Huge W. Phils defeat AZ and Barksdale. Maybe ball 4 to Carroll was 1/4" off the plate, but strike 3 to Turner was some 3" off, a gross error and it is lucky for the Phils that it didn't have far reaching effect. Bad calls happen in sports and to compete you have to accept them and hope they even out, but that one gave a huge break to AZ and extended Gallen big time. Later in the broadcast, the announcers discussed Gallen's shut-down performance and I'm wondering how much the unearned K propped it up. Surely saved him one batter - say, 5 pitches - but it could be much more. AS Gallen had talked a good game about how he felt he could manage the Phils next opportunity. Not. Not even with Barksdale's help.
The announcers can't say often enough what a great defensive team AZ is, but the team that's doing it in the field is the Phils. Recently Bohm and yesterday Stott. OTOH, there are some serious misplays now and then from AZ, like the throw home in the 1st. The announcers did note that although the AZ OFs cover space like few others, their arms are not strong. Carroll's throw home from mid RF barely cleared the mound and was 1/3 of the way up the 3B line. Puts an exclamation point on "not strong".
Whoever decided how the Phils should pitch to Thomas has it wrong. Start over.
Dominguez in 9th destroys the first two batters then walks a guy with a 5 run lead. Like a B horror movie where the monster comes back to life a few times. Straham showed me a lot again by tearing up Carroll to finally end it. Very strong against lefties.
So near yet so far from the WS. AZ HC is cool facing elimination, says he has confidence in Kelly, which Kelly earned by pitching so well but losing in game 2. Hopefully the Phils will be more familiar with him and able hit him better on Monday, or if not, hit a dozen more solo HRs. If I were living nearby, I would find a way to see this game. I predict CBP will break 111db.
