Phils Remain Undefeated

I'm not sure which stat is more insane following the Phillies weekend sweep of the defending division champion Atlanta Braves–the fact that noted Phillie killer and MVP Freddie Freeman went hitless, or that the Phillies bullpen allowed ZERO runs. It was the first time in Freeman's career he's gone hitless in a series against the Phils. 

The starting pitching was better than anyone could have ever expected. Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin combined to pitch 20.2 innings, giving up just three earned runs, one walk, 11 hits, while striking out 24. 

Even after a little flashback action from last year when Hector Neris walked two Braves in the ninth inning on Sunday, the bullpen is unscored upon in 7.1 innings. The defense, also a concern, was again brilliant today with great plays from Alec Bohm and yet another circus catch from Didi Gregorius. 

The only concern was from the offense, which managed just nine runs and struck out 36 times in the three games. But the pitching was so good, the offense was good enough.

Another big test awaits the unbeaten Phils on Monday night, when the New York Mets visit Citizens Bank Park for their first game of the season. Their weekend series against the Nationals was postponed because of COVID issues on the Nationals roster and staff. Jacob deGrom gets the start for the Mets while Matt Moore makes his Phillies debut. 

DeGrom has faced the Phillies 17 times and held them to a .561 OPS, and none of the Phillies regulars is hitting more than .200 against him for his career. Nobody expected a weekend sweep. Who knows what could happen with the Mets in town? (Photo from Phillies Twitter account)