Rhys Hoskins powers Phillies past Nationals

For those of you who haven’t been paying attention, Rhys Hoskins has now homered in three consecutive games. In the last 8 games, Hoskins is batting .375 (12 for 32) with 5 runs, 3 2B, 5 HR, and 11 RBI.

Imagine being ready to give up on him after the first 11 games of the season. Can’t relate. Last night, Rhys went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI, a solo HR, and a bases clearing double to ice the game.

Stay hot, Hosk. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vj3lOUDUYB

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 1, 2020

Jay Bruce also hit a solo HR in his first game back from the injury list.

Welcome back, Jay. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/TTkLhKf9Ci

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 31, 2020

Spencer Howard was on the mound and earned his first career win in the big leagues. Even though he is clearly still working on building up his stamina so he can pitch deeper into games, Spencer Howard has arrived. Howard last night:

• 5.0 IP
• 5 H
• 2 ER
• 4 K
• 2 BB

This is why they like him so much, folks.

That changeup is utterly unhittable.
pic.twitter.com/FaN1Co0aMU

— Alex Carr (@AlexCarrMLB) August 31, 2020

The Phillies beat the Nationals 6-8 to take game one of four. They climb back to .500. With the exception of my new favorite Phillies bullpen arm, Jojo Romero, the bullpen did everything possible to make this game as close as it could be.

Our pals Hembree and Workman from Boston continue to struggle. The Phillies acquired Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree 10 days ago. Since then, they have been pretty lousy, combining for a whopping 6.75 ERA in 11 games. 25 baserunners in 10 2/3 innings of work.

David Phelps should definitely help the Phillies.  Not to mention Jojo…

All hail the king pic.twitter.com/nejZS4zmKn

— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) September 1, 2020

Romero has struck out 6 batters and has allowed no runs since joining the Phillies. Look good, play good. Last night was no different. He pitched 1.1 innings. No hits. Two strike outs.

Talk to em’ Didi:

🔔 🔔… #Ringthebell great start by 🧝🏼 going 5 strong innings with 4k’s…. 🔥🔥offense🔥🔥… 🧑🏻‍🦱 with solo homerun and 3rbi’s , 🙋🏻 with the solo homerun, 🧏🏾 with bases clearing double, 🦒 with sac fly 🔥🔥bullpen🔥🔥.. 🦹🏻‍♂️, 🧙‍♂️, 🏹 and 👨🏻‍🔧 to close it… WHAT A GAME!!..

— Sir Didi Gregorius (@DidiG18) September 1, 2020

Quick Notes: 

Over the last 7 games, Bryce Harper has batted .120 with 3 hits, 2 RBI, 7 BB, and 6 SO. No reason for concern, but definitely worth noting. Just imagine if Hoskins / Harper / Realmuto were all hot at the same time. What a dream that would be…

Next Up: 

Aaron Nola is on the mound today for the Phillies at 7:05pm. He pitched great his last time out throwing 113 pitches in 7 innings of work and allowed only 2 runs against the Nationals last Wednesday. The Nationals will send Patrick Corbin to the mound. Last week, Corbin pitched 6 innings and allowed 7 hits and 2 runs.

Ring that bell, baby.

Mandatory Photo Credit: The Athletic