The Phillies were dealt a demoralizing loss on Thursday night, thanks to an epic seven-run ninth-inning comeback by the Mets.
The setback for the Phillies marked something of a reversal of fortunes from a similar game last month -- when it was the Phils who put up five runs against the Mets' bullpen in a stunning comeback.
Still, that was cold comfort for the Phillies and their fans on this night.
After the game, Phillies manager Joe Girardi was asked where the tough loss ranks in his long career.
The veteran manager said it was "probably the toughest" in his three seasons in Philadelphia.
With the loss, the Phillies fell to a disappointing 11-15 and fourth place in the NL East.
Not surprisingly, Phillies fans were frustrated yet again in a season that has already seen too many moments such as this for their liking.
Many pointed the finger at Girardi for his questionable management of the bullpen during the implosion. The debacle cost starter Aaron Nola a shot at a win after seven innings of one-run ball.
But journeyman right-hander James Norwood allowed the flood gates to open, and closer Corey Knebel, who had allowed just one earned run in his first 10 appearances, blew his first save chance of the season. Neither Brad Hand nor Seranthony Dominguez, two of the Phillies' better relievers, ever got the call.
Girardi even remarked that the team had played well -- for the first eight innings.
With the Phillies four games under .500, some were wondering whether it's time to shake things up.
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