Alec Bohm hit his first home run of the game to the right-field seats, and the second one soared into the left-center section. Both of these homers were three-run shots, giving the Phillies a 6-0 lead in the first three innings.
These home runs show the Phillies the power they believe Bohm can bring more regularly.
Bohm’s display of power came in a game where Spencer Turnbull, a Philadelphia right-hander, had a no-hitter until the seventh inning. Turnbull lost the no-hitter, but still led the Phillies to a 7-0 victory against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
“I just aim to hit the ball as hard as I can and keep it in the middle of the field,” Bohm said. “If they end up being home runs, great. If they end up being doubles, that’s cool too.”
Bohm had been hitting solo home runs in his previous six outings before hitting his first three-run homer.
Bohm’s two three-run homers matched the number he hit throughout the entirety of the 2023 season. Last season, Bohm achieved career highs with 20 homers and 97 RBIs.
This year, the Phillies anticipated him having an even better season, and he batted fifth on Friday behind Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto.
Bohm stated that he didn’t have a specific home run target for this season. “The number will end up being what it’s going to be,” he said. “I’m not chasing a specific home run count or anything like that. I’m just focused on doing my job, driving in runs, and hitting the ball hard.”
Before Friday’s game, Bohm had only one home run this season, but he connected against White Sox starter Garrett Crochet in the first inning and then again in the third.
Manager Rob Thomson mentioned that Bohm is stronger than he was in previous years, which could result in more home runs if he keeps hitting the ball in the air.
Bohm received a warm welcome from the Phillies fans, despite a past incident where he expressed frustration. Two years ago, he was caught muttering “I hate this place” after committing errors in a game.
However, he has since become a fan favorite, especially after the team’s recent playoff appearances. As part of a promotion, the Phillies will offer a Bohm “I Love This Place” T-shirt next month.
It’s worth noting that Bohm’s two homers coincided with the release of Taylor Swift’s double album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” which includes a song titled “I Hate It Here.”
