The Phillies lost for just the third time this season after leading following eight innings as José Alvarado was not able to hold a one run lead in the ninth. Pittsburgh secured an 8-7 comeback win in a game that Philadelphia led 7-4 entering the seventh inning. Despite scoring 7 runs, the Phillies offense still managed to strand 11 baserunners and Aaron Nola struggled to hold early leads.
First step is admitting there’s a problem
Alvarado has had a disappointing season and Friday night’s showing was one of his worst outings of the season. Tasked with holding a one run lead for the win, Alvarado allowed a single to Connor Joe and walked Andrew McCutchen on five pitches to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base with no outs.