Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto, Matt Vierling complete impressive offensive feat
Phillies hitters J.T. Realmuto and Matt Vierling went 5-5 in consecutive games.
While the Philadelphia Phillies offense has seen its share of struggles lately, catcher J.T. Realmuto and outfielder Matt Vierling had two impressive games in the recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the Phillies have not had two hitters go 5-5 in consecutive games since at least 1900. The last time this happened in Major League Baseball was 2004, when teammates Ichiro Suzuki and future Phillie Raúl Ibañez went 5-5 with the Seattle Mariners.
J.T. Realmuto went 5-for-5 Tuesday and Matt Vierling went 5-for-5 last night. First time since at least 1900 #Phillies had two players go 5-for-5 or better in consecutive games, per @EliasSports.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 22, 2022
Last time in @MLB: Ichiro Suzuki (5-for-5) and Raul Ibanez (6-for-6) in Sept. 2004.
Realmuto has been one of the few consistent hitters in the Phillies lineup of late. Over his last 30 games, he is slashing .345/.411/.655 with eight home runs and 26 RBI. The catcher started the season slow at the plate, but has really turned things around since late June. Realmuto has hit so well that he is inching closer to becoming the first catcher to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases for the first time since 1999. Realmuto has 21 home runs on the season and with a stolen base on Wednesday, is two shy of reaching 20 on the year.
Vierling has been a bright spot in the Phillies outfield that has seen its share of injuries. He has received fairly regular playing time in the absences of Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos, and has filled the role of the fourth or fifth outfielder well. Over his last 15 games, Vierling is hitting .320 with just six strikeouts. As far as backup outfielders go, making contact and putting the ball in play is what fans and management want to see. Vierling’s 5-5 performance gave the Phillies the extra-inning win against Toronto on Wednesday night.
Franzke’s call of Matt Vierling’s first career walk off pic.twitter.com/Hi9VquqoLS
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 22, 2022
There is still some time left for other hitters in the Phillies lineup to get hot and put up runs. The club and fans hope that Realmuto can continue his impressive offensive campaign, and that players like Harper, Rhys Hoskins, and Kyle Schwarber can step up and help the offense down the stretch.
It is equally important for the “Day Care” and other young role players to contribute and put the ball in play. Hitting with runners in scoring position has been a struggle for the offense. That needs to change especially against a team like the Atlanta Braves, when scoring runs may come at a premium.
