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David Schoenfield, ESPN Senior Writer
PHILADELPHIA — In Philadelphia, this month is affectionately known as Red October.
Although the definition may be somewhat unclear, we can agree that it signifies an abundance of home runs. Specifically, it represents loud and captivating home runs that intensify the excitement of the home crowd as they witness the ball soaring over the outfield fence.
During Tuesday’s 10-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kyle Schwarber delivered two impressive home runs for the Philadelphia Phillies, while Trea Turner added a third. The Phillies extended their lead with additional runs later in the game, bringing them just two wins away from reaching the World Series. Schwarber’s outstanding performance marked his first multi-homer game in a postseason and tied Reggie Jackson’s record for the most postseason home runs by a left-handed batter.
The Phillies’ Red October spree continued with a total of 15 home runs over four games, setting a new record for the most home runs hit in a four-game span during the postseason.
Once again, the team capitalized on four-seam fastballs. Following their three home runs off Zac Gallen’s fastballs in Game 1, Turner’s first-inning blast against Merrill Kelly and Schwarber’s third-inning shot were also off four-seamers. Schwarber’s second home run, however, was hit off a Kelly changeup and demonstrated his impressive power with a 427-foot distance to right-center.
Schwarber’s role as the leadoff hitter for the Phillies is unconventional yet remarkable. Despite his batting average of .197 this season and leading the league in strikeouts, he possesses the ability to hit home runs, draw walks, and influence the team’s success. The Phillies saw a remarkable turnaround after Schwarber was placed in the leadoff spot by manager Rob Thomson on June 2. Starting off with a batting average of .160 at that time, Schwarber’s presence propelled the team. From being 24th in scoring before June 2, the Phillies climbed up to fifth. Since June 2, with Schwarber leading off, the Phillies have achieved a record of 70-42, including postseason games.
The opposing pitchers and catchers face significant anxiety when Schwarber steps up to the plate. As Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto explains, facing a player like Schwarber, who has the ability to cause damage from the first pitch, creates discomfort for the pitching team. Schwarber’s pre-game presence sets the tone for the Phillies’ offense and unnerves opposing pitchers.
Thomson’s decision to make Schwarber the leadoff hitter reflects the success formula from last October, when Schwarber hit leadoff and hit six home runs during the NLCS and World Series. Schwarber’s unorthodox approach has proven effective.
“That was June-Schwarber,” Thomson commented. “We were struggling at the time, and it was time for a change. Schwarber’s presence as the leadoff hitter clicked, and we started winning. Our scoring improved, and Schwarb got hot.”
Adapting his game from watching former teammate Dexter Fowler, Schwarber recognizes the importance of making the leadoff spot his own and playing to his strengths.
In tying Jackson’s record, Schwarber achieved this feat in 60 games, whereas Jackson needed 77 games. Schwarber’s impact on the team’s success cannot be understated.
As a team, the Phillies have excelled in the postseason with a batting average of .284/.366/.575. Notably, their home runs have not been cheap or effortless. Turner’s first-inning blast covered a distance of 421 feet, and 13 of their 19 homers have traveled more than 400 feet. In their latest game against the Diamondbacks, the Phillies narrowly missed hitting three additional home runs, as Alec Bohm and Bryce Harper flew out to the wall and Jake Cave doubled off the wall as a pinch hitter. Overall, the Phillies showcased their power, hitting 14 balls at speeds of 95-plus mph and nine at speeds exceeding 100 mph, which are among their highest totals in 2023.
Teams that outperform their opponents in home runs have displayed a superior record of 17-2 in this postseason. The Diamondbacks will need to find a way to rediscover their own power, similar to their performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they hit nine home runs in a three-game sweep.
“It’s like having a team full of 3-pointers against somebody who can only shoot 2s,” commented Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “It happens quickly and accumulates rapidly. However, we have a versatile team and numerous ways to compete every night. We’ll try to find a way to counter it.”
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