The Philadelphia Phillies opened a series on the West Coast against the Los Angeles Dodgers but fell short in a 4–2 loss.
Kyle Schwarber was one of the few bright spots for Philadelphia, hitting a solo home run while also striking out twice in the game.
After the loss, Schwarber spoke with the media and shared his perspective on facing a powerhouse opponent like the Dodgers. He acknowledged how dominant the Dodgers may appear from the outside but stressed that the Phillies believe just as strongly in their own roster. Schwarber explained that the team doesn’t change its mindset based on who they’re playing, choosing instead to focus on playing their own style of baseball. He added that matchups like this are always expected to be competitive and hard-fought.
Now in his fifth season with Philadelphia, Schwarber continues to be a major offensive contributor. Through 54 games this season, he is batting .238 with 22 home runs, 39 RBIs, 36 runs scored, and one stolen base. Over the course of his career, he has also played for the Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and Boston Red Sox.
Schwarber’s latest home run sparked plenty of reaction across social media. The blast marked the 362nd home run of his career, allowing him to pass Joe DiMaggio on the all-time list and move closer to Lance Berkman. Some analysts noted that Schwarber is currently on pace for a massive home run total this season.
Additional statistical context highlighted Schwarber’s place among elite company, as he ranks near the top in MLB history for most home runs recorded during a player’s first five seasons with a single franchise.
As for the bigger picture, the Phillies remain firmly in the playoff race. They currently sit in second place in the National League East with a 29–28 record through 57 games. The team has gone 5–5 over its last ten contests and holds a solid 15–12 record on the road.