One facet that will be critical during the final weeks of the season is how the Phillies respond to tough losses. They faced difficult moments this season and seemed to bounce back each time. But tough losses in August are different than tough losses in April. For the Phillies, the response is the same.
Nick Pivetta dazzled, Cesar Hernandez bunted and scored on a three-base error, Asdrubal Cabrera came through again, Nick Williams homered, and the Phillies had a win. Monday’s loss hardly lingered and the Phillies kept their first-place lead intact. They are proving to have the mettle required for the stretch run.