Phillies Need To Get Key Right-Handed Reliever Back on Track

The Philadelphia Phillies entered their West Coast trip on a nine-game winning streak but dropped the first two games against the Seattle Mariners, losing 9-2 in the opener and 4-1 in Game 2. While the offense cooled again, bullpen performance has also become a concern. Right-hander Orion Kerkering, called on in relief of starter Aaron Nola, has allowed more runs in recent outings after a surge that helped reset his season. For six straight starts he surrendered three or fewer earned runs, but his August ERA is now 5.59 after an earlier July that posted 5.79. In his last 19 innings, he has allowed 14 runs, 12 earned, and has struggled with 15 hits and 10 walks.