Updated
Updated · NBC Sports Philadelphia · Aug 23
Andrew Painter Fires 7 Strong Innings as Phillies Stretch Streak to 8
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports Philadelphia · Aug 23

Andrew Painter Fires 7 Strong Innings as Phillies Stretch Streak to 8

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports Philadelphia · Aug 23

Summary

  • Seven innings of one-run ball from Andrew Painter powered Philadelphia to a 12-3 rout of St. Louis, the rookie’s longest and best major league start.
  • Painter allowed five hits, walked none and struck out eight, throwing first-pitch strikes to 22 of 27 batters and topping out at 99.6 mph after mechanical tweaks and a new circle change.
  • Fifteen Phillies hits backed him, with Bryce Harper launching a three-run homer and Kyle Schwarber hitting his MLB-leading 38th as the club went 7-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
  • The eighth straight win pushed Philadelphia to 15-5 in August, 14 games over .500 and within three games of Atlanta in the NL East while holding the second wild-card spot.
  • Saturday’s only setbacks were minor injuries to Luiz Arraez, Alec Bohm and Derek Hill, with the Phillies now chasing a sweep behind ace Cristopher Sanchez on Sunday.

Insights

What hidden mechanical tweaks transformed Andrew Painter from a struggling prospect into a 99-mph throwing, must-roster fantasy ace overnight?
Could a mid-season demotion be the secret catalyst that finally unlocked the frontline ace potential of the Phillies' most vital young arm?