You can’t say who will win until the very last ball- True that! For the Citizens Bank Park’s Warriors, things changed in a heartbeat. Once comfortably ahead with an 11-4 lead over the Miami Marlins. The Philadelphia Phillies found themselves in a tight finale as the game came to an end at 11-10. One moment, you’re cruising, a comfortable lead stretching out like a sun-drenched highway. The next? It’s the Marlins who almost took the game from your hand. What happened in the blink of an eye?

The Philadelphia Phillies were dominating, making Citizens Bank Park a lively place. Bryson Stott and Johan Rojas both had three hits, with the team’s 18 hits led by Trea Turner’s four. Offensively, everything was working. The Phillies were confident after three wins. The atmosphere altered in the ninth inning. What made the crowd sit on the edge of their seats?

The Marlins made it 11-10 with a six-run surge. The sudden offensive surge featured Dane Myers’ three-run homer, Graham Pauley’s RBI double, and Liam Hicks’ two-run blast. As the Marlins threatened to cancel the game, the crowd grew tense. Courties to whom? Phillies’ $8.5 million star pitcher Jordan Romano. Romano arrived at the mound expecting to win. Rather, he was hit nonstop, giving up six runs and only two outs before being substituted. His ERA surged to 15.26, and as he departed the mound he was greeted with boos.

What’s his take? Let’s listen: “What’s honestly crazy to me is, like, I went out there and executed what I wanted to do.”  Romano told On Pattinson, “It’s just the worst result possible. I wanted to drive the zone with my heater, throw the slider in there for strikes. I did that. Just got crushed.“

Romano reflected, “It’s probably the worst outing of my career,” which was truthful about his performance. Though he felt physically strong and confident in his throws, he said the Marlins were “seeing it really well today.”  Originally starting with the Toronto Blue Jays, Romano was a six-year MLB player. In 2022 and 2023, he was named to the All-Star team. Over 231 bullpen appearances for Toronto, he compiled 105 saves with a 2.90 ERA. The Phillies took a temporary risk by signing Romano to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million.

However, the momentum shifted when Jose Alvarado locked the last out for his fifth save of the season, helping the Phillies to hang on for the victory. Romano’s challenges have raised questions about his future role. The team might have to rethink their bullpen approach given a WHIP of 2.22 and just seven strikeouts in 7.2 innings. Building on their lead in the standings will depend on all pitchers performing consistently, particularly in high-pressure games.

The Phillies took their chance while signing Romano. Was that risk worth it? Well, last night’s scorecard and his previous plays justify the risky bet they made!

Romano’s redemption: The mechanics behind the comeback

Looking at last night’s name, Jordan Romano’s early season with the Philadelphia Phillies is not going as planned. After key relievers left, the team had high expectations of him, especially in high-leverage situations. Romano’s inconsistent performance raised issues about his mechanics and mound effectiveness.

The Phillies needed Romano to pitch well under high leverage late in games. After Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez’s summer departures, they wanted him to be Rob Thomson’s most reliable right-handed reliever, along with Orion Kerkering. Romano’s early struggles—a 15.75 ERA and six strikeouts in four innings—prompted a review of the bullpen hierarchy.

Due to his struggles, Romano lowered his leg lift and modified his pitching mechanics. He said his previously more obvious leg lift had gotten “too out of control,” producing balance and command issues. Romano streamlined his delivery to re-create his 2021-22 form.

And guess what? The change seems to be positive. Romano’s fastball averages 95.4 mph, but he’s allowed one hit in three scoreless innings in his last three. The quieter, more controlled leg lift has helped Romano deliver more accurately onto the plate, improving his overall effectiveness.

Romano called his modified mechanics “more comfortable, more clean.” His delivery seems right, too. He wants to improve his tactics and help the Phillies’ bullpen be consistent. Yes, sometimes one bad game can question all your hard work, but that’s what life on the mound is all about!

The Phillies will look to Romano as the season progresses to keep improving with his new techniques. Although the most recent game showed areas needing improvement, his dedication to honing his technique gives optimism for a more consistent bullpen going forward.