DENVER _ The Phillies' surprising run to first place this summer was built around their resolve. The team, Gabe Kapler often said, could "take a punch and come out swinging." But a fighter can only assume so many punches. And the Phillies, who lost 14-0 on Wednesday to Colorado, seem to be ending their season on the canvas, waiting for the fight to be stopped.
The Phillies have lost seven straight games and have been outscored, 34-4, in the first three games at Coors Field. It was the first time since 1958 that they allowed 10 runs in three straight games. A loss Thursday would complete a winless eight-game road trip, which would be tied for the worst mark since the inaugural Phillies dropped all nine games of a trip in August of 1883.
The first eight Phillies batters struck out. The ninth _ pitcher Nick Pivetta _ reached on an error. Carlos Santana would later strike out and the Phillies made their first nine outs by strikeouts. It did not take long to see that the slide was not quite ready to stop. Pivetta allowed six runs before being lifted in the fifth inning. Victor Arano allowed two homers and did not record an out. The Phillies used six pitchers and only one of them _ Adam Morgan _ did not allow a run.
They mustered just four hits, struck out 14 times, and walked twice. The Phillies will have to win three of their final four games to avoid a losing season. The Phillies are running out of time to show some fight.
