Phillies show maturity issues in series against Mets

We’re not exactly sure what’s going on, but it seems as though the Philadelphia Phillies needed to force some fuel into themselves. The Mets-Phillies rivalry seems to be back but without the Mets having much say in the matter.

Due to a re-occurrence of Met batters being hit by pitches throughout the Mets-Phillies series, it was thought that Jacob Rhame’s high inside fastballs towards Rhys Hoskins head were intentional. Rhys didn’t take either of these pitches lightly, showing fierce emotion following each of the two pitches.

Now Hoskins has every right to get angry over a 98-MPH fastball being thrown towards his head. But the score was currently 9-0 Mets, and it was Jacob Rhame on the mound; A right-handed pitcher that would not be in the game if it wasn’t so lopsided.

The two pitches were not intentional by any means.

After the game Jacob denied any intent on hitting Hoskins, saying, “I was just trying to work inside.” When Rhame was asked if he was surprised by Hoskins reaction he stated, “Surprised? When you accidentally sail one, it’s probably pretty scary. I’d get pissed, too.”

The Phillies didn’t buy it.

Phillies manager, Gabe Kapler stated, “I’m still fairly upset about the way last night’s game ended.”

Even outfielder Aaron Altherr invited himself into the drama saying, “They’re throwing at him for sure. These things work themselves out.”

Mets manager Mickey Callaway responded to the comments by saying, “I get why they were concerned, but we’re not concerned at all. We’re going to go out there and play the game that we have to play to win.” Callaway also went on to say, “We’re here to win. And we can’t concern ourselves with that. If something happens, we’ll deal with it appropriately, and then keep on trying to win. That’s why we’re here.”

After a non-surprising selfish act by Bryce Harper, removing himself from game one of the series Monday night, the Phillies offense was quiet. Struggling to score any runs and drama within the clubhouse after Jake Arrieta’s comments, the Phillies needed a push. Trying to find any form of motivation, the Phillies found that Rhame’s high inside fastballs to Rhys would be the answer.

Following Tuesday night’s game Hoskins said, “A couple of guys kind of said the phrase, ‘Don’t poke the sleeping bear.’ And seemed to be that the last couple of innings was a pretty good indication that may have happened.”

Due to the pitches being non-intentional, we aren’t sure if the Mets played any part in “poking the sleeping bear.” Unlike the Phillies, the Mets are clearly focused on themselves this early into the season; This is not what the Phillies are thinking about.

Rhys Hoskins then decided that the feud wasn’t over in Wednesday night’s game, basically strolling around the bases after hitting a home run off his now nemesis, Jacob Rhame, late in the game.

During Wednesday night’s post game, Jacob Rhame had to address the media once more about the discrepancy.

“He got me. If I make a better pitch, he doesn’t get to run the bases,” Rhame said. “It’s his jog man. He hit the bomb.”

Despite the New York Mets not asking for any of this, it seems as though the next time these teams meet, it will be interesting. We’ll see which Mets minor league level pitcher loses their control the next time they face the Philadelphia Phillies.