"Can't make mistakes in playoffs" - Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner react to NLDS Game 1 loss to Mets
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was impressive in NLDS Game 1 against the New York Mets, but Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and other hitters except Kyle Schwarber had a night to forget. The Mets won the game 6-2, courtesy of impressive performances from Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and Jose Iglesias.
The Phillies ace pitched seven innings without giving up a run. Though he walked four hitters, he only gave up one hit and struck out nine.
Despite the setback, Wheeler discussed Game 2 in the postgame interview.
"I was able to command a lot of my stuff for the most part," Wheelers said. "You know, I did have four walks, but those were me just being very careful with a one-to-zero lead. You can't make mistakes in the playoffs, so, you know, if the pitch was up and in, I was going to make sure it was up and in." [15:37]
"I didn't want anything to leak back or anything like that. It's a lot different than the regular season, and you just have to be careful. You know, I trust myself, so I know, you know, if I walk a guy, hopefully I can get that next guy out," Wheeler added.
Bryce Harper, who went 1-2 and had two walks, was upset with the team's performance.
"I think [Zack] Wheeler, obviously, um, what can you say, man? He threw the crap out of it again. Every time he goes out there, he gives us a very good chance to win, and I thought he just threw the ball great. It was really good to see. And obviously, I feel like, as an offense, we wasted that start," said Harper. [20:08]
Trea Turner, who went 0-4, was also disappointed in wasting Wheeler's strong performance.
I think [we] just grinded out a little bit more ... Um, I think, you know, you can't really rely on some of the at-bats that you've had in the, you know, last couple of months or so. So, um, just kind of make the adjustments, see what they're doing to you, and then don't miss that mistake pitch, Turner said. [27:28]
Phillies sportscaster blames Bryce Harper, Trea Turner for Game 1 loss; praises Zack Wheeler
NBC Sports Philadelphia sportscaster Michael Barkann was upset after the Phillies lost Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets. The veteran sportscaster blasted Bryce Harper and other Phillies hitters, except Kyle Schwarber.
"Don't blame Rob Thompson for this one; don't blame Kevin Long; don't blame Kyle Schwarber; and damn sure don't blame the stud, Zack Wheeler. But [Trea] Turner, [Bryce] Harper, Castellanos, Bohm, Stott, Realmuto ... take a hike. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves," Barkann said. [0:23]
Barkann's disappointment came from the fact that the Phillies have never won a World Series after losing Game 1. Will Bryce Harper and Co. do the unthinkable? They certainly have the personnel to do it. However, standing against them are the Mets, led by Francisco Lindor, and they are scripting an ultimate underdog story.