Phillies face must-win finale after 12-1 loss to Rays
The Philadelphia Phillies fell 12-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, leaving their postseason hopes dependent on a win in the final game of the season on Sunday.
Philadelphia’s season finale hinges on a single game after the Phillies were routed 12-1 by the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park. The loss, their fourth in a row, left the team with a 9-14 record in September and a slim chance to clinch the final wild-card spot.
Manager Don Mattingly said the upcoming game is a “Game 7, must-win type of situation,” noting that a victory would secure a playoff berth, while a loss would require Arizona to lose its finale to keep the Phillies alive. Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (13-5, 3.06) is slated to take the mound on Sunday, after the club had hoped to reserve him for the opening round of the postseason.
The Phillies’ offense has struggled, managing just three runs in their last four games and being out-hit 17-7 by the Rays. Catcher J.T. Realmuto acknowledged the slump, saying, “Too many guys are cold at the same time… we’re not getting the hits, finding the holes, coming up in the big spots where we need that one hit to catch some momentum.” He added that he feels responsible for the team’s performance, noting his own 0-for-32 stretch.
Philadelphia’s pitching depth remains thin after left-hander Jesús Luzardo was placed on the injured list. Veteran Aaron Nola was forced to start on two days’ rest, lasting only one inning and giving up a two-run homer to Junior Caminero. The bullpen subsequently surrendered nine runs over eight innings, with relievers Tanner Banks, Chase Shugart, and Jose Alvarado each contributing to the deficit.
If the Phillies win Sunday’s game, they will face Atlanta in a best-of-three wild-card series. A loss, combined with an Arizona win, would end their postseason hopes.