There’s losing a ballgame in walk-off fashion. And then there’s losing a ballgame in walk-off fashion after your All-Star catcher takes a 95 mph foul tip to the groin.
Welcome to the Phillies' Wednesday night in Toronto.
Alejandro Kirk sent everybody home with a line drive that clanged off the right-field wall in the bottom of the ninth, lifting the Blue Jays to a 2–1 win over the Phillies. The rally came off former Toronto closer Jordan Romano, now wearing red pinstripes, who gave up a single to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and watched him swipe second before Kirk delivered the final blow.
But the bigger concern—at least in the immediate aftermath—was J.T. Realmuto, who exited in visible pain after taking a foul ball off the cup to open the bottom of the ninth.
“He’s getting checked by the doctor right now,” manager Rob Thomson said afterward. “It’s a pretty good one. He said he’s had worse, but we’ll see. We’ll check him out tomorrow.”
Realmuto stayed down for several minutes before being helped to his feet and gingerly walking off the field. He did not leave the stadium, and was in the Phillies’ clubhouse postgame, though walking carefully. Rafael Marchán finished the game behind the plate.
Speaking of Abel, he turned in another impressive start, even if the ending didn’t go in his favor.
Making just the second start of his big league career, the 22-year-old righty was smooth, composed, and, once again, efficient. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits and one run, walking none, and striking out two. The lone blemish came in the sixth, when Bo Bichette ripped a game-tying triple to bring home Andrés Giménez.
Still, Abel made history. According to Elias, he’s the first pitcher in at least 125 seasons to go five or more innings, allow one or fewer runs, and issue zero walks in each of his first two career starts.
His debut? That came against phenom Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh, and Abel won that duel with six shutout innings and nine strikeouts. This time, he wasn’t overpowering, but the command and poise were again on full display.
The Phillies had given him an early lead on Nick Castellanos’ solo homer in the second off Toronto right-hander José Berríos, who settled in and allowed just that one run across six innings of work.
In a twist of irony, it was former Phillie Jeff Hoffman who earned the win for Toronto. He faced one batter and got one out in the top of the ninth before the Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom half.
Quotable
“I think it’s kinda clicked for him, you know? He’s been around [as a pro] now for a few years, and I think he’s learned a lot. He’s confident in his stuff, and he understands now to attack hitters and trust his stuff. That goes a long way.” - Phillies manager Rob Thomson, via MLB.com.
