Kyle Schwarber made history on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park by hitting a leadoff home run, setting a new MLB record in the process. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 9-4, with Schwarber’s deep shot off Taj Bradley on just the second pitch of the game traveling over 430 feet into right-center field, giving the Phillies an early 1-0 lead.
With this leadoff homer, Schwarber now holds the record for the most leadoff home runs in a single season, hitting his 14th of the year. He surpassed former Yankee Alfonso Soriano, who hit 13 leadoff homers during the 2003 season. Schwarber had previously hit 11 leadoff home runs last season, putting him tied for eighth on the all-time list.
Despite his impressive performance, Schwarber was forced to leave the game early due to a left elbow injury sustained while sliding back into first base in the third inning. He was able to score a run before being pulled in the fourth inning because of “left elbow discomfort.”
Following Schwarber’s departure, the Phillies rallied in the eighth inning, scoring five runs to secure the victory over the Rays. The win improved the Phillies’ record to 87-58 and extended their lead in the NL East standings.
The Phillies’ recent success, winning eight of their last 10 games, has positioned them as strong contenders in the league as they approach the end of the regular season.