Kyle Schwarber made history by hitting his 14th leadoff homer of the season for the Philadelphia Phillies before exiting the game due to injury. Pinch-hitter Cal Stevenson came through with a crucial two-run double in the eighth inning, helping the Phillies secure a 9-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.
Schwarber's record-breaking leadoff homer came on the second pitch he saw, surpassing Alfonso Soriano's previous mark of 13 leadoff homers in a season. Unfortunately, Schwarber had to leave the game in the fourth inning due to a hyperextended left elbow sustained while diving back into first base.
Despite the injury scare, Schwarber received treatment and expressed optimism about a potential return to the lineup for the next game. He confirmed that there was no structural damage and that he would assess his comfort level before making a decision.
Trea Turner and Bryce Harper also played pivotal roles in the Phillies' victory. Turner belted two two-run homers, while Harper contributed four hits to help the team reach 29 games over .500, matching their season high.
The Phillies' little-used Stevenson seized his opportunity with a game-changing two-run double in the eighth inning. His clutch hit, along with additional RBIs from Buddy Kennedy and Turner, propelled the Phillies to a commanding lead.
The game had its share of drama, including a benches-clearing incident after a pitch hit Nick Castellanos. Tempers flared, but the Phillies maintained their composure to secure the win.
Looking ahead, the Phillies aim to complete a series sweep against the Rays in the upcoming game. Zack Wheeler is set to take the mound for Philadelphia, while Shane Baz will pitch for the Rays.
Overall, the Phillies showcased their resilience and depth in a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
