The six runs in the 8th sure made for a more relaxing couple of innings from the bullpen tonight. And the first two hitters that inning were outs. Harper's home run was huge and the additional runs from those who followed all helped. Harper had three hits, and Marsh, Turner, and Schwarber two each.
Of course, the really big story is the great seven shutout innings from Suarez. At 82 pitches, he probably could have gone longer, but why push him in only his second start of the season? The extra runs in the 8th made it easy on the bullpen and allowed the mainstays another day of rest. Of course, I was not happy with both Hernandez and Ross walking the leadoff hitter in their inning. With a 7-run lead, that just shouldn't happen. But Hernandez got the next three outs and while Ross did give up a hit and a run on a sac fly, he got the outs to nail down the win. I thought about letting Hernandez pitch the ninth as well, but I know that isn't what their analytics tells them. The Phillies have bought in on most relievers pitching only one inning.
A feel good night for Phillies phans. Wheeler on the mound tomorrow as they go for the series win.
