Kyle Schwarber's grand slam powered the Phillies past the Angels 9-5 on July 20, but the win was soured by a significant injury to third baseman Alec Bohm.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the rollercoaster of a Phillies season couldn't get any wilder, Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park delivered a dizzying mix of pure elation and sobering reality. The Fightins roared back to beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-5, thanks to a thunderous go-ahead grand slam from Kyle Schwarber, but the victory was bittersweet as the team lost a key piece of its infield.
Kyle Schwarber's sixth-inning grand slam was his 32nd home run of the season, putting him tied for fourth in all of baseball.
Things looked a bit dicey early on, but this Phillies offense has a knack for striking when it matters most. Trailing in the sixth, Kyle Schwarber stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and did what he does best: he sent a baseball into orbit. The go-ahead grand slam, his 32nd homer of the year, completely changed the game's complexion and brought his RBI total to an impressive 74. Not to be outdone, Bryce Harper added some insurance with his 13th long ball, a reminder of the one-two punch that makes this lineup so dangerous. The 9-5 win improved the Phillies' record to 56-42 and was a crucial victory in a tight divisional race.
The celebration was tempered by some tough news from the clubhouse. Third baseman Alec Bohm was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hip, an injury reportedly sustained when he was hit by a pitch in a prior game. Bohm's steady presence at the hot corner and in the lineup will be sorely missed. In his absence, Otto Kemp got the start at third on Saturday, and the team recalled outfielder Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to add depth. It's a next-man-up situation, but losing a player of Bohm's caliber is a significant blow.
Every single game matters down the stretch, and Saturday's win was a perfect example. The victory ensures the Phillies maintain their 1.5-game lead over the surging New York Mets (55-44) in the NL East. With the lineup now facing a new challenge without Bohm, the pressure mounts on the pitching staff and the remaining sluggers to keep the team in front. The win was a character builder, but the fight for the division crown is far from over.
All eyes now turn to Sunday's series finale, a pivotal rubber match against the Angels. The Phillies will send their ace, Ranger Suarez, to the mound. With a sparkling 2.15 ERA and a 7-3 record, Suarez has been the model of consistency all season. His ability to shut down opponents will be more critical than ever as the team adjusts to Bohm's absence. A series win would be a massive momentum boost heading into a new week of NL East baseball.
