOL!? I mean, my adrenaline is up listening to that song. And I *think* Ken's adrenaline may have been pumping as well.
Giles first three pitches as Phillies closer at Citizens Bank Park flash 100 m.p.h. on the ballpark scoreboard.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) July 31, 2015
Oh my god I love him.
So here's an odd thing: Jake Diekman actually suited up for tonight's game and was in the bullpen, at least for awhile. With the Rangers trade not finalized yet, Diekman is still technically a Phillie. So why not put him to work?
It appears Jake Diekman is no longer in the Phillies’ bullpen. Empty chair where he sat.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) July 30, 2015
Awh. Goodbye, Jake. I'll miss you.
The Phillies are 10-2 in their last 12 games. Cole Hamels is gone. It's a little tough to figure out how to feel right now.