Rob Thomson explains Brandon Marsh’s ninth-inning baserunning decision after Phillies’ loss
PHILADELPHIA — Brandon Marsh stood at first base after singling home a run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Wednesday, bringing the Phillies within striking distance of potentially stealing a win over the Padres in the first game of a doubleheader.
Most of the afternoon had not gone Philadelphia’s way, but the offense had life. Trailing by two runs with two outs and Marsh at first base, Trea Turner followed with a single into center field. But instead of cruising into second, Marsh dashed around the base and headed to third. Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill fielded the hit and fired the ball to third, where Marsh was called out by third-base umpire Chad Fairchild.
It was not a good choice by the runner, but, luckily for Philadelphia, the call was overturned after a replay review. Third baseman Manny Machado had not actually tagged Marsh, keeping the game alive.
“That’s a baserunner’s decision right there,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson explained. “Ball’s in front of you. Marshy just assumed that the center fielder was going to throw the ball into second base to keep the tying run out of scoring position. But you can’t assume anything.”
While the overturned call ignited the announced crowd of 40,144 at Citizens Bank Park, the excitement did not last long. Kyle Schwarber struck out against Padres reliever Robert Suarez in the next at-bat to finish out a 6-4 loss. The Phillies could not overcome a five-run start from rookie Mick Abel, who made the nightcap even tougher for his team by only going 1 2/3 innings.
Abel walked in two runners with the bases loaded in the second inning, then gave up a bases-clearing double to Machado. He struggled to control the baseball. He was trying to do too much on the mound.
“I had all the confidence in the world that I could make the pitches,” Abel said. “But sometimes trying too hard doesn’t work in your favor, and today was one of those days.”
The bullpen stepped up with the Phillies in need of some length; Max Lazar, Taijuan Walker, Seth Johnson — the extra man on the active roster for the doubleheader — and Daniel Robert allowed just one run the rest of the way.
The club could still use a strong, deep outing from left-hander Cristopher Sánchez in Game 2. Thomson said that he does not expect a roster move to add a fresh arm in between games.
San Diego used three relievers — Bryan Hoeing, Adrian Morejon and Suarez — after former Phillie Nick Pivetta allowed one run over six innings. Dylan Cease will start the second game for the Padres against a Philadelphia lineup that will not include superstar Bryce Harper, who went 1-for-4 in Game 1 and returned from the injured list earlier this week after dealing with inflammation in his right wrist.