Jordan Romano hadn’t allowed an earned run in nine appearances before taking the ball in the ninth inning on Friday. The Philadelphia Phillies had just scored three runs on the Athletics’ All-Star closer Mason Miller in the top half of the inning,

More great starting pitching, a game-saving catch by Johan Rojas and just enough from the bullpen helped the Phillies to an eighth straight win.

Diekman was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 30th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He made his debut five years later in 2012, and was with Philadelphia until the 2015 trade deadline, when he was shipped to the Texas Rangers. More news: Longtime Giants Veteran Elects to Leave Organization, Head to Free Agency

The Phillies are 19-3 against losing teams after seven straight wins over the woeful Pirates and Rockies. How much does it matter?

The veteran of 13 seasons in MLB did not sign a contract after he was released by the Atlanta Braves in March, and on Friday announced he won't seek another.

The Carpenter family bought the Phillies in 1944, and had been successful in turning around an organization with a history of playing losing baseball. The ownership’s infusion of interest culminated with an appearance in the 1950 World Series, built on a team of players affectionately nicknamed the Whiz Kids.

The path to Abel's debut started in an exit meeting after last season. He was helped — and challenged — along the way by coach Caleb Cotham.