Bruce Almighty: New Phillies Outfielder Helps Club Snap 5-Game Skid with Grand Slam, 6 RBI

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The new-look Philadelphia Phillies (34-27) outfield — particularly left fielder Jay Bruce — came up huge Tuesday evening for a team which recently lost two former All-Star outfielders in Odubel Herrera (administrative leave) and Andrew McCutchen (torn ACL).

Although center fielder Adam Haseley went hitless in his MLB debut (0-4), Bruce, too, made his first start in a Phillies uniform, but had a complete opposite performance — hitting 3-for-4 with a double, three runs scored, two home runs — a two-run blast and grand slam — and six RBI.

Scott Kingery also produced a home run — going back-to-back with Bruce's two-run blast before his grand slam — and RBI double, along with Maikel Franco launching a solo shot in the eighth as a pinch-hitter — just his second home run since the end of April. The Phillies went on to win over the San Diego Padres (31-30), 9-6, snapping their season-long five-game losing streak. After launching a grand slam of his own in Monday's opener, Manny Machado went hitless with a run scored, walk and strikeout.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since RBIs became an official stat in 1920, Bruce is the fifth player with at least two home runs and six RBIs in his first start with a team — joining Roman Mejias (1962, Colt 45s), Brant Alyea (1970, Twins), Sam Horn (1990, Orioles), and Calvin Pickering (2004, Royals). Bruce just missed his third home run of the game in his fourth at-bat, and would have become the first Phillies player with a three-home run game since Jayson Werth in May 2008.

Phillies starter RHP Jerad Eickhoff earned the win by throwing a quality start. In six innings, he allowed just four hits, three earned runs and no walks, while striking out five batters. Seranthony Dominguez (hold, 8) and Hector Neris (save, 11) each threw scoreless innings while striking out two batters in the eighth and ninth. Dominguez entered after rookie Edgar Garcia gave up a pair of home runs (Franmil Reyes, Eric Hosmer) and a walk without recording an out. Eickhoff also yielded a home run to Reyes just a couple of innings prior in the sixth.

Entering the game, Padres rookie starter RHP Chris Paddack had allowed just five runs through five starts and 31 2/3 innings at Petco Park, while posting a 1.42 ERA and 0.600 WHIP. He doubled his total career earned runs allowed at home in the loss — yielding eight hits, six runs, five earned runs and two home runs.

Right-hander Jake Arrieta will take the mound in Wednesday afternoon's rubber match. The Phillies will look to end their west-coast trip on a high note, having gone 1-4 so far against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres.

Pre-game Transactions:

• RHP Victor Arano (right elbow surgery) transferred from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
• OF Andrew McCutchen (torn ACL, left knee) placed on the 10-day injured list.
• OF Adam Haseley contract purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Game Notes:

• The Phillies' lead in the National League East stayed at a 1/2 game, as the Atlanta Braves topped the Pittsburgh Pirates, 12-5, at PNC Park.
• Between Bruce and Bryce Harper, the Phillies starting corner outfielders began the game with a combined 495 career home runs (now 497). Bruce recently reached the 300 career home run milestone, while Harper is just five away from 200.
• Prior to the game, the Phillies had lost six of their last seven games at Petco Park since August 14, 2017, outscored 38-18 and outhit 57-47. The Phillies will play for their first series win at the venue since August 5-7, 2016, in Wednesday's finale.

What's Next:

• Wednesday, June 5, 2019: at San Diego Padres, 3:40 p.m.
  • Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • RHP Jake Arrieta (5-5, 3.96 ERA) vs. RHP Cal Quantrill (1-2, 5.14 ERA)
  • TV: NBCSP; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP