Schwarber, Harper Supply Needed Spark as Phillies Top D-backs

Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper's back-to-back home runs in the 3rd inning propel the Phillies to a 4-3 win over Arizona.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:41pm

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The Phillies were down 2-0 in the 3rd inning when Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs to give Philadelphia a 3-2 lead. Starter Taijuan Walker settled in after a shaky 1st inning, going 5 innings and allowing 2 runs. The win snaps a recent offensive slump for the Phillies, who have struggled to score consistently early in the season.

Why it matters

The Phillies have had an up-and-down start to the season, with their offense sputtering at times. This win, powered by the bats of Schwarber and Harper, could provide the spark the team needs to get their offense going and build some momentum heading into the rubber match on Sunday.

The details

After the D-backs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, the Phillies responded in the 3rd with Schwarber and Harper's back-to-back home runs. Starter Taijuan Walker settled in after a shaky 1st, going 5 innings and allowing 2 runs. The Phillies' offense has struggled with consistency and runners in scoring position early this season, but this win could be a turning point if they can build on it.

  • Schwarber and Harper hit their back-to-back home runs in the 3rd inning.
  • Walker went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs.

The players

Kyle Schwarber

Phillies slugger who hit a 3-run home run in the 3rd inning to give the Phillies the lead.

Bryce Harper

Phillies star outfielder who followed Schwarber's home run with one of his own in the 3rd inning.

Taijuan Walker

Phillies starting pitcher who settled in after a shaky 1st inning, going 5 innings and allowing 2 runs.

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What they’re saying

“'Get him through the first inning to start with because that's kind of been the bugaboo for him. In Colorado [in his last start], there were a couple of pitches that got away from him and resulted in home runs, and then he settled in and pitched good. If he pitches like he did from the second inning on in Colorado, I'd be happy with it.'”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

What’s next

The Phillies will look to build on this win in the rubber match against the D-backs on Sunday.

The takeaway

This win highlights the Phillies' ability to overcome early deficits with their powerful lineup, led by Schwarber and Harper. If the team can find more consistency on offense, they could start to string together wins and climb up the standings in the NL East.