The Philadelphia Phillies suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Saturday, falling 12-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays and leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. However, for interim manager Don Mattingly, the lopsided defeat wasn't all doom and gloom.
Philadelphia managed only seven hits and was held scoreless through the first six innings. The Phillies finally ended their 21-inning scoreless streak in the seventh when a fielding error by Richie Palacios on a Justin Crawford groundball allowed a run to score. The drought had surpassed their previous season-high of 20 scoreless innings, set in April.
Four of Philadelphia's seven hits came during the final three innings. That late offensive activity was actually why Mattingly was encouraged.
“I liked the fight all night long,” said Mattingly. “Even being down 10, 12, whatever we were down, the at-bats kept fighting. And to me that’s a great sign. Obviously it isn't great on paper, but I'm encouraged. You might call me crazy, but in a game like that our guys fought till the end. I was actually encouraged at the end of that game. I'm being overly optimistic, but I was encouraged tonight.”
Article Continues Below“You might call me crazy, but in a game like that our guys fought till the end. I was actually encouraged at the end of that game. I’m being overly optimistic, but I was encouraged tonight.”
Don Mattingly after the Phillies 12-1 loss.@SportsRadioWIP pic.twitter.com/Pj8ponJtgE
— Vani Hanamirian (@vani_hanamirian) September 27, 2026
The Phillies' offense had little success before that late push. The top of the order, consisting of Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, combined for three hits. JT Realmuto went hitless again, extending his slump to 0-for-34.
Philadelphia also had to overcome an unusual pitching situation after Jesus Luzardo's injury. Aaron Nola started on only two days' rest, a first in his 11-season career, with the Phillies hoping he could throw 40 to 50 pitches. Instead, Nola lasted just 21 pitches and one inning. Junior Caminero hit a two-run homer, while Victor Mesa Jr. and Palacios followed with consecutive doubles to put Tampa Bay ahead 3-0 before Philadelphia came to bat.
The Rays eventually stretched their advantage to 12-0 before the Phillies' seventh-inning run, and Ryan Vilade added a two-run single in the ninth.
Despite the loss, Philadelphia remained alive because the San Diego Padres defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, shrinking the Phillies' magic number to one. Philadelphia can secure the final National League playoff spot with a win Sunday or another Diamondbacks loss.
Zack Wheeler is scheduled to start Game 162, while Luzardo is expected to return from the injured list and be available out of the bullpen.