The excitement with which the Philadelphia Phillies began their fourth consecutive postseason has quickly turned into questions, following the defeat in the first game of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Philadelphia team entered the playoffs as two-time divisional champion and with better momentum than in previous seasons, the initial debacle has put manager Rob Thomson under criticism for his pitching decisions.
The game started well for the Phillies, who took an early lead. Left-handed starter Cristopher Sanchez held the Dodgers’ powerful offense in check, allowing just two runs in nearly seven innings of work. The real debacle, however, came in the bullpen.
Criticism of Rob Thomson
Thomson’s strategy was once again the main target of criticism. The decision to bring in veteran reliever David Robertson with the lead and one out remaining in the sixth inning did not go as planned.
Although Robertson managed to save the sixth inning, in the seventh he collapsed, allowing a walk and hitting a batter before being replaced without recording an out.
Then it was Matt Strahm’s turn, who, after getting two difficult outs, gave up the killer blow: a three-run homer to outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. This home run not only silenced the fervent home crowd, but also sealed the Dodgers’ comeback, who took Game 1 and immediately had the home-field advantage that was so hard to come by.
The Past Condemns You
For the fan base, this questioning of Thomson is nothing new. Although the manager was seen as a “savior” when he took over midway through the 2022 season, his image was tarnished in that year’s World Series after a controversial decision to pull ace Zack Wheeler, which led to a loss of the lead that ultimately cost the title.
Now, with a fourth consecutive classification at risk of ending in premature elimination, the fury of the fans overflows on social networks, where they brand Thomson as the culprit.
A critical moment
The Phillies now face immense pressure. They have lost home-field advantage in two consecutive postseasons and must recover in a series that already looms as an early final.
If the team fails to reverse the result and make a serious run at the World Series, Rob Thomson’s position is almost certain to be the first piece to fall. In a world governed by social media, the questioning of fans is becoming increasingly important and in this case, it is being felt quite strongly.
Read the full article here
