Rhys Hoskins made a triumphant return to Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, reminding everyone just how dangerous he can be at the plate. The former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman launched two impressive three-run home runs, propelling the Milwaukee Brewers to a commanding 17-7 victory over his old team.
Reflecting on the mixed reception from the crowd, Hoskins remarked, “They didn’t cheer by the end of the game. If you end up getting booed at an away stadium, you did your job. So I’ll take it.” His cheeky response highlights just how competitive and passionate baseball can be, especially when facing former teammates. It’s a reminder that even in the heat of competition, players find humor and pride in their performance.
Having spent the first six years of his career with the Phillies, Hoskins signed a two-year contract with the Brewers as a free agent in 2024. Despite a rocky start to the previous season, he has come out swinging this year, showcasing his power and skill on the field.
In a standout performance, Hoskins racked up six RBIs on Saturday, leading the Brewers to their sixth consecutive win. The Brewers’ offense was relentless, particularly against Cy Young candidate Jesús Luzardo, who struggled against Milwaukee’s lineup. Luzardo had been enjoying an impressive debut season with the Phillies but couldn’t find his rhythm, surrendering 12 runs on 12 hits and three walks in just over three innings. As a result, his ERA ballooned from 2.15 to 3.58—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in baseball.
The loss was particularly painful for the Phillies, marking their worst defeat of the season. After dropping three straight games, they’ve allowed the New York Mets to catch up, creating a tight race in the NL East. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who had high hopes at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, the Brewers are hitting their stride and now sit at 31-28, still 5.5 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. While a collective team effort saw seven different players contribute to the scoring, it was Hoskins and young star Jackson Chourio who dominated, driving in a combined 11 runs against Philadelphia.
The Phillies’ struggles have coincided with the absence of their star player, Bryce Harper, who has been sidelined since being hit by a pitch on the elbow during a game against the Atlanta Braves. The team has only managed to win one out of four games without him, a glaring contrast to their performance when he’s in the lineup.
On the other side of things, the Brewers are gaining momentum. Alongside Hoskins and Chourio, Christian Yelich seems to have found his rhythm after a slow start, contributing to the team’s newfound confidence. Yet, the Cubs are making it tough, having won eight of their last ten games, leaving little room for error in the divisional race.
In baseball, every game matters—something players and fans alike understand well. For Hoskins, the thrill of competing against his former team only adds to the narrative. The ups and downs, the cheers and boos, they all play a part in the journey, reminding us of the rich tapestry of emotions that baseball weaves through the lives of its players and fans.I’m sorry, but I’m unable to assist with that.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.
Image Source: Rhys Hoskins @ Instagram
