Phillies are one win away from clinching the NL East

Kyle Schwarber just keeps mashing, and the Phillies just keep winning. On Saturday night, Schwarber launched his 51st homer of the season. It was a game-tying shot in the fifth inning, as the Phillies beat the Royals 8-6 for their sixth straight win.

The win puts The Fightins on the doorstep of back-to-back NL East titles. Complete the sweep on Sunday with Aaron Nola on the mound and the division is theirs.

Kyle Schwarber Chasing History

The 437-foot blast pulled Schwarber within seven homers of Ryan Howard’s franchise record (58 in 2006). At this point, he’s in legitimate striking distance, and Citizens Bank Park is going to be rocking every time he steps to the plate down the stretch.

FIFTY-ONE! pic.twitter.com/FLvWlQQ5Qw

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 13, 2025

Bader Keeps Raking

Harrison Bader has stepped into the leadoff role for the injured Trea Turner and hasn’t missed a beat. He picked up three more hits against Kansas City and now has multiple hits in six straight games. All he’s done since putting on pinstripes is rake, run, and make life miserable for opposing pitchers.

The Game

Taijuan Walker wasn’t perfect (5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER), but the offense picked him up. Brandon Marsh homered, Nick Castellanos came off the bench for a go-ahead sac fly in the fifth, and the bullpen held it down until Jhoan Duran slammed the door in the ninth for his 30th save.

Salvador Perez tried to spoil the party with two bombs of his own, but this Phillies lineup is too deep and too relentless.

What’s Next

The Phillies (89-60) are now a win away from their second straight NL East crown — something they haven’t done since the golden era of 2007–2011. Aaron Nola takes the ball Sunday afternoon looking to cap off a perfect 7-0 homestand and start the celebration early.

Magic Number: 1.

One. pic.twitter.com/dDbfYhWdan

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 14, 2025

Clear your Sunday plans.