Philadelphia Phillies Manager Nails Bold Pregame Prediction
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson made a genius prediction before Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
For a team with so many power hitters, the Philadelphia Phillies haven't been hitting for much power this year.
In 2023, the Phillies ranked third in the National League in home runs (220), third in slugging percentage (.438) and fourth in doubles (291). Their potent lineup nearly carried them to a second straight World Series berth before the bats suddenly went cold in the final two games of the NLCS.
Despite returning virtually the same lineup, Philadelphia has had very different results so far this season. Entering play on Thursday, the Phillies ranked last in doubles (8), 10th in homers (11) and 13th in slugging percentage (.342).
When asked about his team's power outage prior to Thursday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson didn't sound concerned. Instead, he replied with a bold prediction that his players were "gonna slug."
The Phillies quickly proved Thomson correct, blasting three homers in their 5-1 win over the Pirates. Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott all went yard for Philadelphia, accounting for all five of the team's runs. Combined with a strong outing by starting pitcher Ranger Suarez, it was a classic Phillies performance.
Thomson was right. When you have a lineup with guys like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, it's only a matter of time before they start to mash.
Perhaps this game will finally snap Philadelphia out of its power rut. Playing the next nine games at the homer-friendly Citizens Bank Park should help as well, especially with temperatures expected to rise into the 70s next week.
With the weather heating up, don't be surprised if the Phillies' bats follow suit.
