Harper hits a pair of homers in Phillies win
It was a raucous night at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night as Charlie Manuel made his debut as Phillies' hitting coach, Cole Hamels made his return to Philly, and the Phils' bats erupted for 11 runs in one of the more exciting victories of the 2019 season.

Hamels was knocked out in the third frame as the Phils' offense hit him around the ballpark for eight runs on nine hits. It was his worst start of the year and shortest, except for a late-June contest against the Reds where he was lifted after an inning with an oblique strain.

Chants of "Charlie!" began just before first pitch and lasted throughout the night.

"Charlie has earned that kind of adulation over a long period of time," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said (see video). "He certainly adds to that loose, relaxed vibe. He's laid-back. He believes in our hitters. I think he's going to make sure our hitters know that. Look, our hitters look like they believe in themselves today. It's no surprise. He's a great influence on our group."



J.T. Realmuto highlighted a six-run third inning with a grand slam while Bryce Harper went yard twice and finished with three hits and three RBIs. Cesar Hernandez chipped in with two hits, a walk, and an RBI.

On the mound Aaron Nola was outstanding, tossing seven solid innings while surrendering one run on three hits. He walked one and struck out seven.

The win came exactly six years to the day that Manuel managed his last contest with the club back in 2013.

The victory secured a series win for the Phils and inched the club closer to a series sweep, something they haven't accomplished since the end of June.

Drew Smyly will toe the rubber for the Phils in the finale, opposing Yu Darvish.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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