Kyle Schwarber's 25th home run and a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 12th inning propelled the Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-6 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday, capping off a thrilling three-game sweep. This win comes as a welcome rebound for the defending NL champions, who had previously suffered a three-game losing streak, including the series opener against San Diego.
Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber celebrates with teammates after hitting a game-winning RBI-sacrifice fly against San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Hill during the 12th inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Phillies showcased their resilience by overcoming a 3-0 deficit to take a 5-3 lead. However, the Padres rallied back, tying the game in the eighth inning with a two-run single from pinch-hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. The back-and-forth battle continued into extra innings, with Juan Soto's sacrifice fly in the 10th giving San Diego the lead before Bryce Harper's clutch two-out single tied it again for Philadelphia.
In the bottom of the 12th, with Edmundo Sosa placed on second as the automatic runner, Johan Rojas laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing Sosa to third. Schwarber then delivered the decisive blow, lifting a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Sosa to score the winning run.
Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper reacts after hitting a run-scoring single during the 10th inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only three runs and five hits while striking out seven. Jeff Hoffman secured the win for the Phillies, pitching two scoreless innings in relief and stranding the automatic runners in both the 11th and 12th.
San Diego Padres Bob Melvin argues a call during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Padres manager Bob Melvin was ejected in the 12th inning for a pitch-clock violation. For the Padres, Ha-Seong Kim and Xander Bogaerts each hit their 11th home runs of the season. Despite the loss, Padres starter Seth Lugo pitched well, but a couple of key mistakes proved costly against a Phillies lineup that capitalized on opportunities.
Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber, right, celebrates with Alec Bohm, center, and Gregory Soto after hitting a game-winning RBI-sacrifice fly against San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Hill during the 12th inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Looking ahead, Phillies manager Rob Thomson hinted that Bryce Harper, who has been serving as DH since returning from Tommy John surgery, might play first base this week. On the injury front, Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation, while Phillies outfielder Cristian Pache will undergo right elbow surgery.
