The big attraction at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night was the opener of a three-game set between the first-place Milwaukee Brewers and the first-place Philadelphia Phillies.
A major subplot for Phillies fans, however, was Rhys Hoskins’ return to the city where he played for seven seasons and was a beloved part of the 2022 World Series team.
Hoskins left Philadelphia in the offseason and signed a two-year contract with the Brewers. He’s brought some strength to Milwaukee’s lineup this year, tied for the team lead with nine home runs.
Yet Phillies fans still have affection for Hoskins, which was reflected with two outs in the second inning when the designated hitter received a standing ovation (including from his former teammates) when he came to bat.
“I have goosebumps” play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Levering of Brewers TV said after the long cheer.
Hoskins popped out in that first at bat. But he walked for his second at-bat in the fifth. That’s where the fun started.
Two batters later, Hoskins stole second base and got into scoring position. (He only stole 15 bases during his entire Phillies career, by the way.) With the Brewers down 3-0, he got a chance to score Milwaukee’s first run of the game on a single by Blake Perkins.
As Philadelphia fans know, Hoskins isn’t the fastest runner. Still, Brewers third base coach Jason Lane sent him. Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas willingly accepted the challenge and threw Hoskins at home to end the inning. Hoskins gave former teammate JT Realmuto an appreciative pat on the back before the play.
But in the seventh, Hoskins provided a sensation for the visiting team when he crushed a high 2-1 fastball from Zack Wheeler over the left field fence to finally get the Brewers on the board. He did not receive another standing ovation, but he did receive cheers from the crowd, which he acknowledged as he passed second base.
That was Milwaukee’s only point of the game in a 3-1 loss on Monday night. Wheeler picked up the win, allowing five hits in seven innings. David Dahl hit a home run for the Phillies after being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill in for Brandon Marsh, who went on the injured list with a hamstring injury.
But the fans in attendance undoubtedly got everything they wanted. A beloved player returned to a video tribute and two standing ovations, and also hit a home run. And the home team achieved victory by winning a match between two first-place clubs.
