PHILADELPHIA (KGTV) — Four Philadelphia home runs powered the Phillies to a 10-6 win over the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Philadelphia now has a commanding 3-1 lead, putting them in the driver's seat for the rest of the series.
The Phillies can clinch the NL Pennant with a win Sunday; Game 5 is the last home game for them this round.
Although the Padres jumped to a 4-0 lead out the gate, Philadelphia wasted no time responding, scoring three runs in the first inning behind a Rhys Hoskins 2-run homer and a Bryce Harper RBI-double.
Philadelphia later tied the game up in the 4th, scoring a run off a Bryson Stott single.
Padres star slugger Juan Soto finally got out of his home run slump in the 5th inning of this game, going the distance for the first time since an Oct. 1 outing against the White Sox. He hadn't hit a dinger in 13 consecutive games, dating back to the regular season.
Again, the Phillies responded immediately.
Hoskins hit a 2-run homer, again, tying the game at 6-6 in the 5th. Harper drove in another run via a double, and he crossed home plate as well thanks to a Nick Castellanos single.
A Kyle Schwarber homer in the 6th extended Philly's lead to 9-6.
It was a difficult night for San Diego's bullpen, especially Sean Manaea, who was pitching in that 5th inning.
The Phillies hit their fourth homer of the night when J.T. Realmuto went yard in the 7th, solidifying the home team's lead to 10-6. He was the first batter reliever Steven Wilson faced, but Wilson managed to retire the next three batters.
Phillies pitcher David Robinson struck out Jake Cronenworth and Brandon Drury back-to-back, and Ha-Seong Kim grounded out to close the top of the 8th.
Adrian Morejon checked in for the Padres in the bottom of the 8th. He made quick work of Stott, striking him out. Trent Grisham grabbed a Brandon Marsh fly ball at the warning track to record the second out of the inning.
Manny Machado scurried deep into foul territory to catch a Schwarber pop out, ending the frame.
In the 9th, Phillies closer Zach Eflin went 1-2-3, retiring the first three batters he faced.
First pitch for Game 5 in Philadelphia is scheduled for 11:37 a.m. PT. The Padres' season is on the line now. From here on out, it's win or go home.
