Nick Castellanos homers twice, Phillies defeat Rockies

Final Score: Phillies 4, Rockies 3

Entering play Sunday, Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos hadn’t hit a home run — in the regular or postseason — since Aug. 27 of last season.

So naturally, Castellanos homered twice Sunday, leading the Phillies to their second consecutive win over the Colorado Rockies.

Castellanos got the scoring started in the top of the second inning with his first home run of the season, a no-doubt-about-it solo shot:

There’s a drive to deep left field by Castellanos… pic.twitter.com/E5pYNQ7mWE

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) April 22, 2023

While the Rockies would pull even on a Jurickson Profar RBI groundout in the top of the third inning, the tie would be short-lived.

In the home half of the frame, Cristian Pache hit his first home run as a Phillie, a two-run shot off of Kyle Freeland that traveled 421 feet:

Some are saying Cristian Smache? pic.twitter.com/aKgbubZY4L

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) April 22, 2023

Once again, the Rockies would pull even, as Yonathan Daza and Mike Moutakas would drive in runs charged to Cristopher Sánchez in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively.

But in the sixth inning, Castellanos took Freeland deep for the second time Saturday, also of the solo variety:

Nick Castellanos has rediscovered his home run swing. pic.twitter.com/LdOGZhkEPq

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) April 22, 2023

Gregory Soto, Seranthony Domínguez and Craig Kimbrel would combine to close out the victory after Castellanos’ home run, each pitching scoreless frames.

With the win, the Phillies improve to 10-12 on the season. Meanwhile, the Rockies drop to 6-16, already 10 games under .500 before the end of April.

Zack Wheeler will get the ball Sunday afternoon for the Phillies in their series finale against the Rockies, with the game set to be telecast exclusively on Peacock.

Shibe Vintage Sports Notes

• In his first start of the season, Cristopher Sánchez allowed five hits and three earned runs over 4 1/3 innings pitched, while also striking out five batters.
• Kyle Freeland went six innings for the Rockies Saturday, allowing five hits and four earned runs. While he struck out six batters, allowing three home runs spoiled the lefty’s afternoon.
• Saturday was Castellanos’ 10th career multi-home run game, and his first since Sept. 1, 2021.
• MLB.com‘s Paul Casella noted that Brandon Marsh is now leading baseball in both triples (four) and OPS (1.157).
• 41,939 was the attendance at Citizens Bank Park Saturday afternoon.

Ticket IQ Next Game

• Sunday, April 22 vs. Rockies
• 12:05 p.m. ET
• TV: Peacock
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
• Spanish Radio: WTTM 1680

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