The Ramos roundup is a weekly Philadelphia Sports column highlighting all the pertinent news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union.
Phillies Open Spring Training with Two Wins
Ladies and gentlemen, baseball is back! The Phillies got into some game action this weekend, picking up wins over the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees in Grapefruit league play. On Saturday, the Phils put up 10 runs in the 5th inning, highlighted by two RBI apiece from Weston Wilson and Johan Rojas. Matt Kroon also hit a three-run HR in the Fightins 14-13 win.
On Sunday, Christian Pache went 2-for-2 with two RBI in the Phillies shutout win over the Yankees. Aaron Nola also pitched well in his brief two inning appearance too. The Phillies have a five-day slate of games coming up this week.
Doc Returns, as Sixers lose Matinee with Bucks
In yet another lopsided loss, the Sixers dropped a decision to the Bucks by 21 points on Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo center. The game marked the return of the much maligned former Head Coach Doc Rivers, but the game represented much more to be concerned with. The Sixers have now lost 11 of their last 15 games, and are in dire need of Joel Embiid. According to Sixers Daily, Philly is just 7-15 without the reigning MVP. Suffice to say, the Sixers need him back to have a prayer this season.
Flyers Drop Weekend Back-to-Back to Rangers, Penguins
In what was shaping up to be an opportunity to distance themselves from the rest of the Metro division, the Flyers dropped both weekend matinées with the Rangers and Penguins this weekend. Philly actually played quite well in their matchup with New York on Saturday, holding the Rangers’ potent offense to just two goals in the game.
Sunday, however, was disastrous for Philadelphia. Not only did they allow the Penguins to drop seven goals against them, but the club also lost skilled defensemen Jamie Drysdale to a perceived shoulder injury. Moreover, it’s likely possible the Flyers can’t trust backup goaltender Cal Peterson, who looked incredibly poor in between the pipes in this game. The Flyers still sit in a playoff spot as of this writing, but now have to begin looking in their rearview mirror as well with the Devils, Penguins, and Capitals closing the margin between the final playoff spot available in the Metro division that the Flyers occupy.
Union Set For CONCACAF Champions League Showdown Versus Saprissa
After battling to a draw with the Chicago Fire in their home opener, the Union return to action on Tuesday in the second leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup play. The first leg saw the boys in blue rally to defeat Saprissa in Argentina thanks to a second half hat-trick from Julián Carranza.
Also, myself and Phiredup were recently credentialed to cover the Union this season. We will not be in the pressbox for Tuesday’s match, but will return for the next home MLS game. We’ll continue to do Flyers coverage as well, in addition to other miscellaneous Philly sports topics.
As always, huge thanks to all of our listeners and readers for the continued support!
