OOTP 6/24: Braves 6, Phillies 5

When Vince Velasquez came down with flu-like symptoms, the team was forced to depend on the bullpen for the game. Turns out - that wasn’t a good thing.

Everything started off alright. Although the team would miss Velasquez and his ability to strike hitters out on a night like this, they still had some dependable arms that could give them some decent innings or two. Nick Pivetta got the start and he was able to give the team 2 ¹⁄₃ innings where he struck out four batters and only allowed two baserunners. More than can be expected. Francisco Liriano came in in the third and cleaned up the inning, but allowed a solo home run to Freddie Freeman to lead off the fourth for the game’s first run. In the fifth, Seranthony Dominguez took over with one out, but he struggled, letting all three batters he faced on base via the walk, then gave way to Robert Stock. Stock gave up a two-run single to Ronald Acuna that made the score 3-0.

In the top of the sixth, the Phillies offense woke up.

And all of it with two outs!

Bryce Harper started the fun with a solo home run. Jay Bruce walked, Adam Haseley singled and Scott Kingery doubled, scoring both runners and tying the game. Logan Forsythe singled to score Kingery and the Phillies had the lead, 4-3.

In the top of the seventh, Rhys Hoskins hit a pinch hit single to start the inning, then scored when Jean Segura doubled him to third and Andrew McCutchen hit a sacrifice fly, making it 5-3.

With Hoskins pinch hitting the Phillies only had one pitcher left, Hector Neris, meaning he would have to finish the game “fireman” style. It didn’t go well. A double to Johan Camargo and a home run to Cristian Pache meant the score was tied. It stayed that way into the ninth when, with Neris still going and nearing 50 pitches, back to back doubles from Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman ended the game and Neris’ misery.

The teams wrap up the series tomorrow with Velasquez hopefully making his start.