Game Recap 7/23/23 | Guardians Lose to Phillies 8-5

Observations from the Game

3 things About Guardians Loss to the Philadelphia Phillies

Tenth Inning Struggles PT 1  

After a dramatic game-tying home run by David Fry in the bottom of the 9th, Tim Herrin started the top of the 10th after a 1-2-3 9th, he walked the lead-off batter and gave up an RBI single to Bryce Harper making it 5-4.  

Trevor Stephan replaced Herrin, got a strikeout for the first out, and then intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases.  A sacrifice fly by JT Realmuto made it 6-4 and then the next batter Alec Bohm brought home the final two runs with a single to right, 8-4 Phillies heading into the bottom of the 10th. 

2 – Tenth Inning Struggles PT 2

Cleveland struck quickly in the bottom of the 10th.  After a lead-off walk to Bo Naylor, Steven Kwan singled home Will Brennan to make it 8-5.  After Tyler Freeman walked to load the bases with nobody out, Jose Ramirez flew out to right, Josh Naylor fouled out to third and Myles Straw grounded out to end the game.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, the Guardians were unable to score any more runs. 

3 – J-RAM Struggles Defensively 

Jose Ramirez is usually very reliable in the field, but today J-RAM had a bad day with the glove.   In the first, Ramirez had a chance to end the inning with a grounder, but he threw the ball away allowing the inning to continue, and eventually, the Phillies would score on a Xzavion Curry balk. 

Later in the top of the 6th, Ramirez had an opportunity to get the third out on a pop fly hit to shallow left, but Ramirez ended up dropping the ball allowing the runner to score from second.

Game Summary

Bryce Harper’s heroics led the Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, helping them avoid a three-game sweep. In the 10th inning, Harper came through with a clutch single, driving in the go-ahead run. This was his second career start at first base, and he showcased his defensive prowess with some exceptional plays, including an unassisted double play in the fifth inning.

The Phillies’ closer, Craig Kimbrel, experienced his first blown save of the season in the ninth inning when David Fry hit a solo home run to tie the game at 4-all. However, in the 10th inning, with Kyle Schwarber starting as the automatic runner at second base, the Phillies rallied. Trea Turner drew a walk, setting the stage for Harper’s game-changing single up the middle off Tim Herrin. J.T. Realmuto added to the lead with a sacrifice fly, and Alec Bohm’s two-run single made it 8-4.

Cleveland fought back in the bottom half of the 10th, scoring a run on Steven Kwan’s single off Jeff Hoffman and loading the bases with no outs after a walk to Tyler Freeman. However, Yunior Marte, who replaced Hoffman, delivered a clutch performance, getting three consecutive outs to secure his second save. Jose Ramirez flew out, Josh Naylor popped out, and Myles Straw grounded out, ending the Guardians’ comeback attempt.

Throughout the game, Harper displayed his trademark intensity, making daring plays in the outfield. In the fourth inning, he made a spectacular diving stop on a sharply hit grounder and beat the runner to first base. He later turned an unassisted double play in the fifth, catching a line drive and tagging a runner off the base.

Despite a minor injury scare during the game, Harper’s determination and energy remained unmatched. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged that it’s impossible to ask Harper to tone down his playing style, as he always gives his all on the field.

Overall, it was an eventful and exciting game for Harper and the Phillies, with Harper’s offensive and defensive contributions playing a significant role in their victory.

Up Next

Monday 7/24 7:10 PM EST – Game 1 of 3 vs Kansas City Royals