Make that three straight: Phillies 5, Brewers 4

Three. Straight. Wins. Yes, somehow the Phillies have won three straight games, each of them decided by just one run.

The Phils struck first on a Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single in the first inning. A few batters later, the bases were loaded for none other than Didi Gregorius, who is most powerful with the bases juiced. So, you can guess what happened next.

Unfortunately, Brewers starter Freddy Peralta settled down after that, striking out six straight batters. Brewers’ relievers then combined for a total of five strikeouts, making it the 18th time this season in which the Phils have reached double-digits in strikeouts (is that good?)

In the meantime, the Brew Crew climbed back from being down five runs early, tacking on a run against Chase Anderson in the third inning and another in the fifth, on yet another pinch-hit home run. It was the sixth allowed by Phillies pitching this season.

Anderson was taken out of the game after 4.1 IP and at 92 pitches. Will he ever see the sixth inning? Is he aware the sixth inning exists? The world may never know.

This meant it was now up to the bullpen to get the next fourteen outs.

JoJo Romero came on in relief of Anderson, and with two outs, surrendered a two-run single to Avisaíl García. Sigh. Here we go again.

But through the efforts of Brandon Kintzler, Matt Moore’s first relief appearance, Enyel De Los Santos actually appearing on the lineup card, and a fresh-off-suspension José Alvarado, the bullpen was able to secure the win. Somehow.

It wasn’t the most exciting of games outside of the grand slam, but a win’s a win. The Phils are now one game above .500, and are still in sole possession of first place in the NL East.

Zack Wheeler takes the mound tomorrow in hopes of securing the series sweep. The Phils will also be donning the powder blues for the first time this season, so seems like a W to me.