For a few moments Sunday, between pitches in the eighth inning, Gabe Kapler vacated his usual position on the steps of the dugout to retrieve a cup of water. It was nearly 100 degrees on the field. Hydration was critical.
Surely, though, the Phillies manager could have used a beverage with slightly more kick.
The Phillies were nearing the end of a 42-game run in which they faced 10 teams with a combined winning percentage of .545. It was a grueling stretch of schedule, to be sure, one that tested the mettle of Kapler’s roster, which represents the youngest team in baseball.