PHILADELPHIA — Nights like Wednesday — when the Phillies’ offense looked punchless in a 4-1 loss to Atlanta — could make the next six to eight weeks feel like six to eight months.
The Phils scored just one run and both of their extra-base hits were produced by the same player. Each of their three chances with runners in scoring position were fruitless and they squandered their best chance by leaving the bases loaded in the second inning.
Rhys Hoskins went 2 for 4 with a double and a homer while the rest of the lineup combined to go 2 for 27. The Phillies knew it would be a challenge to replace Bryce Harper, who had his fractured left thumb surgically repaired Wednesday morning and is expected to be out at least until the middle of August. But nights like Wednesday illustrated just how long that wait could be.
