The Phillies desperately needed a good start out of Ranger Suarez. They were hoping for at least seven innings to preserve their overworked bullpen. What they got were nine of the most efficient innings the Phillies have seen this year, as they topped the Pirates 3-0 for their fifth win in a row.
The previous four games of the winning streak were victories of the come-from-behind variety. As the 3-0 score would indicate, a comeback was not necessary this time around. They scored first thanks to another young player who’s excelling given a chance.
The Phillies took the advice of this site, and batted Matt Vierling at leadoff.