Eflin and Phillies fall to Baltimore
Things have not been going right for the Phillies as of late. The club dropped their second straight game to the Orioles on Wednesday night, a 5-4 loss at Citizens Bank Park.

The loss dropped the Phillies to 5-8 on the season. A lackluster mark that takes on increased importance in a shortened season.

Rhys Hoskins hit into three double-plays on the night, becoming the first Phillie to do so since Placido Polanco in 2010. Hoskins is now hitting .190 with a .404 on-base percentage this season.

"Rhys is a great player and it's still really early," said catcher Andrew Knapp, who finished the night 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBIs. "I think the fact that he's taking his walks and still getting on base shows he's going to get out of this thing. He's one or two days from really popping and showing who he really is.

"I think he's pressing a little as far as wanting to produce and being that guy to really help a team. But it's so early. I think he's totally going to be fine."

Hoskins, who hit just .180 following the All-Star game last season, has collected just two extra-base hits this season.

“He’s just out front,” said manager Joe Girardi. “He’s got to back the ball up. That’s how you get the ball in the air. It’s a timing issue. Again, I’ll say he’s been on base. He’s been on base for [Bryce Harper] and J.T. [Realmuto] a lot. Probably as much as anyone we have except for Harp. There’s no plans on moving him right now.

Zach Eflin collected a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings but surrendered four runs.

“It feels like the puzzle is coming together for me,” Eflin said. “But it sucks to look up and see four runs after an outing like that. I felt really good about everything.”

Starting pitching has been a bright spot for the Phils through the early portion of the season. The bullpen and the offense, particularly with runners in scoring position, have not.

The club concludes their three-game set with the Orioles on Thursday afternoon. Jake Arrieta, who has looked sharp in his two outings this season, will take the bump for the Phillies. The O's counter with former Philly prospect Thomas Eshelman.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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