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Kincade & Salciunas: Weekdays 6am – 10am

Kincade & Salciunas: Weekdays 6am – 10am

Philadelphia Phillies Steal Game 1: It’s Better To Be Lucky AND Good!

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Author John Kincade

We know the old expressions that “It’s that it’s better to be lucky than good.” Sometimes, you can be really good and still benefit from being lucky! Look no further than Game 1 of the NLDS. It didn’t make a lot of sense at times, but the crazy formula Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies used created one of their best games of the entire season on the biggest stage possible.

Rob Thomson Pulls Ranger Suarez in 4th Inning 

20/20 hindsight is a great blessing. It’s very easy to praise things that go well. However, at the time of the decision, it was completely contrary to logic.

It wouldn’t be the first time in a huge game where Rob Thomson pulled a starting pitcher too early. Do you remember Game 6 of the World Series in Houston?

This time, pulling Ranger Suarez came up aces. The Braves’ formula to 104 wins all season has been jumping on teams early and then feasting on their bullpen. That is why this move was so counter to baseball strategy. It worked, bottom line.

A guy can sit down at a blackjack table and hit on 17. They may get a four for blackjack. It will never be considered a smart move. It may work, but pulling a starter that early is still crazy because so many things have to go right. Credit Thomson on his odd strategy working. I don’t need to see that again!

John Kincade on Twitter: "pic.twitter.com/1U3KpXD3C3 / Twitter"

pic.twitter.com/1U3KpXD3C3

The Atlanta Fan Base Was All Talk About a Hostile Environment. 

Remember all the chatter out of Atlanta last week? It’s been very quiet since Saturday night. The idea that Truist Park is in the same breath as an “intimidating postseason atmosphere” was never logical to anyone outside of metro Atlanta.

The mall was certainly quiet on Saturday. The Braves received little energy from their “home field advantage” in Atlanta. I’d suggest you stop talking on social media and actually make some noise. That was comical on Saturday.

Trea Turner Has Turned His Season Around. 

Pat Egan posted an amazing video on the brilliant play by Trea Turner in the 8th inning on Saturday night. It was the greatest defensive play of his Phillies career at the biggest time. This guy has finally become the player fans expected they were getting.

Game 2 Is A Huge Opportunity.

If Zack Wheeler looks anything like he has lately tonight, this series may be really short. The Phillies just have to stay relaxed and have fun in Game 2. The Braves look too tight to wipe themselves. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the series is already over.

Pat Egan on Twitter: "That Trea Turner double play was carbon copy of the double play @JimmyRollins11 turned to clinch the 2008 NL East crown for the #Phillies. #RedOctober pic.twitter.com/N8VFG9yIjG / Twitter"

That Trea Turner double play was carbon copy of the double play @JimmyRollins11 turned to clinch the 2008 NL East crown for the #Phillies. #RedOctober pic.twitter.com/N8VFG9yIjG

Watch The John Kincade Show live on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.

The Philadelphia Phillies 26-Man Roster for the NLDS Vs The Braves

  • C- JT Realmuto

    MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 03: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout prior to a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 03, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .252/.310/.452/.762

    20 HRs, 28 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 63 RBIs, 70 Runs, 16 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .194/.250/.333/.583

    1 HR, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 2RBIs, 4 Runs, 0 SBs

  • 1B- Bryce Harper

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts as he rounds second base after hitting a three-run homer in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 19, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .293/.401/.499/.900

    21 HRs, 29 2Bs, 1 3B, 72 RBIs, 84 Runs, 11 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .244/.397/.578/.974

    5 HRs, 0 2B, 0 3B, 9 RBIs, 10 Runs, 1 SB

  • 2B- Bryson Stott

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a one-run RBI single during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .280/.329/.419/.747

    15 HRs, 32 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 62 RBIs, 78 Runs, 31 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .220/.273/.380/.653

    1 HR, 5 2Bs, 0 3B, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs, 4 SBs

  • SS- Trea Turner

    ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 16: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores a run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 16, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri.

    (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .266/.320/.459/.778

    26 HRs, 35 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 76 RBIs, 102 Runs, 30 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .204/.272/.370/.642

    2 HRs, 3 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 7 RBIs, 7 Runs, 4 SBs

  • 3B- Alec Bohm

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a one-run RBI double during the third inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .274/.327/.437/.765

    20 HRs, 31 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 97 RBIs, 74 Runs, 4 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .262/.319/.381/.700

    1 HR, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 7 RBIs, 1 Run, 0 SB

  • LF- Brandon Marsh

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a three run home run against the New York Mets during the ninth inning of their game at Citi Field on October 01, 2023 in New York City.

    (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .277/.372/.458/.829

    12 HRs, 25 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 60 RBIs, 58 Runs, 10 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .286/.362/.452/.814

    2 HRs, 1 2B. 0 3B, 5 RBIs, 7 Runs, 1 SB

  • CF- Johan Rojas

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Johan Rojas #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a walk-off single during the tenth inning to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on September 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .302/.342/.430/.771

    2 HRs, 9 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 23 RBIs, 24 Runs, 14 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .286/.333/.571/.905

    1 HR, 1 2B, 0 3B, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs, 2 SBs

  • RF- Nick Castellanos

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .272/.311/.476/.788

    29 HRs, 37 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 106 RBIs, 79 Runs, 11 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .294/.345/.608/.953

    4 HRs, 2 2Bs, 1 3B, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs, 0 SBs

  • DH- Kyle Schwarber

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 29: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .197/.343/.474/.817

