PHILADELPHIA — Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber reached 50 homers in a season for the first time in his career when he hit a three-run shot Tuesday night in a 9-3 win over the New York Mets.
Schwarber has emerged as one of the most feared sluggers in baseball during his four years with the Phillies and remains within striking distance of the team’s season record. Ryan Howard hit 58 home runs for Philadelphia in 2006.
Schwarber’s three-run shot off reliever Justin Hagenman in the seventh gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead and made him the first National League player to reach 50 homers this season. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 53.
The fan favorite came out of the dugout for a curtain call for a crowd roaring “MVP! MVP!” as “50 Schwarbombs” flashed on the big screen.
Schwarber can become a free agent after the season and Phillies managing partner John Middleton has remained steadfast in his commitment to wanting Schwarber back. Schwarber set his previous career high of 47 homers in 2023, one better than the 46 he hit in 2022.
Schwarber remains within striking distance of the team season record of 58 homers set by Ryan Howard in 2006.
Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez (12-6) struck out a career-high 12 over six shutout innings. The Phillies have won the first two games of the four-game series and lead the NL East by nine games over the Mets. The left-hander tossed one-hit ball as he lowered his ERA to 2.77 and showed again why the Phillies believe he can be a No. 1 starter in the postseason with ace Zack Wheeler sidelined due to complications from a blood clot.
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