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Gabe Kapler explains unorthodox ninth-inning bullpen decision in Phillies win

BALTIMORE — Edubray Ramos had struck out Baltimore Orioles boppers Jonathan Schoop and Mark Trumbo — on six pitches, no less — in a classic save situation here Wednesday when Phillies manager Gabe Kapler signaled to the bullpen for embattled closer Hector Neris.

A pitching change? Seriously?

You’ve probably heard of “closer by committee.” This is “bullpen by Gabe,” and it’s the way things are going to be when the Phillies have a lead in the ninth inning.

When Kapler removed Neris from the full-time closer role last weekend, he said he would manage his bullpen based on the best possible matchups.