Kyle Schwarber reaches historic pace after two-homer game

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) runs from first base to third base against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Phillies' Kyle Schwarber reaches historic pace after two-homer game

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 16, 2026 8:58 AM ET

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A day after extending his major league-lead in home runs, Kyle Schwarber blasts two more to reach a major milestone and set an historic pace.

In leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a come-from-behind 11-9 win over the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Friday night, Schwarber hit a pair of home runs and drove in five runs on the night. Schwarber's second home run of the game saw him become the first player to reach 20, doing so in only 45 games.

Both of Schwarber's home runs helped Philadelphia cut into what was once a 6-0 lead for the Pirates.

First, and with the Phillies trailing 6-1 in the top of the fifth, Schwarber rocketed a 2-1 pitch over the fence in right-center field at PNC Park. His two-run shot made the score 6-3 at the time. He then went yard two innings later, again with one runner aboard.

Kyle Schwarber is on track to claim 2026 home run crown and pursue history in the process

Schwarber now sits four long balls ahead of New York Yankees star and reigning back-to-back American League MVP Aaron Judge (16). He also has six more than the Atlanta Braves' Matt Olson (14) for the National League home run title.

20 SCHWARBOMBS! pic.twitter.com/bYwVcLecbD
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 16, 2026

With 20 home runs by May 15th, Schwarber is on pace to hit 72, which would have him fall one shy of tying Barry Bonds' all-time record of 73. But Schwarber has been so hot lately that his pace could easily soar past Bonds' in the coming days.

Schwarber's monster May has led him to be the first to reach 20 home runs

He's already hit eight home runs in the month and would be in the midst of a new MLB record streak if not for falling to connect on one on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. That game stands as Schawrber's only game without a home run since starting a five-game streak on May 7.

Before going after Bonds, Schwarber will first have to break the Phillies' record

And even though Schwarber may cool off at some point, dropping his pace from Bonds to just setting a new franchise high, he finished with 56 last season, just two shy of Ryan Howard's Phillies record of 58.

Schwarber's season slash line currently sits at .23/.365/.645 with 35 RBI and 32 runs scored to go along with his 20 home runs.

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 13-4 under new manager Don Mattingly, who took over for the fired Rob Thomson on April 28.

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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