Phillies crush Yankees 12-5 on July 25 behind Kyle Schwarber's 36th HR. With the series on the line, can ace Ranger SuƔrez secure the win in the Bronx?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's nothing quite like walking into Yankee Stadium and making it your own personal playground. That's exactly what the Phillies did on Friday night, dismantling the Yankees in a 12-5 offensive showcase that left the Bronx faithful stunned. With the echoes of last night's home runs still ringing, the Phils are sending one of MLB's best, Ranger SuƔrez, to the mound today, ready to clinch the series and prove who the real contenders are.
The Phillies have now won three of their last four games, all against AL East teams, matching the Yankees at 59-44 in the standings.
The Phillies' offense was simply relentless in the series opener. Kyle Schwarber continued his torrid pace, launching his 36th home run and collecting 82 RBIs, while Trea Turner kept his average sizzling at .296. The lineup didn't just knock on the door; they kicked it down, piling on 12 runs and chasing the Yankees' starter. The real story, however, was the bullpen battle. While the Phillies' arms held firm, New York's relievers imploded, surrendering a staggering 10 earned runs. It was a complete team victory that showcased the Phils' depth and firepower.
Today's matchup feels like a massive advantage for Philadelphia. The Phils send Ranger SuƔrez (7-4, 2.66 ERA) to the hill, whose advanced metrics place him among the league's elite this season. He's the perfect pitcher to silence a lineup and keep the momentum rolling. On the other side, the Yankees counter with Marcus Stroman, who has been battling inconsistency with a 5.64 ERA. His underlying stats suggest he's vulnerable, which is the last thing you want when facing this red-hot Phillies offense.
While the action on the field is explosive, things are calm in the front office. There were no new transactions for the Phillies on Saturday, a sign of stability and confidence in the current squad. The most recent significant move remains the signing of veteran reliever David Robertson, who is currently tuning up in Lehigh Valley. With Alec Bohm still on the IL, the team is showing it can win with the 'next man up' mentality, fueled by the energy from players like Weston Wilson and the incredible team chemistry evident in their dugout celebrations.
If you checked social media after the game, you saw a team that is having a blast. The Phillies' official accounts were a highlight reel of Schwarber's blast and Turner's key hits. More importantly, players' personal accounts were filled with celebratory posts from the dugout, underscoring a genuine camaraderie and confidence. This isn't just a team playing well; it's a team that truly enjoys playing together, and that positive energy is translating directly into wins.
After a statement win, the Phillies are in the driver's seat. With their ace on the mound and the offense firing on all cylinders, they have a golden opportunity to take the series from the Yankees in their own ballpark. A series win here wouldn't just be another notch in the belt; it would be a loud and clear message to the rest of the league. Get ready, Phillies fans, because Saturday afternoon has all the makings of another celebration.
