Bohm RBI Double Gave Phillies Wild Card Lead
Alec Bohm struck an early RBI double off Chris Sale to put the Philadelphia Phillies ahead 1-0 in Game 1.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
The Philadelphia Phillies secured a 1-0 lead in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series following an RBI double from Alec Bohm. Bohm drove the ball over center fielder Michael Harris II during the first inning.
Why it matters
The hit proved significant as it came against Chris Sale, who had successfully limited opponents against high fastballs throughout the regular season. Only one other player, Bobby Witt Jr., managed a hit against that specific pitch type from Sale all year.
Chris Sale, 37, entered the matchup averaging 96.1 mph on his four-seam fastball during the regular season. This hit marked only the second time all season that Sale allowed a hit on a fastball located above the strike zone.
The players
Alec Bohm
He is a professional baseball player currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Chris Sale
He is a veteran professional baseball pitcher currently competing in the postseason.
Michael Harris II
He is a professional baseball player serving as a center fielder.
The details
Bohm connected with a high fastball from Sale in the first inning to clear the head of Michael Harris II. This early offensive production established the 1-0 lead for Philadelphia in the opening game of the series.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Alec Bohm hit an RBI double in Game 1.
Season Trajectory
This hit marks a rare breach of the 2026 regular season high-fastball performance data that defined Sale's pitching success. By capitalizing on a pitch that had been nearly untouchable all year, Bohm potentially shifts the momentum of this opening Wild Card matchup.
The 1-0 lead provides an immediate advantage in the best-of-three series format where every run carries heightened importance for the final outcome. This early production forces a strategic reassessment for the opposing pitching staff regarding fastball placement.
The takeaway
Postseason success often hinges on individual players executing against historically difficult pitching matchups. Maintaining discipline against high-velocity, high-location fastballs remains a critical factor for hitters facing veteran arms like Sale.
Further reading
For more on the team's postseason run, visit Baseball.
