Big Jeff Hoffman executes a game-saving tag, while Pache’s preparation leads to a walk-off victory.

On Monday night, Jeff Hoffman’s physicality, resembling that of a linebacker as much as a pitcher, proved crucial. In the ninth inning of a tied game, with two outs and runners on the corners, Hoffman threw a bouncing slider to Elehuris Montero, resulting in a wild pitch that eluded J.T. Realmuto’s mitt.

Facing a depleted bench with three players unavailable, including Brendan Rodgers and Jake Cave due to illness, and Kris Bryant nursing a back injury, the Rockies sent starting pitcher Kyle Freeland as a pinch-runner to third base. Realmuto swiftly retrieved the wild pitch and tossed it to Hoffman, who slid into home plate simultaneously with Freeland to make a game-saving tag.

Although Freeland initially appeared to beat Hoffman to the plate, his foot lifted during the slide, and upon review, there was insufficient evidence to overturn the umpires’ call on the field of an out.

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Hoffman expressed his desire for baseball to involve more contact, reflecting on the unusual play where two pitchers found themselves in the thick of the action. He reassured that he had spoken to Kyle, confirming his well-being, which was a relief. Hoffman emphasized his focus on reaching the plate in time, anticipating J.T. Realmuto’s throw, which landed perfectly for him to make the tag swiftly. Both pitchers arrived at the plate simultaneously, creating a chaotic moment.

Manager Rob Thomson lightened the mood with a quip about Realmuto’s past as an option quarterback during his high school days.

Despite the dramatic play involving Hoffman and Freeland, the Phillies’ offense struggled to make an impact in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, they managed to break the deadlock in the 10th inning, with Whit Merrifield advancing the auto-runner to third base with a sacrifice, followed by Cristian Pache delivering the walk-off single, sealing a 2-1 victory.

Pache found himself in the game as a pinch-runner for Kyle Schwarber after Schwarber opened the bottom of the eighth inning with a walk. Pache wasted no time, connecting on the first-pitch sinker from Rockies reliever Jake Bird and driving it through the gap between first and second base, sparking celebrations with his teammates.

“It’s incredibly exciting for me because I haven’t had many opportunities to play, but I always strive to stay prepared in the batting cage so that I can capitalize on any chance that comes my way,” Pache expressed through team interpreter Diego D’Aniello.

“I was hitting in the cage, and we set the pitching machine to simulate throwing sinkers in a situation where we could be aggressive during the at-bat, and fortunately, that’s exactly what happened, and I was able to make solid contact with the ball.”

Pache’s hit secured a win for Seranthony Dominguez, who retired all three batters he faced in the 10th inning, with the go-ahead run in scoring position.

The Phillies, with a record of 9-8, have heavily relied on their pitching in their first six series. They have only scored more than five runs once, which was the night Bryce Harper hit three home runs, and have been limited to three runs or fewer in eight games.

In the first 17 games of the season, the Phillies have recorded just 30 extra-base hits, the lowest in Major League Baseball. By comparison, through the same number of games last season, they had accumulated 63 extra-base hits.

Thomson maintains that the team is designed to excel in hitting, expressing confidence that they will perform better, citing factors such as their track records and statistical probabilities. It’s difficult to imagine the lineup staying quiet for long, but it’s worth considering whether certain aspects of it have become stagnant. Currently, the offense lacks a distinct identity — whether in power hitting, disciplined plate approach, or contact skills.

On the flip side, despite the offense’s lack of visibility thus far, the Phillies have managed to maintain a winning record. In previous seasons, with weaker pitching staffs, the team might have a record closer to 6-11 rather than 9-8.

Bryson Stott, who contributed with two singles, a walk, and a stolen base, emphasized the importance of winning games of various types throughout the season, whether blowouts or close contests.

Aaron Nola, finally pitching under favorable weather conditions without rain, wind, or cold temperatures, delivered his best performance of the early season against the Rockies. He dominated, allowing just one run over 7⅓ innings, striking out nine batters while issuing only one walk to the second-to-last batter he faced.

Nola’s curveball was particularly effective, and when he commands it as he did on Monday, it can be just as formidable as a fastball in the upper-90s. All 12 of his swinging strikes came from his curveball.

Nola’s first start of the season was at home on March 30, delayed by a day due to a rainout and beginning with a 27-minute delay.

In his second start, which occurred six nights later in Washington, D.C., the temperature dropped to 42 degrees by the middle innings.

His third start proved to be the most challenging, taking place on a rain-soaked afternoon last Wednesday in St. Louis. The persistent rain forced Nola to alter his pitching delivery, shortening his front leg stride to prevent slipping and maintain control. Consequently, his fastball averaged only 89.5 mph, a drop of nearly three mph from his performance against the Braves.

“I hope it’s like 75 and sunny for Nola’s next start,” Realmuto expressed that afternoon, almost willing it to happen.

From the outset of Monday night’s game, it was evident that Nola had sharper, more effective pitches. His fastball consistently clocked in at 92-93 mph, aligning with his typical career velocity. He maintained this speed into the eighth inning and recorded five strikeouts in the final six batters he faced.

The Phillies’ pitching staff boasts a 3.68 ERA for the season, ranking third-best in the majors. The starters have collectively posted a 2.95 ERA, while several relievers, including Jose Alvarado, Hoffman, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, and Yunior Marte, have shown promising performances.

“I believe throughout the season, different players will step up to support each other,” Hoffman remarked. “Currently, it seems like the pitchers are providing support for the offense, but in a month’s time, it could be the hitters carrying the pitchers. It’s a long season. We adapt to the circumstances. Ultimately, our goal is to support each other enough to win plenty of games.”