In a game full of home runs, Harper’s blast leads to sweep of Rockies

The Philadelphia Phillies stepped up to the plate today, nabbing nine hits and two home runs in their 7-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies, which means they swept the Rockies in three games. It’s sweet revenge for a team that lost three of four to the Rockies back in April.

Colorado would be the first one on the board thanks to a leadoff solo home run in the first inning, courtesy of Charlie Blackmon. It was Blackmon’s 10th home run of the season, and it put the Rockies up 1-0.

In the bottom of the second, hits by Maikel Franco and Scott Kingery, as well as a walk by Andrew Knapp, would load the bases up for Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen would come through, hitting a two-run single deep to left-center field. That would score two runs, and give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. Bryce Harper would make it 3-1 thanks to a grounder that allowed Knapp to score.

The Rockies would strike again in the top of the fourth, though. With the bases empty, Ryan McMahon sent a solo home run into left field to cut the Phillies lead to one run. It was McMahon’s fourth home run of the season:

Oppo #RyMacJack ? pic.twitter.com/XfPIgiDrrt

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 19, 2019

The home run parade would not stop there.

With one on in the top of the fifth, Trevor Story hit one over the center field fence, giving the Rockies a 4-3 lead. Just like Blackmon, it was Story’s 10th home run of the season. McMahon would also strike again in the top of the sixth, hitting his second home run of the day and fifth home run of the season. That would increase the Rockies lead to 5-3.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, with one runner on, J.T. Realmuto came in to pinch hit. Kapler’s decision to send Realmuto to the plate would end up being the right one, as the catcher would smack a two-run home run to center field, tying the game up at five apiece. It was Realmuto’s fifth home run of the season, and first ever homer as a pinch hitter:

Tie ballgame!

J.T. Realmuto's first career pinch hit home run came at a good time.

5-5 in the sixth. pic.twitter.com/ihRziOzrnJ

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 19, 2019

However, the Phillies’ offense was not done yet. After a Jean Segura single, Harper, who homered yesterday, did it again with a deep two-run shot to center field. It was Harper’s ninth home run of the season, and it gave Philadelphia a 7-5 lead:

Nice, Bryce! #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/h24wiYu4yj

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 19, 2019

Pat Neshek was able to earn his third save of the season as the bullpen stepped up after McMahon’s second home run of the game. With the win, the Phillies move to 27-19 on the season, solidifying their standing in the National League East.

Phillies Nuggets Player of the Game: Bryce Harper

• Harper finally seems to be breaking out of his slump. After hitting a 466-foot home run yesterday, he hit a two-run home run today to give the Phillies a 7-5 lead, which would be the final score. On the day, he was 2-5 with three RBIs.

Shibe Vintage Sports Pitching Performance

• Jerad Eickhoff struggled in his start today, going five innings while allowing four hits, four runs, three home runs and one walk. He struck out five and threw 84 pitches. His ERA now sits at 3.23.
• It was a day to forget for Kyle Freeland. The Rockies starting pitcher lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up four hits, three runs (all earned) and three walks, while only striking out two batters. He threw 65 pitches, and his ERA rose to 6.02.

Next Game

• May 20th, Wrigley Field, vs Chicago Cubs
• 8:05 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP, WTTM 1680 (Spanish)