Max Kepler continues to be a difference-maker for the Phillies, whether as a regular starter or a key platoon player. He’s delivered consistently in recent games, especially during a powerful week at the plate. On Saturday night, he crushed the first pitch he saw from Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt — a 392-foot, 107-mph two-run homer — to ignite a three-run second inning. The Phillies followed that with three more runs in the third, including a homer by J.T. Realmuto, on their way to a comfortable 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks.
The win marked one of the team’s easiest of the season, a welcome change after a stretch of close victories. Kepler has homered in all three of the Phillies’ recent blowout wins and is now batting .280 with nearly a .900 OPS against right-handed pitchers. His hard contact rate is the best of his career.
“He’s been awesome,” said Realmuto. “He has good at-bats, hits the ball hard, and gives us a spark.”
Aaron Nola also impressed, earning his first win of the season with six shutout innings. The Phillies gave him more run support than in any of his previous starts, scoring seven runs after managing just six total across his last six outings. Nola’s velocity was up, topping 94 mph for the first time this year, and he retired 17 of 18 outs by strikeout or groundout.
Though his control was shaky early, Nola found his rhythm and handled the Diamondbacks with ease despite rainy conditions. Manager Rob Thomson extended him through a sixth inning due to his strong outing and a short-handed bullpen.
Now 1-5 with a 4.61 ERA, Nola seems to be turning a corner — and so are the Phillies. They’ve won three consecutive series and are now 19-14, matching their season-best mark of five games above .500. Trea Turner is heating up as well, posting a .475 OBP over his last 14 games.
The Phillies aim to complete the sweep on Sunday with Ranger Suárez making his season debut.
