Photo credit: @JClarkNBCS
By Jeremy Kahn
Rhys Hoskins put the icing on the cake for the Philadelphia Phillies in the series and season opener against the San Francisco Giants.
Hoskins hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning off of Tyler Beede, helping the Phillies defeat the Giants 4-2 at Citizens Bank Park.
Not only did Hoskins come up the biggest hit of the night, but new Phillies pitcher Drew Smyly was outstanding in his second start for the Phillies.
Smyly gave up one run in six innings in that first start and was just as amazing tonight against the Giants.
The left-hander went seven innings, allowing zero runs, while scattering four hits and struck out five.
The Giants finally got on the board in the top of the eighth inning, as Stephen Vogt and Brandon Belt each pinch-hit home runs off of Phillies reliever Nick Pivetta; however, that was all the offense that the Giants could muster in the series opener.
Phillies closer Hector Neris did not allow a run in the top of the ninth inning, as he picked up his 19th save of the season.
Beede gave up two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, as the Phillies took a 2-0 lead and then was done for the night after Hoskins hit his 23rd home run of the season that also scored Bryce Harper, who walked in the inning.
Maikel Franco got the Phillies on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning, as he drove in J.T. Realmuto and then Adam Haseley singled in Cesar Hernandez to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.
Beede went five innings, allowing four runs, walking two and striking out four, as he fell to 2-4 on the season.
NOTES: This was the Giants seventh straight loss at Citizens Bank Park, who came into the game winners of 12 out of 15 and 19 out of 24 prior to the loss.
UP NEXT: Jeff Samardzija will take the mound on Wednesday evening for the Giants, while the Phillies will send Vince Velasquez to the hill.

