ST. LOUIS — Gabe Kapler walked to the mound Thursday night as Busch Stadium started to come alive. The Phillies, clinging to a one-run lead, were suddenly on the ropes. And the manager called on his youngest arm to bail them out.
Seranthony Dominguez needed just eight pitches in the seventh inning to retire two batters and strand two runners, and the Phillies went on to 6-2 win over the Cardinals. It was the 23-year-old’s introduction to major-league pressure after being promoted from triple A earlier this month. This was high leverage. Dominguez did not blink.
The tension was created when Vince Velasquez, who pitched terrifically, “allowed” a double to Matt Carpenter.