When the 2019 Phillies season began, we expected a lot of nights like this. The starting pitcher delivered a quality start, and the bullpen was able to preserve the lead. Offensively, Bryce Harper had a key RBI, and the Phillies’ relentless lineup wore down the opposing pitching staff. Most games in 2019 haven’t followed that script, but on Friday night, everything went according to plan, and the Phillies came away with a 6-1 win over the Pirates.
Jake Arrieta made his second start since revealing that he was dealing with bone spurs in his elbow, and once again, he pitched effectively, if not deep into the game.