Despite another big game from Realmuto, Phillies fall in extras

J.T. Realmuto had another big game for the Philadelphia Phillies (72-67) Thursday, but it didn’t prove to be enough, as they fell to the Cincinnati Reds (66-75) in extra innings.

The Phillies got on the board first in the top of the fourth. Following Realmuto’s third triple of the season, Rhys Hoskins roped a double down the left field line to plate Realmuto and give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.

However, after five scoreless innings, the Reds got to Phillies pitching in the sixth. Jason Vargas was pulled after surrendering a two-run home run to Jose Iglesias, the second go-ahead home run in as many days for Iglesias:

Back-to-back days with a homer? Yes way, José!#BornToBaseball pic.twitter.com/7cyfEXwurH

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 5, 2019

For what it’s worth, Iglesias entered the series with just 30 career home runs in parts of eight MLB seasons. His glove, not his bat, has always been his calling card.

Jared Hughes, the former Red, came in to replace Vargas. But just as quickly as Hughes sprinted to the mound, the Reds extended the lead further, with Eugenio Suarez hitting his 41st home run of the season:

Eugenio Suárez has 41 home runs.

Eugenio Suárez is underrated.

Eugenio Suárez deserves more recognition.#BornToBaseball pic.twitter.com/OKFIHkNR7N

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 5, 2019

A tremendous defensive sequence in the bottom of the seventh may have saved the Phillies chances of winning the game. With runners on first and second, Blandino singled into right, but Michael Lorenzen – the lead runner – was held at third base. That proved to be the correct decision, as Bryce Harper fired a strike from right field that almost certainly would have nailed Lorenzen, last night’s hero for the Reds. The problem is that Jose Peraza ran slightly passed second base, and after Realmuto received the ball from Harper, he fired down to second base. Jean Segura kept the tag on him, and after review, it was determined that Peraza didn’t stay on the bag, therefore he was out and the inning ended without the Reds adding onto their lead.

Realmuto wasn’t done for the day, though. The 28-year-old catcher entered the day with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs, both of which were tied with the career highs he set a year ago. He exited the top of the eighth inning with new career highs in both categories:

J.T. Realmuto is having a special season. pic.twitter.com/vQsyIqwnyB

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) September 5, 2019

After Nick Pivetta, Cole Irvin, Mike Morin, Ranger Suarez, Hector Neris and Jose Alvarez combined to keep the Reds off the board from innings seven through 10, the Phillies had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 11th.

Harper walked to lead off the inning, seemingly taking a pitch in the strike zone to work the walk. After a flyout by Hoskins, Harper stole second base with Segura at the plate. If that wasn’t enough, Segura grounded out to third base, Harper wanted until Suarez threw the ball to first base and then scampered to third base. Unfortunately for the Phillies, Scott Kingery was unable to deliver with Harper at third base and two outs, striking out instead.

Nick Vincent, who made his Phillies debut on Monday, came on to pitch the bottom of the 11th. His outing didn’t last long, as he surrendered a walk-off home run off the bat of Phil Ervin on the second pitch he threw:

Philly Special.#BornToBaseball pic.twitter.com/lugxAOTXE6

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 5, 2019

Perhaps Kapler was too quick on pulling both Vargas and Neris Thursday, but there’s something to be said for the fact that in the thick of a pennant race the Phillies needed to trot out nine different pitchers, only three of whom were on the Opening Day roster. There’s plenty of blame to go around as the 2019 season appears to be fading.

Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance

• Jason Vargas cruised through the first five innings, shutting the Reds out. However, in the bottom of the sixth inning, he allowed a home run to Jose Iglesias following an Alex Blandino double. Kapler had a quick hook on Vargas, as he pulled him in favor of Jared Hughes after he allowed the home run. In total, Vargas limited the Reds to four hits and two runs over 5.2 innings, while throwing 82 pitches.

Phillies Nuggets Player of the Game: Eugenio Suarez

• Suarez returned from a hand contusion in a big way Thursday, going 3-5 with a home run. Whether’s he’s benefited from juiced balls and/or playing his home games at Great American Ballpark or not, it’s perhaps time to talk about how underrated the 28-year-old is. Even in 2019, hitting over 40 home runs is a pretty big accomplishment. And 2019 isn’t exactly a breakout year for Suarez – he combined for 81 home runs and 244 RBIs between 2016 and 2018.

TicketIQ Next Game

• Friday Sept. 6 vs. New York Mets
• Citi Field
• NBC Sports Philadelphia
• SportsRadio 94 WIP

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