If you're going by pure numbers, then Saturday marked the official start of the second half of the season for the Phillies, and to say they opened it with a bang would be an understatement.
The offense exploded for 18 hits, including four homers and another four extra-base hits, cruising to a 19-4 victory over the Nationals at a sold-out Citizens Bank Park.
Alec Bohm pieced together an afternoon he won't soon forget, tying a career-high with six RBIs while finishing 4-for-5 with a pair of two-run homers. Kyle Schwarber scored three runs and hit a grand slam in the fifth inning. Nick Castellanos added three hits and was triple short of the cycle.
The Phils scored six runs in the third inning and four in the fourth before piling on eight more in the fifth.
"Everybody swung the bat well ... 9-for-16 with runners in scoring position, there 'ya go," skipper Rob Thomson said with a smile.
The last time the club posted at least 19 runs was on April 7, 2018, in a 20-1 victory over the Marlins. Aaron Altherr hit a grand slam in the win, while Maikel Franco finished with six RBIs. Vince Velasquez tossed six frames to record the win, while Jake Thompson recorded a three-inning save.
Zack Wheeler benefited from the offensive outburst on Saturday, collecting the win despite a so-so performance; four runs on seven hits over five innings.
As for Bohm, Saturday marked the third time in his career he drove in six runs.
"Days like today where everyone is swinging the bat well and smiling in the dugout are always fun," Bohm said.
Despite an outstanding June with a .692 winning percentage (18-8), the Phillies entered play Saturday 2 1/2 games behind the Giants for the final wild-card spot in the National League with a -8 run differential.
Saturday's effort to open the second half of the season is another step in the right direction.
"The biggest stat we all care about here is wins," Bohm said.
Up Next
Ranger Suarez will take the mound on Sunday for the Phillies in the series finale against the Nationals. The left-hander has been outstanding as of late, surrendering just two runs over his last three starts (0.89 ERA). Washington counters with veteran right-hander Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.28).
