I don't understand why Crawford didn't bunt down the third base line on his at bat. The third baseman was playing just to the left side of second base and the other 3 infielders were on the right side. A bunt down toward third base would have been an almost sure hit. If teams continue to shift as the Marlins did often today, it opens up large areas of the field. I would work on ways to exploit those opportunities.
In spite of a disappointing loss today (aren't they all disappointing?), I come out of the Marlin series with optimism. The Phillies win their first series of the year and now play three with the Reds. I want a sweep but will be (almost) happy with another 2 wins in the 3 game series.
Arrieta had a rough first inning but settled down to pitch 3 scoreless after that. The Phillies defense helped the Marlins score one run in that first that they probably should not have gotten. The Phillies offense came back to tie the game after three innings, but getting runners caught on the bases kept them from taking the lead. The bullpen was generally pretty good except for the 8th inning where Garcia (back out after getting final out of the 7th) started off with the HBP and walk to set the stage for the Marlins to score the winning runs. The Phillies' offense was non-existent after the third inning.
