PHILS HAVE FINALLY FOUND THEIR CLOSER — SERANTHONY DOMINGUEZ
By Art Beitchman
The Phillies have been on quite a winning roll in June.
They’ve won an amazing 15 games out of the past 18, and new skipper Rob Thomson appears to be pressing all the right buttons that former manager Joe Girardi couldn’t find.
But Saturday’s win over the Nationals could have the biggest effect.
Thomson inserted flame thrower Seranthony Dominguez into the 9th inning to protect a one-run lead, and Dominguez did that easily, forcing three easy fly balls to left field which were handled routinely by Kyle Schwarber.
Fans have been waiting for this crucial move to be made after three seasons plus of blown saves — games in the 9th lost by shoddy relief pitching in this do or die, role.
Dominguez has the credentials to lock down this spot. This season in 26 innings he’s 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA, and now he notched his first save of the 2022 season.
Thomson wants to ease the 27-year-old into this big role, but it looks like the audition stage is over.
Time will tell, but the closer’s role should go to Dominguez the rest of the year.
