The Philadelphia Phillies delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night, defeating the Oakland Athletics 9-6 in 11 innings, marking their ninth consecutive victory and their tenth win in the last 11 games. This triumph pushed the team’s record to an MLB-best 34-18.
The game was highlighted by Kyle Schwarber, who played a significant role in the win. He not only hit his 18th home run of the season, tying him with Aaron Judge for the major league lead, but also contributed a pivotal 2-run double in the 11th inning off Mitch Spence that secured the victory for the Phillies. Schwarber’s strong performance elevated his on-base plus slugging (OPS) to .977, placing him fourth in the league.
The contest saw a back-and-forth exchange of leads. The Athletics went ahead 5-4 thanks to Nick Kurtz’s RBI single and a two-run single from Tyler Soderstrom. Brent Rooker’s homer in the eighth restored Oakland’s lead at 6-5, but Max Kepler’s pinch-hit home run in the ninth tied the game again, showcasing the competitive nature of the matchup.
Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh was instrumental in keeping the game alive, as he made a crucial catch with the bases loaded in the 10th inning and threw out Logan Davidson at home, ensuring the game continued. This defensive play set the stage for Schwarber’s heroics in the 11th, and Nick Castellanos added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly.
As the Phillies prepare for the series finale against the Athletics, they are cruising with a 3-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East, reflecting their strong form in recent weeks. Notably, the last time they faced defeat in consecutive games was in late April, indicating their upward trajectory in the season. The team’s current success brings renewed optimism, and they will look to extend their winning streak in the next contest.