Unexpected Victory Credited to Kyle Schwarber over Rays in Emotional Manner
On an electrifying Thursday night, the Phillies snatched one of their most thrilling wins of the season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, battling back from a four-run deficit to overpower the Rays, 7-6, in a nail-biting 10-inning thriller. In a post-game interview, Brandon Marsh hailed the team's power-hitting ace, Kyle Schwarber, for the triumph.
Schwarber, the burly slugger renowned for his moonshots and leadoff might, wrapped up the night with a 1-for-4 performance, including a leadoff single in the top half of the 9th inning. Marsh recounted an amusing interaction with Schwarber before his final at-bat, showering praise on the lefty slugger for the Phillies' spectacular comeback victory.
The game plan, if there was one, took a few unexpected twists and turns. Trailing 6-2 entering the 8th inning, the Phillies began their resurgence with Stott's three-run home run. The Rays responded with Yandy Diaz's three-run shot to seemingly settle the score. However, momentum took a dramatic about-face. Stott's blast narrowed the gap to one, and Schwarber sparked the 9th with a leadoff single. Pinch-runner Johan Rojas advanced to third on a wild pickoff throw, scoring on a Max Kepler fielder's choice to level the game at 6-6.
In extra innings, Marsh - whose bat had been cold, mired in a 0-for-31 slump before returning from injury - ripped a first-pitch double off Manuel Rodríguez to plate Edmundo Sosa and put Philly in front. Turner followed with a clutch RBI single up the middle to secure an insurance run.
"It was a massive moment," Marsh admitted. "But it took all of us tonight. Almost everyone was in the game at one point. That was a huge, huge win for us."
Brandon Marsh applauds stunning comeback over Rays
Phillies vs. Guardians prediction, odds, pick - 5/9/2025Taijuan Walker reflects on career milestonePhillies vs. Rays prediction, odds, pick - 5/8/2025Marsh's rejuvenation was a welcome boon for the Phillies. Once their regular center fielder, Marsh had struggled prior to his injury. Now, he's 5-for-11 since his return, brimming with confidence.
"He's simply taking it one at-bat at a time," manager Rob Thomson said. "And it's paying off."
Meanwhile, Stott continued his scorching hot streak with a double, a home run, and a flawless sacrifice bunt in extra innings. Over his last 20 games, he's been on fire, hitting .295 with 15 runs scored and 14 RBIs.
"I'm just trying not to overthink at the plate," Stott said. "Trusting my eyes and putting a decent swing on it."
Closer Matt Strahm conceded a run in the 10th but sealed the victory on a 2-2 fastball past José Caballero. Schwarber's earlier single? More than just numbers in the box score; it ignited the rally that tied the game.
After falling short in the finales of three potential sweeps, the Phillies finally achieved the clean sweep. Gaining momentum and some locker room humor about their new "winning pitcher," they embark on their journey to Cleveland with renewed vigor.
"It makes the travel day a lot more fun," Stott grinned. "You can be a bit boisterous on the bus and plane. It's great to finally sweep one."
- Brandon Marsh expressed his appreciation for Kyle Schwarber's contribution in the Phillies' stunning comeback victory against the Rays.
- The Phillies are now 5-for-11 with Brandon Marsh back in the lineup, a significant boost to their struggling offense.
- Closer Matt Strahm added another victory to his record, thanks in part to Schwarber's leadoff single that ignited the rally in the 10-inning game against the Rays.
