Schwarber extends hot streak with MLB-leading HR in Phillies' win

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Kyle Schwarber extends hot streak with MLB-leading HR in Phillies' win

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 15, 2026 8:21 AM ET

To avenge Wednesday's loss and claim the series, the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Boston Red Sox 3-1 on Thursday night.

And as he's accustomed to doing, Kyle Schwarber played the role of hero. Schwarber broke a scoreless tie in the top of the eighth inning, crushing a monster home run to right center field. The home run, a two-run shot, became the game-winning hit and extended Schwarber's MLB lead.

Kyle Schwarber leads MLB with 18 home runs

With now 18 home runs on the season, Schwarber sits two above New York Yankees star and reigning back-to-back American League MVP Aaron Judge (16). He also has four more than the Atlanta Braves' Matt Olson (14) for the National League home run title.

Schwarber's big blast in the final game of the three-game set in Boston was his second home run of the series and his seventh in his last seven games, having homered in every game except for Wednesday's defeat at the hands of the Red Sox.

Kyle Schwarber breaks the scoreless tie with his MLB-leading 18th home run pic.twitter.com/I5V9O8u05U
— MLB (@MLB) May 15, 2026

Schwarber, who hit a career-high 56 home runs last season, went six games without a home run before starting a five-game streak on May 7 against the Athletics.

Kyle Schwarber's hot streak has coincided with the Phillies' recent winning ways

Even with his 18 home runs, the Phillies designated hitter is only hitting .226 through 44 games and 164 at-bats. Schwarber has 30 RBI and completes his slash line with a .355 OBP and a .610 SLG.

Most importantly, Schwarber's recent power surge has helped turn Philadelphia's season around. The Phillies are now 7-3 in their last 10 games and are 12-4 under new manager Don Mattingly, who took over after the firing of Rob Thomson on April 28 due to their 9-19 start to the season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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