Phillies rookies pay tribute to Didi Gregorius after late-game heroics

Phillies rookies rave about Didi Gregorius’ clutch performance in epic victory

After booming offense in their first few games, the Philadelphia Phillies got off to an ice-cold start in their series opener against the New York Mets on Monday.

But it ain’t over til it’s over, and in the eighth inning, down 4-0, the Phillies bats decided to wake up.

Alec Bohm led off with a walk, and Johan Camargo came in to pinch-hit for Matt Vierling and singled, sending Bohm down to third. A force out from Kyle Schwarber brought Bohm home but cut Camargo down at second. 4-1.

Then, J.T. Realmuto homered, scoring himself and Schwarber to make it 4-3. After Bryce Harper struck out, the Mets called for a new pitcher, who immediately walked Nick Castellanos. Rhys Hoskins drove him in with a game-tying double.

And then it was Didi Gregorius’ turn at the plate. And he decided to be extra and go for two, too. His double scored Hoskins, giving the Phillies the lead. Minutes later, Brad Hand would get the Mets to go 1-2-3 and lose 5-4.

Moments after the game, several of the newest generation of Phillies players reposted the team’s photo of Gregorius kneeling triumphantly on second base.

Of the three, Matt Vierling was the only one who played in Monday’s game. Mickey Moniak is on the Injured List with a hairline fracture, and Bryson Stott sat because Bohm and Gregorius were playing. He is Gregorius’ heir apparent at shortstop, as the longtime infielder’s contract is over at the end of this season.

Ironically, Bohm was in the lineup over Stott due to good career numbers against Mets starter Taijuan Walker but did not end up facing him, as the righty exited after two innings due to apparent injury. Instead, he got a hit and two walks, but also made three errors in three innings, and was seen cursing the ballpark on television.

On a quiet night for the potent Phillies lineup, Gregorius was the only batter with a multi-hit game. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

While fans are eager to see more of Stott, it’s also a huge relief that Gregorius appears to be finding his form again, after a down year in 2021.