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Surging Phillies Aim to Extend Winning Streak vs. Rangers
The Philadelphia Phillies had every reason to be worried when Trea Turner went down with a hamstring injury earlier this month. But this team has proven they can handle adversity like champions. Even without Turner, they’ve racked up an impressive 13-3 record, including a solid 5-2 victory over the reigning World Series champs, the Texas Rangers, on Tuesday.
On Wednesday evening, the Phillies are set to chase their fifth consecutive win as they face the Rangers in the second game of a three-game interleague series.
Stellar Performances Without Turner
Bryce Harper stepped up big time on Tuesday, smashing a solo home run and a double, while Alec Bohm chipped in with two hits and two RBIs. This kind of performance is becoming the norm for a team that has now won 27 out of their last 33 games.
“It’s one guy after another,” Harper said in a post-game interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “If one guy goes 0-for-4, then another guy goes 3-for-4 to get the job done.”
Suarez’s Strong Outing
Ranger Suarez, the starting pitcher for Tuesday’s game, delivered seven solid innings, improving his record to 9-0. He allowed just one run and was rewarded with a standing ovation from the 41,083 fans in attendance.
“It just shows you the passion of our fan base,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “It shows how much they like to come out and watch our guys play.”
Turner’s Return on the Horizon?
Trea Turner took batting practice before the game, though it’s still unclear when he’ll be back in the lineup. Before his injury, Turner was hitting .343 with two home runs, 10 doubles, 10 stolen bases, and nine RBIs. His return would undoubtedly add even more firepower to the Phillies’ potent lineup.
Wednesday’s Pitching Matchup
Taijuan Walker’s Challenge
The Phillies are expected to start right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-0, 4.91 ERA) on Wednesday. Walker’s last outing against the New York Mets was cut short due to a toe injury, but the X-rays came back negative. Walker has a career record of 2-2 with a 4.12 ERA in eight games (seven starts) against the Rangers.
Rangers Look to Bounce Back
Texas is hoping to end their two-game losing streak on Wednesday. Corey Seager hit a solo home run, and Derek Hill and Jonah Heim each had two hits in the series opener. Hill, called up from Triple-A Round Rock, was hitting .333 in the Pacific Coast League before joining the Rangers.
Marcus Semien contributed an RBI double, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Rangers from dropping below .500 for the first time this season.
“I thought we had good at-bats,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “We battled. We just couldn’t get that hit to put a crooked number on the board.”
Injury Concerns for Texas
Adolis Garcia was out of the lineup due to a right forearm injury sustained on Saturday. Although the MRI results were encouraging, Garcia was still sore on Tuesday. His status for Wednesday’s game remains uncertain.
The Rangers have faced numerous injuries this season. “You’ve gotta keep pushing,” Bochy said. “That’s all you can do. … Our guys have to do their thing. It’s the only way it’s gonna work.”
Dunning Returns
Right-hander Dane Dunning (3-2, 4.10 ERA) is expected to start for the Rangers on Wednesday after being reinstated from the injured list. Dunning has a solid track record against the Phillies, allowing just three hits over three scoreless innings in his only previous appearance against them.
Analysis
The Phillies have demonstrated remarkable resilience without Trea Turner, showing their depth and versatility. Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm have been pivotal, delivering key hits and RBIs to keep the momentum going.
Ranger Suarez’s standout performance on Tuesday, highlighted by a standing ovation, underscores the strong support from the fans and his critical role in the team’s success.
While Turner’s return remains uncertain, his impressive stats before the injury suggest that his comeback could further strengthen the Phillies’ lineup.
Taijuan Walker’s upcoming start is another focal point. Despite his recent struggles, his overall career stats against the Rangers suggest he could be a steadying presence on the mound.
For the Rangers, overcoming injuries and improving consistency is key. Corey Seager’s and Derek Hill’s contributions offer hope, but the team needs more clutch hitting to change their fortunes.
Manager Bruce Bochy’s comments reflect the ongoing challenges with injuries, but the return of Dane Dunning could provide the pitching boost they need. Dunning’s success against the Phillies adds intrigue to the upcoming game.
