Pitching has been a concern for the Phillies, and things may have hit rock bottom on Saturday as the club was trounced by the Reds at Great American Ballpark, 13-0.
Matt Strahm lasted just 2 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on two hits. He tossed 67 pitches and was dealing with a blister issue.
The Reds had an 8-0 lead at the end of the fifth.
“We’ve got to clean up our baserunning, we’ve got to throw strikes, grind out at-bats – and we will,” manager Rob Thomson told reporters afterward. “This is a good team.”
The Phillies recorded five hits in the loss and left nine runners on base.
Bryson Stott continued his hit streak to open the year, finishing 1-for-4.
Josh Harrison was pulled into relief duty in the ninth, surrendering six runs on five hits.
Saturday's contest marked the second time this year the Phils have used a position player to pitch.
The clubs conclude their series on Sunday with righty Aaron Nola facing right-hander Luis Cessa.
Nola hasn't pitched well this season, posting a 7.04 ERA over three starts.
Sunday would be a great time for him to turn around.
