Phillies Lose 9 Straight Games, Harper Calls It "Bad Baseball"

The Philadelphia Phillies have lost nine games in a row, which is worse than their previous eight-game losing streak. Star player Bryce Harper described the team's play as "just bad baseball."
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

The Philadelphia Phillies are mired in a nine-game losing streak, a period marked by what star player Bryce Harper describes as an unprecedented stretch in his career. The team's current predicament follows a recent eight-game skid, during which they dropped all three games of a series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. This marks the second series against Chicago in three matchups where the Phillies have been swept.

Season Unraveling Amidst "Just Bad Baseball"

The Phillies' current slump, extending to nine consecutive losses as of Thursday, has Harper acknowledging the team's struggles. He recently characterized the team's performance as "just bad baseball," a sentiment underscored by instances where crucial plays were missed. One such instance involved a runner on first and third with no outs in a critical inning, which ultimately resulted in the Phillies failing to score. Reliever Kevin Ginkel played a role in stifling this offensive opportunity by striking out Bryson Stott. Earlier in their losing streak, a similar situation saw a defensive lapse where a runner, Marsh, did not appear to track the ball correctly.

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Phils' slide hits 9; Harper: Must weather the storm - 1

Harper's Historical Perspective

Harper, a veteran of 15 Major League Baseball seasons, stated he "Can't remember something like this in my career," highlighting the unusual nature of the team's prolonged losing spell. While the team possesses ample time to recover their season, the immediate focus remains on halting the slide and achieving consistent wins. This struggle comes after a period in September 2022 where Harper snapped a homer drought and showcased his power.

Franchise History and Recent Setbacks

The Phillies, one of the oldest franchises in professional sports, have a history that includes a World Series championship in 2008, with Cole Hamels named World Series MVP. Despite their historical presence, fans have also endured more losses than any other professional sports franchise. Recently, the team has faced tough opponents, including a loss to the Detroit Tigers on August 3, 2025, where Tarik Skubal outdueled Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. This game saw the Tigers secure a 7-5 victory despite the Phillies mounting a late-inning comeback attempt.

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In a past instance, on June 9, 2024, Harper celebrated a home run against the New York Mets in London with a soccer-inspired knee-slide celebration. This season also saw an instance on October 12, 2023, where Harper hit two home runs and engaged in a staredown with Orlando Arcia following a comment made by Arcia. This incident added to a narrative of the team's competitive spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Philadelphia Phillies losing so many games?
The Phillies are currently on a nine-game losing streak. Star player Bryce Harper described the team's play as "just bad baseball" after several missed opportunities and poor execution.
Q: What did Bryce Harper say about the team's performance?
Bryce Harper, a veteran player, stated he "Can't remember something like this in my career." He specifically called the team's current play "just bad baseball," highlighting the unusual nature of the prolonged losing spell.
Q: Has this happened before with the Phillies?
The team recently had an eight-game losing streak and has been swept in series against the Chicago Cubs. This nine-game streak is the longest the team has faced recently, and Harper notes it's unlike anything he's experienced before.
Q: What happens next for the Phillies?
The team's immediate focus is on stopping the losing streak and finding ways to win games consistently. While there is still time in the season, they need to improve their performance to recover from this slump.