Phillies’ grounds crew forced to use flamethrowers on rain-soaked Citizens Bank Park field – NBC Sports Philadelphia
Updated: 11 p.m.
It finally stopped raining in South Philly around noon on Monday, but the damage was already done.
Apparently, during a weekend of nonstop rain, the tarp was not down on the infield at Citizens Bank Park at all times.
The Phillies pulled out all the stops to try to prepare the infield, going as far as using a flamethrower-type device to heat and dry the dirt near the first base bag.
Phillies VP Howard Smith is confident game will be played. Crew working feverishly w blow torches to dry out base paths. Field took on unexpected heavy rain Friday night and weekend weather prevented drying.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) September 10, 2018
The opener of the Phillies' three-game series with the Nationals was eventually postponed by the muddy field conditions (see story). The clubs will play a doubleheader on Tuesday with the first game beginning at 3:05 p.m.
