The Philadelphia Phillies swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in this past weekend’s series. They were very busy during all three games this weekend and stayed on top of the Pittsburgh every step of the way.
In game one on Friday, May 16, the Phillies beat the Pirates 8-4. Notable moments from this game was when Bryce Harper reached his 1,000th career RBI. Bryce Harper reached a significant milestone by recording his 1,000th career RBI with a single in the fifth inning. The Phillies trailed 3-1 entering the seventh but rallied with four runs during this inning. Ranger Suárez threw seven innings, had six strikeouts and only allowed three runs. Alexander Canario provided the Pirates with a three-run homer in the sixth.
On Saturday, May 17, the Phillies beat the pirates 5-2. Zack Wheeler was the starting pitcher in this game. Wheeler delivered six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and striking out six, Bryson Stott had a solo homer in the third and a two-run single in the fourth, totaling three RBIs continuing the teams lead. Bryce Harper continued his hot streak with two hits and an RBI following up from game one. Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the ninth for the Pirates, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit allowing the Phillies to take the second game.
Finally, the third and final game of the series at Citizens Bank Park was underway and the Phillies still managed to beat the Pirates 1-0.
In his Major League debut, 23-year-old starting pitcher Mick Abel delivered a stellar performance. He was one of the top prospects for the Phillies and he was called up from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs roster. Abel pitched six shutout innings, allowing only five hits, and striking out nine batters without issuing a walk.
His nine strikeouts tied a franchise record for most in an MLB debut. Abel’s fastball reached 99 mph, and he effectively kept the Pirates’ lineup at bay.
Pirates starter Paul Skenes also delivered a Grade-A pitching performance. Skenes threw eight innings of one-run, nine-strikeout ball, but still suffered his fifth loss of the season.
Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh provided the game’s only run with an RBI fielder’s choice in the fifth inning. Closer Jordan Romano struck out the side in the ninth to secure the shutout victory.
It was truly a fantastic weekend for the Phillies. They will return to the diamond on May 18, to take on the Colorado Rockies at Coors field at their home in Denver, Colorado.
