CASTELLANOS LEADING PHILS POWER PLAY DOWN THE STRETCH
By Art Beitchman
After smoking the Cincinnati Reds last night 11-4 with an explosion of long balls — two by Rhys Hoskins and one each by Nick Castellanos and Darick Hall — the Phils go for the 3-game sweep today against the lowly Reds.
Once a powerhouse ball club, the Reds have been reduced to a bare bones team by ownership.
And the Phils will gladly beat up on them to fatten their record which stands at 65-51, good for the 2nd wild card if the season ended today.
Even better for the Rob Thomson-led Phils, they aim to get one of the top sluggers in the NL back this week in LF Kyle Schwarber, who’s coming off a calf strain, when the team returns to Philly Friday versus the NY Mets.
MVP Bryce Harper continues his ramp up to the lineup with batting practice swings at CBP this week, he’s expected to go to get some games under his belt in the minors next week before getting back in the lineup, the Phillies look to lock down that elusive playoff spot with Harper back for the stretch run in September.
