Schwarber Hits 50th Home Run as Phillies Dominate Mets
On an emotional night on the diamond, Kyle Schwarber hit his 50th home run of the season, while Ranger Suárez shone from the mound, striking out 12 batters, to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a resounding 9-3 victory over the New York Mets. The Phillies have secured the first two wins of a four-game series and solidify their lead in the National League East, ahead of the Mets by nine games. Schwarber, the first National League player to reach 50 home runs this season, broke a 10-game drought with a home run that traveled 437 feet, unleashing “MVP! MVP!” chants throughout the stadium.I don’t know what to say about why I’ve hit so many home runs or whatever. It just happens. It’s not like I go up there trying to do that. It just finds its way. It’s a great thing.
Kyle Schwarber
This milestone marks the first time in Schwarber’s career that he has reached 50 home runs in a season. The hit, a massive shot against reliever Justin Hagenman in the seventh inning, drove in three runs and brought Schwarber to within just three of the Major League leader, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who has 53.
Schwarber joins 2008 World Series champion Ryan Howard as the only Phillies players to hit 50 home runs in a season. Howard hit 58 in 2006. Schwarber is the first player in MLB history with a four-home run game and 50 home runs in the same season. Schwarber’s home run, which came just before the pitch clock, gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead. Afterwards, the star player came out of the dugout for a salute to the fans, who were chanting “MVP! MVP!”, while “50 Schwarbombs” flashed on the giant screen. Schwarber, 32, has become one of the Phillies’ most beloved figures since signing a four-year, $79 million free agent contract before the 2022 season. His previous personal record was 47 home runs in 2023, surpassing the 46 he hit in 2022. The Phillies have made the playoffs in all three seasons since Schwarber joined the team and are on track to win their second consecutive National League East championship, with a nine-game lead over the Mets with 17 games remaining. Schwarber, who was named MVP of the All-Star Game after hitting three home runs in the first swing-off of the game, could become a free agent again after the season, and Phillies managing partner John Middleton has reaffirmed his desire for Schwarber to remain on the team.
