Clutch performances from the Phillies’ top hitters led to a thrilling 5-2 victory over the Reds in their home opener on Friday.
After the Reds tied the game in the sixth inning against Zach Wheeler, JT Realmoto knocked down a 448-foot two-run homer to left center to give the Bears all the protection they needed.
Edmundo Sosa delivered a pinch-hit homer in the inning later to give Craig Kimbrell more breathing room for his 395th career save as the Phils improved to 2–5.
Gregory Soto worked the seventh inning 1-2-3 and threw nine of his 11 strikeouts after a wild home run.
Jose Alvarado converted in another dominant run in the eighth game, shooting from the side. He’s snubbed eight of the 10 hitters he’s faced this season, most of them in a fast, powerful fashion.
Trea Turner set the tables up, reached base with two runs and scored a pair of runs. He hit seven straight games to begin his Phillies career.
The Phils scored their first home run in a bases-filled career by Brandon Marsh, who returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game with a sprained ankle.
Kyle Schwarber doubled in the second round. He’s only 5-for-31 (. 172) this season, but he’s got two homers and a couple.
The Phillies put Darrick Hall on the injured list before the game, and he’ll miss a good chunk of the time with a sprained right thumb. He is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday. Kody Clemens was called up from Triple A and started at first base, going 0-for-2 with a walk.
The Phillies are looking for their first winning streak of 2023 on Saturday afternoon when Billy Walther (0-1, 3.38) takes on Reds left fielder Nick Ludulu (1-0, 3.60).
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