PHILADELPHIA — Before the Phillies took the field on Saturday afternoon, Rob Thomson was asked why his team has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position.
“I think it’s a matter of trying to do too much instead of just slowing the game down, passing the baton, getting good pitches to hit,” the Phillies manager said. “Using the field. It’s as simple as that, really.”
It was valid question at the time, but seemed ironic in hindsight. A few hours later, the Phillies knocked in a season-high 19 runs in a 19-4 win over the Washington Nationals. They hit four home runs — two from Alec Bohm, and one grand slam home run from Kyle Schwarber — drew five walks, and recorded 18 hits. Nick Castellanos was a triple short of the cycle. It was an offensive shellacking.
