Following a heartbreaking Game 2 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson singled out his players, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
The Phillies are now down 0-2 in the NLDS and will travel to Dodger Stadium for two games to salvage their season.
Harper has gone 1-for-7 in this series, with one walk and three strikeouts. Schwarber is 0 for 7, with a walk and five strikeouts.
The squad’s two greatest hitters, who can hit for both power and contact, are underperforming at the plate, and it has cost the team dearly through two games.
Following the game, Thomson discussed the duo’s problems in the NLDS.
“Yeah, I think those guys are trying to do a little too much right now, instead of just being themselves and looking for base hits and the power will come,” said Thomson.
The Phillies’ greatest hitters in the series have been J.T. Realmuto (3 for 8 with a triple, double, and two RBIs) and Max Kepler (2 for 6 with a double and triple). Harper and Schwarber were nowhere to be seen.
The Phillies have three games to do the job against the Dodgers. To complete the comeback, Harper and Schwarber must be locked in.
Following the game, Harper made it obvious that he understands where he has to improve.
“I wouldn’t say we’re pressing,” Harper said. “I really believe we are lacking pitchers over the plate. They make solid pitches when they need to.
“Obviously, I need to improve my performance with the players on base. I mean, I had a handful of possibilities myself but didn’t take them. It has to be better. We have our job cut out for us.
“We understand that we are a good team. “Anything can happen in the next few days.”
Schwarber, on the other hand, accepted full responsibility for his performance when questioned about the Phillies’ misfires.
“I can speak for myself; I am aware that I have not (performed),” Schwarber stated. “You want to get things started. You want to get something started. And I just didn’t come through in that situation.”
To advance to the NLCS, the Phillies must win both games at Dodger Stadium before returning home to play Game 5. Otherwise, Philadelphia will face another lengthy winter.