Phils in Five

Episode 56 - Don’t Stott Believing

The Phillies tired to rally back late but could not get it done Tuesday as Aaron Nola struggled but did open the series with the Braves Monday with one the season’s signature wins. Down 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth Bryson Stott sent a 3-2 cutter from AJ Minter into the right field seats to give the Phillies a 6-4 lead. Seranthony Dominguez polished off the dramatic win so lets Ring the Bell for Bryson’s huge blast!
In this Episode:
Phils/Braves split before Wednesday rubber match
Jean on the mend, who is the starting shortstop?
Pirates up next and then an NL East gauntlet
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 55 - Crushed by the Cubs

The second half started off with a BANG as Kyle Schwarber led off the first game out of the break with a leadoff long ball his 30th of the season. Things, however, absolutely fell apart after that and the Phillies would score just 5 more times over the weekend series to drop al three games and suffer a home sweep at the hands of the lowly cubs... ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL.
In this Episode:
Recap the sweep
Struggling offense
Here come the Braves
There are no stupid questions, just bad effort
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 54 - Bring on the Cubbies

We’re back! It was an eventful all-star week for Kyle Schwarber who not only failed to advance past the first round in the HR derby but also whiffed down a run in the ninth to help the NL drop the All star game 3-2.. So close to getting to that overtime home run derby. Oh well..
In this Episode:
First half Recap
Keys to the second half
Another first round Crawford
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 53 - Phils Sweep Marlins to Close First Half

The Phillies rode ace Aaron Nola to a second straight shutout victory on Sunday and third win in a row to sweep the Marlins and close the first half on a strong note. Navigating through a rough couple of months and surviving injuries to Jean Segura, Bryce Harper and the inept managing of Joe Girardi, the Phillies and interim manager Rob Thomson surged in June (thanks in large part to Kyle Schwarber hitting everything in site) to wrap up the first half 6 games over .500 and in playoff position, so lets RING THE BELL.
In this Episode:
Phillies get a sweep!
NL East Recap
Rob Thomson getting it done
Go Schwarbs, Hit Dingers
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 52 - Must Win Series in Miami

Zack Wheeler had one of his worst starts of the season and the Phils failed to stop the bleeding north of the border, dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday and 11,155th loss in team history. The Phillies had an off day on Thursday to lick their wounds and pick up their unvaxxed chums on the way down to South Florida to close out the first half with a must-win three game series in Miami.
In this Episode:
Wheeler stinks and so does the O
Friday night with Sandy
Marlins prospect Max Meyer set for Saturday debut
Did we mention this series is a must win?
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall
 

Episode 51- Phils Have No Shot in Canada

A shorthanded Phillies team gave it an honest effort on Tuesday, rallying back to tie the game after falling behind early but ultimately dropped the game 4-3 making that two straight Ls for the Fightins after they dropped the series finale to the Cardinals on Monday. That's losses number 11,153 and 11,154 in team history.
In this Episode:
Bullpen not good enough
Wheeler looks to close first half strong
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 50 - Bohms Away

Alec Bohm gave the Phillies all the offense they would need to grab wins Friday and Saturday and despite dropping the game late on Sunday the Phillies remain a game ahead of the Cardinals in the wild card race and are in position to earn a series win on Monday with ace Aaron Nola on the mound.
In this Episode:
Bohm leads Phillies to a pair of wins
Knebel jumps back into the fire
Bullpen brilliance
Bryce and Kyle are all-stars
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall
 

Episode 49 - Pen Shines in Series Win

The Phils dropped a close one on Wednesday that they probably should have won but rallied back from and early 2-0 deficit to grab a win on Thursday afternoon and clinch a series victory over the Nationals. The Fightins kept the positive momentum rolling as the as the Phillies head back out on the road and in to St Louis this weekend to kick off a nine game road trip that will close the first half.
In this episode:
A Thursday team effort
Launch Odubel into the Sun, please
Schwarber hot in July?!?! 
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 48 - STOP THE COUNT!

It’s July now and Kyle Schwarber just doesn’t care -- oh and the Philadelphia Phillies are a PLAYOFF TEAM.. if the season ended today. Thanks in part to an 11-0 win over the Nationals (and a little assist from the Braves) The Phillies have drawn even with the Cardinals and now hold a share of the third and final wild card spot in the National League.. You bet we’re gonna ring the bell.
In this Episode:
Phils get second straight shutout
JT finding a groove
Nola vs. Gray on Wednesday
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall

Episode 47 - Taking Care of Business

It's good to be back after a long holiday weekend and while the Phillies oddly had the 4th off this year, they took care of business this weekend and the Bank, winning 2 of 3 in a critical series against the wild card contending Cardinals. Wins on Friday and Sunday will let us overlook the one that got away on Saturday -- the 11,150th in team history -- so lets Ring the Bell for a successful series.
In this Episode:
Weekend recap
Christopher Sanchez steps in
Finishing strong in the first half
Follow the show on twitter @philsinfive and follow Bretsky @BretskyBall