Key to the Phillies Stretch Run

The main thing in this NY Times graphic documenting the ingredients of the Mets decline and the Phils ascension was the ERA of the Phillies’ bullpen since September 12. Phillies relievers had a 2.40 era since that date. The Mets’ relievers had a 5.27 ERA. Indeed, the Phils team ERA since 9/12 was 3.44. But it was the relief era that’s such a surprising twist for what was – and remains – the weakest part of the team. Still, in crunch time the bullpen delivered. And the Mets’ pitching staff? Not so much. In fact, the offenses performed similarly in the last 17 games, but it was the Phillies pitchers that made the difference.

 

And Phillies fans will be happy to learn that fireball reliever Billy Wagner’s era since 9/12 was a too hot to handle self-immolating 5.40.