    47 HRs, 19 2Bs, 1 3B, 104 RBIs, 108 Runs, 0 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .184/.344/.327/.671

    2 HRs, 1 2B, 0 3B, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs, 0 SB

  • INF- Edmundo Sosa

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 21: Edmundo Sosa #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a triple during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park on August 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .251/.293/.427/.719

    10 HRs, 15 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 30 RBIs, 34 Runs, 4 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .154/.154/.231/.385

    0 HRs, 1 2B, 0 3B, 2 RBIs, 1 Run, 0 SBs

  • OF- Cristian Pache

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Cristian Pache #19 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a one-run RBI single during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .238/.319/.417/.736

    2 HRs, 7 2Bs, 1 3B, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs, 2 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .000/.143/.000/.143

    0 HRs, 0 2B, 0 3B, 0 RBIs, 0 Runs, 0 SBs

  • 1B/OF- Jake Cave

    SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 20: Jake Cave #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies follows his two RBI home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals during the 2023 Little League Classic at Bowman Field on August 20, 2023 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .238/.319/.417/.736

    2 HRs, 7 2Bs, 1 3B, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs, 2 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .000/.143/.000/.143

    0 HRs, 0 2B, 0 3B, 0 RBIs, 0 Runs, 0 SBs

  • C- Garrett Stubbs

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Garrett Stubbs #21 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on October 01, 2023 in New York City.

    (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .204/.274/.283/.557

    1 HR, 4 2Bs, 1 3B, 12 RBIs, 15 Runs, 2 SBs

    Stats vs Braves

    .000/.000/.000/.000

    0 HRs, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 0 RBIs, 0 Runs, 0 SB

  • SP- Zack Wheeler

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.61 ERA, 13-6, 212 Ks, 192 IPs, 1,08 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    3.32 ERA, 2-0, 21 Ks, 19 IPs, 1.00 WHIP

  • SP- Aaron Nola

    ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 15, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri.

    (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

    Season Stats 

    4.46 ERA, 12-9, 202 Ks, 193.2 IPs, 1.15 WHIP 

    Stats vs Braves 

    3.50 ERA, 0-0, 20 Ks, 18 IPs, 1.11 WHIP 

  • SP- Ranger Suarez

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on September 27, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.18 ERA, 4-6, 119 Ks, 125 IPs, 1.42 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    1.5 ERA, 0-0, 7 Ks, 6 IPs, 1.00 WHIP

  • SP- Taijuan Walker

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Taijuan Walker #99 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning of game one of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.38 ERA, 15-6, 138 Ks, 172.2 IPs, 1.31 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    6.00 ERA, 1-0, 6Ks, 12 IPs, 1.67 WHIP

  • SP/RP- Cristopher Sanchez

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cristopher Sanchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 24, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.44 ERA, 3-5, 96 Ks, 99.1 IPs, 1.05 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    5.56 ERA, 0-2, 12 Ks, 11.1 IPs, 1.94 WHIP

  • SP/RP- Michael Lorenzen

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Lorenzen #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.18 ERA, 9-9, 111 Ks, 153 IPs, 1.21 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    11.12 ERA, 1-1, 6 Ks, 11.1 IPs, 2.12 WHIP

  • RP- Craig Kimbrel

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Craig Kimbrel #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates recording the final out to defeat the Miami Marlins 4-1 in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.26 ERA, 23 Saves, 94 Ks, 69 IPs, 1.04 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    1.50 ERA, 3 Saves, 7 Ks, 6 IPs, 0.83 WHIP

  • RP- Jose Alvarado

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Jose Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after striking out Yuli Gurriel #10 of the Miami Marlins (not pictured) to retire the side during the seventh inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    1.74 ERA, 10 Saves, 64 Ks, 41.1 IPs, 1.16 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    2.25 ERA, 0 Saves, 5Ks, 4 IPS, 1.25 WHIP

  • RP- Gregory Soto

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 12: Gregory Soto #30 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citizens Bank Park on August 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.62 ERA, 3 Saves, 65Ks, 60.1 IPs, 1.14 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    8.31 ERA*, 0 Saves, 6 Ks, 4.1 Innings, 1.84 WHIP

    *Most of that 8.31 came off one bad out in May, Soto has given up 1 run over his last 3 outings vs the Braves*

  • RP- Jeff Hoffman

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Jeff Hoffman #68 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    2.41 ERA, 1 Save, 69 Ks, 52.1 IPs, 0.92 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    7.2 ERA, 0 Saves, 5 Ks, 5 IPs, 1.80 WHIP

  • RP- Matt Strahm

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 21: Matt Strahm #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park on August 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.29 ERA, 2 Saves, 108 Ks, 87.2 IPs, 1.02 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    1.69 ERA, 1 Save, 3 Ks, 5.1 IPs, 0.94 WHIP

  • RP- Seranthony Dominguez

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on September 27, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.78 ERA, 2 Saves, 48 Ks, 50 Ks, 50 IPs, 1.40 WHIP

    Stats vs. Braves

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 3Ks, 3.2 IPs, 0.30 WHIP

  • RP- Orion Kerkering

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches enroute to a scoreless eighth inning of his major league debut against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 24, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-2.

    (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 6 Ks, 3.0 IPs, 1.33 WHIP

    Stats vs Braves

    Has Not Faced the Braves

A full blooded Delco native from a sports crazed family, John has been obsessed with Philly sports from his days at St. Annie’s drawing team logos on his book covers! Told many times by teachers along the way “if you knew your studies as well as you know your sports” he turned that perceived weakness into a career. John has been broadcasting at the local and national levels since 1992. As a content creator for 97.5 The Fanatic he writes about Eagles, Sixers, Phillies and Flyers. You can follow @johnkincade or reach him at John.Kincade@bbgi.com

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