Watch: Kyle Schwarber smashes lead-off HR in NLDS Game 1

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets in the first inning in Game 1 of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Watch: Kyle Schwarber smashes HR to give Phillies early lead vs. Mets in NLDS Game 1

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 5, 2024 4:57 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber opened the scoring in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets, taking starter Kodai Senga deep for a lead-off home run.

On the third pitch he faced, Schwarber turned on a 95 mph fastball, which traveled 425 feet, landing in the second deck of Citizens Bank Park. According to Paul Casella of MLB, it was the fourth hardest-hit home run ball (115.8 MPH) over the last three postseasons — the Phillies lead-off hitter owns the top two (119.7 mph, 117.1 mph).

KYLE SCHWARBER LEADOFF TANK pic.twitter.com/yJdMJsDINQ
— MLB (@MLB) October 5, 2024

It wasn't the best greeting for Senga, making only his second start of the year and first since July 26. But, the 31-year-old responded, working around a walk to retire six batters over the next two innings before giving way to left-hander David Peterson in the third inning.

For Schwarber, it's his fifth-career postseason lead-off home run. That's the most all-time and two more than the second-most (three, Jimmy Rollins).

The hulking Phillies' designated hitter set the single-season mark for lead-off home runs (14). Saturday's round-tripper was Schwarber's 12th in a Phillies' uniform, a franchise record.

Meanwhile, it was the 21st of his postseason career, passing Derek Jeter for the fourth-most in MLB history. Only Bernie Williams (22), Jose Altuve (27) and Manny Ramirez (29) have more, per Stathead.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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