‘Top of the lineup really got it done' for Phillies in 8-3 win over Blue Jays
'Top of the lineup really got it done' for Phillies in 8-3 win over Blue Jays
The Phillies Postgame Live crew breaks down the teams' 8-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.'Top of the lineup really got it done' for Phillies in 8-3 win over Blue Jays originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
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CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Phillies made Otto Kemp's dream a reality: "I'm just going out there, trying to compete, win baseball games"
Otto Kemp had to look around the Phillies' clubhouse when he arrived at Citizens Bank Park for the first time this week. Kemp never stepped foot in Citizens Bank Park for good reason, as he wanted to keep things in perspective. An undrafted player doesn't make the majors every day, especially one from Division II Point Loma Nazarene University. "It was more so trying to keep the moment special and keep it fresh, and not knowing really what I was walking into," Kemp said. "I wasn't seeking out an opportunity to do that. Just keeping the moment special, keeping the dream alive and always remembering your goals. That was the motivation behind it." The last two years have been a whirlwind for Kemp as he's rocketed up the minor leagues and onto the Phillies' radar. He started the 2024 season in Clearwater and hit his way up through three levels in the organization, ending up in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He started this year in Lehigh Valley, leading the International League in home runs (14) and OPS (1.010) while sporting a .313 batting average. Kemp's stock was never higher. He was starting to think that his dream of making it to the big leagues was coming. "It was definitely a possibility. You know you're on the radar and you're giving yourself the best chance that you can," Kemp said. "I felt like I did that. So yeah, you do start to think that a bit, but you can't put the car ahead of the horse. You just have to be where you are on that given day and keep going. I just have to try and do my best one day at a time." The Phillies made Kemp's dream a reality, as he was called up when the IronPigs were in Charlotte late Friday night. Kemp arrived in Pittsburgh around 10:30 a.m. the next morning and was inserted into the lineup for a 4:05 p.m. game. It was a whirlwind of a day for Kemp, as he and his wife, Lily, called everyone close to them for several hours, trying to get them to Pittsburgh. A long day for Kemp ended in a dream come true. "It was a whirlwind, but this is what you dream about, you know?" Kemp said. "The adrenaline takes over, and you just let yourself ride the high. It was as much as me trying to enjoy the moment, but also it was me getting ready to go, getting ready to compete, and trying to win a ball game. There were times where I sat back and had a moment to enjoy it, but for the most part, it was just go compete." Five days into his major league career, the feeling in the major leagues is still surreal for Kemp. His workmanlike approach has never wavered, showing the Phillies he can be on the field wherever they need him. Kemp made his first start at first base on Wednesday, after playing 30 games there in the minors (per Kemp's recollection). "We've been doing some work, and he told Bobby (Dickerson) and me that he's more than comfortable at first base," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "And when Bryce (Harper) comes back, Bohm's going to be playing third. So we might as well do it now." Kemp will also be getting some time in left field and second base, or wherever the Phillies need him. He's just taking everything all in as he acclimates to life in the major leagues. The best appears yet to come, as Kemp stays true to himself. "It's been really cool to be around these guys and just seeing how everything operates," Kemp said. "I'm just going out there, trying to compete, win baseball games and not make this game bigger than it needs to be."
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Schwarber and Bohm homer, Luzardo strikes out 10 to lead Philadelphia Phillies past Chicago Cubs 7-2
Kyle Schwarber homered, Alec Bohm hit a solo shot and had four RBIs, and Jesús Luzardo struck out 10 in six innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. The Phillies rebounded from a 1-5 road trip (and losers of nine of 10 games overall) to take two of three at home from the Cubs. The offense that's been punchless this month perked up against the Cubs with five extra-base hits. Nick Castellanos also knocked his first triple of the year, and Max Kepler and Trea Turner both doubled. The slugging returned to Philadelphia. So did a dazzling outing from Luzardo. The left-hander who posted 20 strikeouts in consecutive starts in late May and had a 2.15 ERA was rocked in his last two starts. Luzardo (6-2) gave up 21 runs in 5 2/3 innings over his last two outings and his ERA ballooned to 4.46. Luzardo didn't walk a batter in this one, allowed only one run and recorded his fourth double-digit strikeout game in his 15th start. Max Lazar worked two innings of relief and Michael Mercado tossed a scoreless ninth for the Phillies. The Phillies scored three runs in the first off Cubs starter Ben Brown (3-5) and Schwarber hit his 21st homer of the season in the third. Bohm added a two-RBI single in the fourth and a solo shot in the eighth for a 7-1 lead. Key moment Luzardo gave up consecutive singles to open the second inning before he struck out the side. Key stat Luzardo is the first Phillies pitcher with four or more double-digit strikeout games in their first 15 starts with the team since Steve Carlton had five in 1972. Up next The Cubs return home Thursday to open a four-game series against Pittsburgh. They send RHP Jameson Taillon (6-3, 3.54 ERA) to the mound against Pirates LHP Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.24 ERA). The Phillies are off Thursday. LHP Ranger Suárez (4-1, 2.70 ERA) gets the start Friday when the Phillies host Toronto in the opener of a three-game set. The Blue Jays did not name a starter.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Orioles Flamethrower Labeled 'Best Option' for Phillies Bullpen Opening
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philadelphia Phillies will be adding relievers at the trade deadline. It's just a matter of how many and for what price. As the deadline nears, the Phillies continue to search for someone who can be effective in high-leverage situations. Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes Felix Bautista should be the top choice for Philadelphia. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 03: Felix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 03, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Baltimore Orioles... SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 03: Felix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 03, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Baltimore Orioles won 5-1. More"The Phillies' front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I'm sure they will do so before the trade deadline," wrote Bowden. "If the Orioles don't get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies' best option to take over the ninth inning." Bautista has been dominant so far this year for a struggling Orioles team, and he has been one of the few bright spots. However, closers will be a hot commodity at the deadline, and the length of his contract will play a part in helping to make the trade worthwhile for both teams. "Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season," wrote Bowden. "He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form." The 29-year-old flamethrower would provide a major spark to the Phillies bullpen as they try to stay alive in the race for the National League East title. Philadelphia would benefit from a closer who is converting on 92% of his save opportunities. More MLB: Red Sox $123 Million 'Outcast' Once Again Linked to Padres Ahead of Deadline
