Kyle Schwarber provided the fireworks in the cornfield Thursday night, launching two home runs as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Minnesota Twins 7-1 in the first regular-season game at the Field of Dreams movie site in four years.
Schwarber’s first blast came on the third pitch he saw from Twins right-hander Taj Bradley, sending the ball soaring into the corn behind right field. The four-time All-Star added another two-run homer in the fourth inning, with Twins right fielder Luke Keaschall nearly making a spectacular catch before the ball glanced off his glove and landed beyond the wall.
The two-homer performance pushed Schwarber’s major league-leading total to 37 for the season. He has now hit 224 home runs in just five seasons with Philadelphia, continuing to establish himself as one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball.
Brandon Marsh added a two-run homer in the seventh inning, while Luis Arraez collected three hits and Bryson Stott drove in a run as the Phillies’ offense kept pressure on Minnesota throughout the night. Marsh reached base four times in the victory.
The long-awaited return to the Field of Dreams also provided a much-needed breakthrough for Aaron Nola.
Nola earned his first victory in 15 starts, dating back to May 26, allowing one run while matching his season high with nine strikeouts over five innings. The veteran right-hander benefited from strong run support and repeatedly worked out of trouble as Minnesota went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.
The Twins’ lone home run came from Keaschall in the second inning. The young player, who recently transitioned from second base to right field, reached base three times and showed flashes of the offensive potential that has made him an important part of Minnesota’s lineup.
Trevor Larnach and Ryan Jeffers each collected two hits for the Twins.
Bradley struggled to match Nola, surrendering four runs and lasting just four innings. It was his shortest start of the season, and he remains without a victory since putting together a three-start winning streak that carried into the All-Star break.
The victory improved Philadelphia to 65-58 and moved the Phillies a half-game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third National League wild-card spot.
Minnesota fell to 60-63 and remains just below the American League wild-card cut line. The Twins are third in the AL Central, 3½ games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox.
For the Phillies, the night belonged to Schwarber and Nola. Under the lights and surrounded by the famous Iowa cornfields, Schwarber delivered the signature moments while Nola finally ended a long wait for his ninth win.
The Field of Dreams setting produced another memorable baseball night, and Philadelphia left with a victory that could prove important as the NL playoff race intensifies.
