The Phillies Are In First Place; 8 Win Streak Continues.
Phillies have secured NL East Division. Phillies are in first place over the struggling Mets. A feat that has not happened for the Phillies in almost a decade. Currently, their winning streak includes 8 straight games in a row resulting in 2 back to back series sweeps. This has been their longest winning streak since 2012. Consequently, the phillies are five games over .500. Which, makes them look like a brand new team from the performance witnessed for most of this season.
So what has changed for the Phillies?
So, wait what has changed. How the Phillies are in first place? For starters, Bryce Harper is back and hot. Additionally, Segura has been consistantly great.
Subsequently, Brad Miller has been effective and a spark of new energy and has come in clutch while players recover from the IL. And, speaking of injuries, many of the Phillies players are returning from the IL at a pivotal time other teams struggle with piling injuries.
Also, Hector Neris was taken out of the closer role which keeps the Phillies from blowing games. Even more, Neris has been productive as a relief, set up man. Ranger has been a great replacement as a consistent reliable closer. Finally, the crowd energy in the stands has been dynamic and has really fired them up. All of this continues to play into why the Phillies are currently experiencing a winning streak and dominating as of late.
Kyle Gibson’s Acquisition
Another key to the Phillies’ success is the acquisition of All-Star Kyle Gibson who has been a phenomenal help in the pitching department. Gibson has now allowed just three runs in 12 2/3 innings. This is big since the Phillies have been struggling with consistency in that department. Gibson’s acquisition is a big factor in why the Phillies are in first place.
The bats are on fire.
The Phillies have been quite productive with the offense particularly the long ball. And while thats always exciting to see the ball fly, here’s hoping they add some small ball in their to round things up. But, the hitting has been good. The offense heating up is another important factor to why the Phillies are in first place. When their offense picks up, it usually helps them secure more wins which has resulted currently in a massive winning streak. And speaking of homeruns, here are a couple of beauts to admire.
The Homeruns Keep Coming In
Jean segura stays consistently good.
Jeanie, baby. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/H504bvJEKt
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 8, 2021
July 29th, 2021
Brad Miller hits a walk-off grand slam! #BradMiller #GoosebumpSports #MLB #Phillies #WalkOff pic.twitter.com/udFz9IjBx2— Goosebump Sports (@GoosebumpSports) August 7, 2021
Rhys Hoskins is the big fella.
BIG fella 😳. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/oSbglMdJ1Y
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 5, 2021
Finally, Harper is back!!
Bryce Harper SMOKED this baseball to dead center.
Has he officially entered the NL MVP race?
(via @NBCSPhilly)pic.twitter.com/DfcrzDE0FV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 7, 2021