The starter-turned-outfielder-turned-reliever got a win and a hit in the same game.
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The Mets were in action in Philly Tuesday night.
“I felt great”, Niese said.
If that’s an indication of Howard’s future state as the Phillies’ season winds down to its final five games, then the continued emergence of Darin Ruf might become more of an intriguing revelation by the time meaningful games are again played at Citizens Bank Park. Asher comes off his best outing where he gave up a run over seven frames of a 1-0 loss at Miami.
The Phillies will use the time to get to see a little more from a few of the players they’re trying to figure out what to do with going forward.
In a proactive measure, the NL East clubs will now play an afternoon game at Citi Field to beat out the impending rain. That bit of nervousness dissipated, however, as Giles escaped the jam and gave the Phils only their third win over the Mets of the season. Closer Ken Giles started with a walk to David Wright, then got two outs and two quick strikes on Duda… until Duda struck back with his second long ball of the night, cutting the lead to one. “It was nice to see him come through”. “He had been swinging the bat well against right-handers”. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to get Buchanan a win.
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Colon (L, 14-13) lasted just five innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on eight hits. Duda, who finished 3-for-5, has five homers in his past three games and 27 on the season. That would be the only blemish on Buchanan’s night, as he allowed just the one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in the no-decision. Herrera and Altherr hit back-to-back singles before Ruf connected on his 11th home run of the season. His start Wednesday night might be pushed back, but he’s not expected to miss the postseason. 3B Maikel Franco (non-displaced fracture in left wrist) is set to rejoin the Phillies on Friday for the team’s final series of the season. RHP Jacob deGrom, RHP Matt Harvey and RHP Noah Syndergaard are locks, and the fourth spot is between RHP Bartolo Colon and Matz…. Phillies 1B Ryan Howard (bruised left knee) remains day to day and could be available to pinch hit during the three-game series against the Mets.
