Phillies Survive 11-Inning Thriller Against Athletics, Extend Win Streak

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a dramatic 11-inning game, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-6 on Saturday, marking their ninth consecutive victory. The win halted the Athletics’ losing streak at 11 games.

The game turned in the ninth inning when Max Kepler hit a massive home run off Mason Miller to tie the score at 6-6. Kepler’s home run came after the Phillies were trailing by one run.

“We have an opportunity here to turn this baseball game around,” Kepler said, reflecting on the pivotal moment before he stepped up to the plate.

In the tenth inning, Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh made a stunning throw to the plate, negating a potential walk-off run from the Athletics in a crucial bases-loaded situation with no outs. “I believed in every moment of it,” Kepler said of Marsh’s play.

Once the game moved into the eleventh, Kyle Schwarber got a free pass to first base and then hit a line drive that brought two runs home: Trea Turner and ghost runner Kepler. Although Schwarber was thrown out at third base, he was awarded the base due to interference by Athletics first baseman Logan Davidson.

“The biggest thing is just making sure that you keep going,” Schwarber said, explaining his mindset as he rounded the bases.

Later, the Phillies added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly from J.T. Realmuto, giving reliever Max Lazar a two-run cushion. Lazar closed the game with a strikeout, securing his first Major League save.

“Just trying to follow the guys in front of me,” said Lazar about stepping up during the game. “It was a back-and-forth game, just trying to stay locked in every second.”

The Athletics had a rocky outing, fielding several inexperienced players due to recent roster changes as they sought to halt their losing streak. Logan Davidson, who made his Major League debut, faced tough luck, getting thrown out at the plate and later called for obstruction.

Despite the challenges, the Phillies’ combined efforts reflected their team spirit, as noted by Marsh. “Everyone’s doing it. Everyone’s doing their part. That’s what it’s going to take in the future.”

The Phillies will aim for a sweep in the series against the Athletics on Sunday.