The Philadelphia Phillies avoided what would’ve been their first home series loss in nearly nine months by taking the finale of a four-game set against the San Francisco Giants, 6-4, on Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The win salvaged a series split after the Giants claimed the first two games and looked poised to leave town with a series win. The Phillies haven’t dropped a series at home since they were swept by the Yankees in late July of last season.
Sánchez Sets the Tone
Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez was lights out in the finale, striking out a career-high 12 batters across seven innings. He relied heavily on his changeup, which accounted for 11 of the 12 punchouts, and allowed just four hits, two earned runs, and one walk. It was a defining performance for Sánchez, who helped the Phillies avoid back-to-back home losses and reminded everyone why he’s become a trusted piece of the rotation.
Eight strikeouts through four IS pretty darn dominant 🔥@Toyota x #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/l3urP8VVXd
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 17, 2025
First-Inning Fireworks Fuel the Win
The Phillies’ bats wasted no time getting to Giants starter Jordan Hicks, plating five runs in the bottom of the first. Kyle Schwarber opened the scoring with a two-run single, followed by an RBI knock from Nick Castellanos, a wild pitch that brought home another run, and a booming RBI triple off the bat of Alec Bohm. Hicks eventually settled down and lasted seven innings—matching his career-high—but the early damage proved too much to overcome.
Schwing it Kyle! pic.twitter.com/iPLOEaVFov
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 17, 2025
Giants Show Life, but Not Enough
San Francisco didn’t go quietly. Matt Chapman, one of the hottest hitters in the series, launched a two-run homer in the sixth, part of a 7-for-16 series at the plate. Tyler Fitzgerald added a solo home run in the ninth off José Alvarado, but the Phillies’ closer held on to earn his fourth save and clinch the split.
Offensive Consistency Leading the Way
While the series had its ups and downs, Philadelphia continues to benefit from steady contributions at the top of the lineup. Bryce Harper extended his on-base streak to 14 games and has now reached in 18 of the Phillies’ 19 contests. He holds a .400 on-base percentage and has recorded a hit in 14 of those games.
Kyle Schwarber remains one of the league’s most effective table-setters, reaching base in every game so far. His .435 OBP ranks seventh in MLB, and like Harper, he’s notched hits in 14 of 19 games.
Nick Castellanos has been similarly productive, reaching base in 15 games and recording hits in 14. While the power numbers haven’t exploded yet, the trio’s consistency has been crucial to the Phillies’ offensive engine.
Looking Ahead
With the series split secured and their home dominance still intact, the Phillies advanced to an 11-8 record on the season, and one game back in the NL East behind the Mets. They’ll turn their attention to the Miami Marlins, who come to town for a weekend series. Zack Wheeler is scheduled to take the mound Friday, aiming to keep the good vibes and homestand success rolling in South Philly. Following the weekend series against the Marlins, the Phils will hit the road for what promises to be an exciting division-rival showdown in Queens.
