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MontrealExpos · 02-03-2025, 10:42 AM

The Montreal Gazette
May 20, 2024
By Chris Davenport

Expos Take Another Series on the Road, Dominate Phillies in Finale

PHILADELPHIA – The Montreal Expos are starting to find their groove, winning their second consecutive road series by taking two out of three from the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

A thrilling 8-7 win in Game 1 saw the Expos survive a late push by the Phillies, while a tough loss in Game 2 was quickly forgotten as MacKenzie Gore turned in his best performance of the season in a commanding 7-1 victory to close out the series.

For a team that struggled through April, the Expos are showing signs of resilience.

“We’re fighting, we’re competing, and that’s all you can ask for,” said manager Dave Martinez. “We’re finding ways to win games now. It’s about taking that momentum and building on it.”

Game 1: Expos Hold Off Late Phillies Surge in 8-7 Win
Montreal’s bats came alive in the series opener, erupting for six runs in the fifth inning to grab an 8-1 lead.

Jesse Winker (2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI) and Luis García (3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) led the charge, while Cade Cavalli (6.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 K) delivered a strong outing to keep the Phillies’ lineup at bay.

But Philadelphia wouldn’t go quietly. A five-run seventh inning saw the Phillies capitalize on shaky relief from Jordan Weems and Patrick Corbin, bringing the home crowd back into the game.

Then, in the ninth, Edmundo Sosa launched a solo home run off closer Hunter Harvey, cutting the lead to one. But Harvey bounced back, retiring the next two batters to secure his 10th save of the season.

“I like the grit of this ballclub,” said Cavalli. “We jumped ahead, and even when they came back, we held on.”

Game 2: Nola Overpowers Expos in 8-2 Defeat
The Phillies answered back in Game 2, riding a dominant performance from Aaron Nola (7.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 7 K) to an 8-2 win.

Montreal’s offense was held in check, managing just five hits, but two of them left the yard, courtesy of Luis García (5th HR of the season) and MJ Melendez (5th HR).

“I don’t know if I got one good pitch to hit all night,” said Winker, crediting Nola’s command. “He was painting the corners, working the zone, just one of those nights where you tip your cap.”

On the mound, Trevor Williams (3.2 IP, 5 ER) struggled early, surrendering a three-run blast to Bryce Harper in the first inning, and the Expos never recovered.

“They jumped on us early, and we couldn’t find a way back in,” said Martinez. “Nola was just too good tonight.”

Game 3: Gore Dominates, Expos Cruise to Series Win
Montreal responded in Game 3 with one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a 7-1 victory behind a masterclass from MacKenzie Gore.

The lefty was untouchable, tossing seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball while striking out seven without issuing a walk.

“I felt locked in from the first pitch,” said Gore. “When I can get ahead in counts and mix my pitches the way I did today, I know I can go deep into games.”

The Expos jumped on Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez early, with Luis García smashing a three-run homer in the first inning.

Later, Nick Senzel (solo HR, 5th) and Stone Garrett (2-run HR, 5th) padded the lead, ensuring Gore had plenty of support.

“We had a game plan against Sánchez, and we executed,” said Senzel. “We weren’t chasing, we were hunting pitches, and we did damage when we got them.”

Dylan Floro closed out the final two innings, ensuring Montreal secured back-to-back series wins for the first time this season.

Series Recap: Key Stats and Takeaways
Power Surge – The Expos crushed six home runs in the series, including two from Luis García (6-for-13, 2 HR, 5 RBI).
Gore’s Gem – 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 0 BB—his best outing of the season.
Harvey Closes It Down – Picked up his 10th save in the series opener.
Red-Hot Winker – 4-for-9, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R in the series.

What’s Next?
With the series win, the Expos improve to 16-29 and now return home to Stade Olympique for a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins (28-19).

“They’re one of the good teams in baseball,” said Martinez. “This will be a test for us, but we’ve been playing good ball. Let’s see how we measure up.”

