Sure, it was historical, but the Phillies aren't putting an extra emphasis on Wednesday's 5-0 no-hit defeat in Game 4 of the World Series.
"I just trust the character of the guys, and we've proven that earlier in the year," said Phillies skipper Rob Thomson, referencing the Phillies were no-hit by New York earlier this season and came back the following night to record a win.
"I walked in the clubhouse last night, and I just basically told 'em to flush this," Thomson said.
Things won't get much easier for the Phils on Thursday in Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park as the club faces Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer. Strangely enough, the 39-year-old has struggled in the World Series over his career, and the Phillies chased him after four frames in Game 1, putting up five runs on six hits in a thrilling 6-5 victory.
"I think we just have to put good at-bats together, continue to do what we do as a team, and see pitches, swing at good pitches, and good things will happen for us," said J.T. Realmuto, the hero of Game 1 with a game-winning solo homer in 10th inning. "He's obviously a great pitcher over there. We were able to kind of get him in the last couple of innings that he was in there. If we just have a good approach and put the ball in play, obviously pass the baton to the next guy, and just have that mentality and just grind out at-bats, we should be good to go."
The Phillies will turn to veteran Noah Syndergaard in Game 5. The right-hander has surrendered one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings this postseason.
Thomson hopes Syndergaard can go twice through the Astros lineup and provide a bridge to the stronger arms in the Phils' bullpen.
In particular, Thomson said he wants to get reliever Seranthony Dominguez into Game 5 as he hasn't pitched since last Friday.
It's a pivotal game as the series sits tied, 2-2.
"Every win is one step closer to the ultimate goal," Realmuto said. "So it's really important for us to, after yesterday's game, to try to get the momentum back on our side heading back to Houston. It's obviously a great team we're playing over there and we don't want to go back to Houston down a game. Obviously, today's a really big game for us."
Future Pitching Plans
Thomson said following the rainout on Monday that Ranger Suarez would likely be his Game 7 starter. He was less committal to that plan though on Thursday when asked about his pitching plans for the remainder of the series.
"Wheeler is [Game] 6, and we'll wait for [Game] 7," Thomson said. "We'll see what happens because Ranger may be available in the next couple of games."
Powder Blues
The Phillies will wear their powder blue uniform in Game 4, marking the first time these colors have been worn in the postseason since the 1983 World Series against Baltimore. The Phillies actually won the 1980 NLCS while wearing the powder blue unis against the Astros in Houston.
Starting Lineup
Schwarber 7
Hoskins 3
Realmuto 2
Harper DH
Castellanos 9
Bohm 5
Stott 6
Segura 4
Marsh 8
Syndergaard RHP
