Three games in Texas. Three wins. A sweep for the first time since June, capped by Sunday’s 4-2 victory over the Rangers. And a 5½-game cushion over the Mets in the National League East.
They’ve done it with starting pitching that keeps stacking zeroes, bats that deliver at the right moments, and defense that steals runs. Literally.
Harrison Bader, the newest Phillie, made sure of that Sunday. In just his first week wearing red pinstripes, he went racing back to the wall in Arlington, timed his leap perfectly, and reached over the bullpen fence to rob Corey Seager of a home run.
Now they head to Cincinnati to open a three-game set against a Reds team that’s been living out of a suitcase for more than a week.
The Reds haven’t played at home since Aug. 1. Since then, they’ve taken part in a rain-suspended novelty game in Bristol, Tenn., burned through their bullpen, split a three-game set in Chicago, and split four more in Pittsburgh. That’s eight games, three cities, nine days, and a 4-4 record — all before finally getting to sleep in their own beds again Sunday night.
Cincinnati will send lefty Andrew Abbott (8-2, 2.34 ERA) to the mound Monday for his 21st start. Abbott’s last outing was his first loss since June 4 — four runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings in Chicago. He’s 0-0 with a 4.85 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies.
The Phillies counter with Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.53 ERA), who is coming off his sharpest outing of the season — six scoreless innings, four hits, no walks, four strikeouts in a win over the Orioles. Walker is undefeated in Cincinnati (2-0, 3.00 ERA in two starts) and 3-1 overall against the Reds.
For the Phillies, it’s another chance to keep their foot on the gas in the NL East. For the Reds, it’s finally a chance to unpack the suitcase.
Pitching Matchup
Monday: RHP Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.53) vs. LHP Andrew Abbott (8-2, 2.34)
Tuesday: LHP Ranger Suarez (8-5, 2.94) vs. RHP Brady Singer (9-9, 4.53)
Wednesday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (11-3, 2.36) vs. RHP Hunter Greene (4-3, 2.72)
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