Phillies' Kyle Schwarber: First to Reach 20 Homers
May 16, 2026 — Schwarber went 3-for-5 with a walk, two home runs and five RBI in Friday's 11-9 extra-inning win over the Pirates.
The red-hot slugger launched a pair of two-run homers off Braxton Ashcraft in the fifth inning and Mason Montgomery in the seventh before drawing a bases-loaded walk in the ninth, fueling a Phillies rally from an early 6-0 deficit.
Schwarber is the first player in the majors this season to hit 20 home runs. Per Bill Ladson of MLB.com, he's the second player in Phillies history to launch nine or more long balls in an eight-game span, joining Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.
He's also the second player in history to have multiple such power surges in his career after Albert Belle. During his current eight-game heater, Schwarber's batting .353 (12-for-34) with nine homers and 15 RBI.
Phillies' Orion Kerkering: Notches First Save of 2026
May 16, 2026 — Kerkering walked one and struck out one while giving up an unearned run in the 10th inning Friday to record his first save of the season in an 11-9 win over the Pirates.
With Jhoan Duran not yet pitching on back-to-back days and Brad Keller having worked Wednesday and Thursday, interim manager Don Mattingly has to get creative with his high-leverage arms.
Jose Alvarado struck out the side in a scoreless ninth, then after the Phillies rang up three runs in the top of the 10th, Kerkering got the call and allowed only the phantom runner to score.
The right-hander hasn't seen much usage in key situations this season. Through 16.1 innings over 18 appearances, he sports a 2.20 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB with just one win and one hold in addition to Friday's save.