Seven years ago to the exact day that ex-outfielder José Bautista produced one of the most iconic bat flips in Major League Baseball postseason history, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins introduced the bat spike following a key home run.
The right-handed hitter launched a three-run blast off Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider in the bottom of the third inning of Game 3 of the National League Division Series, and celebrated accordingly. Hoskins’ emotions overtook him on the elevated stage as it was his first career postseason home run.
Check out Hoskins’ round-tripper, plus his must-see bat spike here:
Hoskins, who launched the first pitch he saw in that at-bat from Strider into the stands, took FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal through his mindset for the critical play during a mid-game interview.
“We all know he throws hard,” Hoskins told Rosenthal. “Just got to be on the fastball there. I was just lucky to get one in the middle of the plate and down. He’s tough to hit, right? Tough to square up that’s why he’s pitching in this game. I don’t know after that. I don’t know if my feet touched the ground.”
It’s certainly a feel-good moment for Hoskins, who was 1-for-18 in this year’s playoffs with six strikeouts going into the contest. Hoskins’ homer gave the Phillies a 4-0 cushion and Bryce Harper followed up with a two-run dinger later in the inning as well.
