The series against the Rangers was a dud for the Phillies. The offense was nonexistant and the pitching didn’t do much either. This first game against the Padres felt important, not just for playoff reasons, but for the team’s psyche. They wanted to maintain the momentum they’ve had since letting Joe Girardi go and not go back into the doldrums that have sometimes haunted them after tough series.
When the game started, it didn’t look good. Joe Musgrove was on the hill for San Diego and he has been outstanding this season. Ranger Suarez was his opposite and when he gave up a home run to Eric Hosmer, it felt like it would be one of those nights.