02-03-2025, 10:42 AM	#19
MontrealExpos Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 27	The Montreal Gazette May 20, 2024 By Chris Davenport Expos Take Another Series on the Road, Dominate Phillies in Finale PHILADELPHIA – The Montreal Expos are starting to find their groove, winning their second consecutive road series by taking two out of three from the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. A thrilling 8-7 win in Game 1 saw the Expos survive a late push by the Phillies, while a tough loss in Game 2 was quickly forgotten as MacKenzie Gore turned in his best performance of the season in a commanding 7-1 victory to close out the series. For a team that struggled through April, the Expos are showing signs of resilience. “We’re fighting, we’re competing, and that’s all you can ask for,” said manager Dave Martinez. “We’re finding ways to win games now. It’s about taking that momentum and building on it.” Game 1: Expos Hold Off Late Phillies Surge in 8-7 Win Montreal’s bats came alive in the series opener, erupting for six runs in the fifth inning to grab an 8-1 lead. Jesse Winker (2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI) and Luis García (3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) led the charge, while Cade Cavalli (6.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 K) delivered a strong outing to keep the Phillies’ lineup at bay. But Philadelphia wouldn’t go quietly. A five-run seventh inning saw the Phillies capitalize on shaky relief from Jordan Weems and Patrick Corbin, bringing the home crowd back into the game. Then, in the ninth, Edmundo Sosa launched a solo home run off closer Hunter Harvey, cutting the lead to one. But Harvey bounced back, retiring the next two batters to secure his 10th save of the season. “I like the grit of this ballclub,” said Cavalli. “We jumped ahead, and even when they came back, we held on.” Game 2: Nola Overpowers Expos in 8-2 Defeat The Phillies answered back in Game 2, riding a dominant performance from Aaron Nola (7.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 7 K) to an 8-2 win. Montreal’s offense was held in check, managing just five hits, but two of them left the yard, courtesy of Luis García (5th HR of the season) and MJ Melendez (5th HR). “I don’t know if I got one good pitch to hit all night,” said Winker, crediting Nola’s command. “He was painting the corners, working the zone, just one of those nights where you tip your cap.” On the mound, Trevor Williams (3.2 IP, 5 ER) struggled early, surrendering a three-run blast to Bryce Harper in the first inning, and the Expos never recovered. “They jumped on us early, and we couldn’t find a way back in,” said Martinez. “Nola was just too good tonight.” Game 3: Gore Dominates, Expos Cruise to Series Win Montreal responded in Game 3 with one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a 7-1 victory behind a masterclass from MacKenzie Gore. The lefty was untouchable, tossing seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball while striking out seven without issuing a walk. “I felt locked in from the first pitch,” said Gore. “When I can get ahead in counts and mix my pitches the way I did today, I know I can go deep into games.” The Expos jumped on Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez early, with Luis García smashing a three-run homer in the first inning. Later, Nick Senzel (solo HR, 5th) and Stone Garrett (2-run HR, 5th) padded the lead, ensuring Gore had plenty of support. “We had a game plan against Sánchez, and we executed,” said Senzel. “We weren’t chasing, we were hunting pitches, and we did damage when we got them.” Dylan Floro closed out the final two innings, ensuring Montreal secured back-to-back series wins for the first time this season. Series Recap: Key Stats and Takeaways Power Surge – The Expos crushed six home runs in the series, including two from Luis García (6-for-13, 2 HR, 5 RBI). Gore’s Gem – 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 0 BB—his best outing of the season. Harvey Closes It Down – Picked up his 10th save in the series opener. Red-Hot Winker – 4-for-9, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R in the series. What’s Next? With the series win, the Expos improve to 16-29 and now return home to Stade Olympique for a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins (28-19). “They’re one of the good teams in baseball,” said Martinez. “This will be a test for us, but we’ve been playing good ball. Let’s see how we measure up.”