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Manager's gamble backfires in Phillies' loss
30 Sep
Summary
- Closer Jhoan Duran entered in the seventh inning.
- Duran surrendered a decisive three-run homer.
- Phillies bullpen ERA was worst in majors last month.
Interim manager Don Mattingly's decision to deploy All-Star closer Jhoan Duran in the seventh inning of Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves proved costly. The Phillies ultimately fell 5-3, with Duran giving up a game-altering three-run homer in the eighth.
Mattingly defended the early use of his closer, stating Duran had pitched effectively in the seventh. However, Duran's relief appearance in the eighth was not as smooth, leading to the decisive blow. This strategy was employed despite the Phillies' bullpen posting a major league-worst 5.79 ERA in September.
The Phillies, having narrowly clinched a wild-card spot, now face another must-win scenario in Game 2. Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez is slated to start, with Mattingly expressing confidence in his ability to set the tone. Duran's availability for Game 2 remains uncertain after his two-inning outing.
Mattingly acknowledged the pressure but expressed faith in his team's playoff experience. He noted that the team had previously faced a do-or-die situation to secure their wild-card berth, and they are prepared to play similarly in the upcoming game.
