Phillies Top Pirates 5-2, Season-High 9 Games Over .500
May 17, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryson Stott (5) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Phillies take their first series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this season with taking the first two games. Tonight’s game was a dominant performance from both the offense and the defense. With double digits in hits, the Phillies’ bats have been at their highest of the season as of late. More players are coming out of their holes, and tonight’s game was a great night to show for it, with a multi-hit night for second baseman Bryson Stott and first baseman Bryce Harper.
Pitching was another positive for the Phillies, with another gem of a start from probable Cy Young candidate Zack Wheeler. After tonight’s six innings pitched, Wheeler has now lowered his ERA to 2.67 and has added six more strikeouts to his number, while only giving up three hits. With two perfect innings from relievers Matt Strahm and Carlos Hernandez, the Phillies’ pitching staff also seems to be at a high level compared to the start of the season.
Another Pair of First-Inning Tallies
Tonight’s scoring started with Kyle Schwarber‘s double, which scored both Trea Turner and Harper. This all happened in the first inning, which has now been a theme for the Phillies this season, as they entered tonight fourth in Major League Baseball in 1st inning runs scored.
Although the Pirates had not scored for eight innings, runs in the first inning will always be essential towards the score and will continue to be important for this Phillies team, who will always want to make an impression early in the game, however it will be.
Stott Steals the Show
The next score of the game came in the third inning with a solo home run from Stott, who had been silent at home before tonight. From someone who shows a lack of power, a home run to double the Phillies’ score shows that Stott is now on the rise and looking to do more damage.
This damage came only the next inning, as Stott, with two runners on, singled the other way to bring both Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh home to double the lead, once again. He would later score on a double from Harper after a successful stolen base. Stott in this game, has showed to be very clutch and aware of the game situation with what he has been able to do for the team tonight.
Stott, tonight, is the unanimous player of the game, which will be extremely important for him as he tries to get back to that elite level he was at not too long ago. Though Wheeler went six innings without a run given up, Stott made a huge impact in tonight’s prominent victory over Pittsburgh.
Harper Comes Through
Another huge impact was made by Harper, who had two hits in three at-bats tonight. Harper had both an RBI double and a run scored, which is similar to the Harper Philadelphia fans have known forever now. His hits have come at the right time, in which he either brings a runner home or would eventually be brought home, both of which occurred tonight.
Tonight, Harper continued to rebound with his two knocks, which now brings his average to .256 after the game. If Bryce can replicate tonight’s impact, he will start to put pressure on more and more pitchers this year.
Phillies Look to Sweep Pittsburgh Tomorrow Afternoon
The series finale for the Pennsylvania series will take place Sunday afternoon at 1:35 PM with Mick Abel making his Major League debut on the mound against the young All-Star, Paul Skenes.
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Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
