Edmundo Sosa’s heroics help seal another win for the Phillies against the Marlins

The Phillies have actually managed to start a winning streak in September

Phillies shortstop Edmundo Sosa tags out Marlins Luke Williams caught stealing second base during the 9th inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Tuesday, September 6, 2022 Phillies walk off the Marlins 3-2.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer

Published Sept. 7, 2022, 10:01 p.m. ET

Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson gave Edmundo Sosa the start at shortstop over Bryson Stott on Wednesday night because Sosa went 2-for-2 with a home run in Tuesday’s win over the Miami Marlins. Sosa rewarded his manager by giving him an even better performance in the Phillies’ 4-3 win over the Marlins on Wednesday.

Of the Phillies’ four RBIs, three were credited to Sosa. He went 3-for-3 with a home run, his second home run in two games (and his second of the season), a hard-hit liner that just went over the left-center field wall. It gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning.

As if that weren’t enough, Sosa made an acrobatic play in the top of the seventh inning to catch JJ Bleday trying to steal second base. The shortstop jumped over Bleday as he was running toward the bag, and while in the air, he lowered his glovejust enough for the tag.

“I think one of the best characteristics that I have is that I bring a lot of energy to the field,” Sosa said. “I play like myself. I know my role, I know I’m not going to play every day. So, it’s important to always bring the energy, pumping guys up, to be there for them. To do well whenever I have a chance to play.”

Before Tuesday and Wednesday night, the last game Sosa had started was on Aug. 31. Despite the lack of regular playing time, the infielder has hit .357/.391/.667 since arriving in Philadelphia via trade on July 31.

Falter with a solid start

Falter wasn’t able to put together a quality start, like he did in his last three outings, but he still gave the Phillies enough length for a win. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits, two earned runs with no walks, and three strikeouts.

“Tremendous,” Thomson said of Falter. “He started off the game and he was behind in the count a little bit, first inning and the start of the second inning, and then he really settled in. He started throwing strikes. He started using his breaking ball. He’s been a godsend for us, he really has. He’s pitched great. I’m really proud of him.”

When asked whether it’s possible Falter earns a rotation spot after Zack Wheeler comes off of the 15-day injured list, Thomson said he wouldn’t rule it out.

“We’ll see where we’re at,” he said. “He’s pitched extremely well. He’s pitched as well as anybody.”

Hoskins with a defensive gem

The numbers say that first baseman Rhys Hoskins has improved his defense this season, and he made an impressive play to reinforce that. In the top of the sixth inning, Joey Wendle hit a ball down the first base line that bounced fair, but well behind him. Hoskins reacted quickly and made a diving stop and throw to Falter at first base, preventing the ball from dribbling past him down the line.

Vierling saves a run or two

In the top of the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and two outs, Marlins first baseman Garrett Cooper hit a liner to right fielder Matt Vierling. It looked like it was going to bounce just inside the foul line, but Vierling hustled to grab it, slamming into the wall in the process.

Falter tapped his glove to show Vierling his appreciation. If that ball had fallen for a hit, it likely would have scored a run. Instead, Vierling stopped the bleeding.