Scott Kingery stays warm with third circuit in 2 games

PHILADELPHIA – In April, Scott Kingery was worried that the right hock tendon that had placed him on the casualty list could undermine his early-season mojo.
He does not have it.
His scorching strike continued Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, where he hit a three-run home run in the second period.

CRÊME PHILADELPHIA – Scott Kingery In April, he feared that the right thigh too tight that placed him on the list of wounded undermines his mojo early season.

He does not have it.

His torrid strikes continued on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, where he scored three home goals from the left field in the second inning of a 7-4 win over defensemen D. This was the third circuit of Kingery in the last two games, allowing the Phillies to retain at least a share of first place in the National League of the East.

• The score of the box

"I would like to start with the development of Scott Kingery and his journey through a calendar year," said Phillies director Gabe Kapler. "We are now waiting somehow for good appearances of quality plates every time he goes to the plate. It sways less land outside the strike zone. When he has a hit to hit, he does damage or he makes a good shot and goes to the back.

"He worked a lot. We asked him a lot last year. I just think it's worth noting that it's been sensational for us so far this year. "

Kingery beat .406 with four doubles, two innings, six RBIs and 1,176 OPS in 35 games before ending up on the injured list on April 20. He joined the team on May 19 and currently beats .289 with six doubles, one triple, five homers, 12 RBIs and a 0.917 OPS in 80 appearances at the plate since.

His rookie struggles seem to be a long time ago. He beat .226 with eight homers, 35 RBIs and a .605 score in 484 plate matches last season. But he's just hitting a lot better. Its average exit speed has gone from 85.5 mph to 89.7 mph this season. Its hard hit rate went from 30.7% to 40.3%.

"I look at my momentum from last year and, to be honest, the differences are minimal," Kingery said. "I think it all depends on confidence coming this year, the approach and the state of mind to come now. I think that's what has changed and what allows me to succeed now.

"Last year, there were a lot of crazy things to play – play all these positions, learn to hit the ball in the Major League, all that was happening, my brain was like, come and go and leave . I did not have a second to relax. After the season, I took a little time, I just forgot a little baseball and it was different to come back for the second year. So, it's a lot more confidence. "

Kingery continues to play many different positions. He started 13 games in the middle of the field, eight in the third, three in the short and two in the second. He is currently playing in the middle of the field, with Andrew McCutchen lost for the season with a ruptured left knee ACL and rookie Adam Haseley on the shelf with a strained left groin. He will continue to play at the center, at least until Roman Quinn returns from the wounded list, which could happen as early as this week.

If he plays and performs, Kingery could play regularly at third base. Maikel Franco has a .157 average with five doubles, two homers, 10 RBIs and .464 OPS in 123 appearances since April 27th.

Kingery could perhaps also go up in the range. He might look good at the top of the group, which would give the most powerful hitter on the team an extra two-plate appearance in a week.

"I think we'll consider everything," Kapler said. "At the same time, it's hard not to keep it where it is. The comfort he feels can be very valuable right now. That's part of the reason he played in the middle of the field instead of playing the third base today. That's not to say that he will not play much at third base, but the reason we left him in the middle of the pitch is because we wanted him to be as comfortable as possible now and as he continues his success. "

Of course, navigation is not always smooth. Kingery laughed after the match, because of the soles of his mask trying to catch Carson Kelly's ball in space in the fourth quarter. Kingery had no chance to play, but was still trying.

"I thought: I might as well reach out and maybe I'll catch it," he said. "But I was twenty meters away, so … it's happening, you know?"

Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta allowed three runs in six sets to go to 6-5 with a time of 4.31. Left field player Jay Bruce saved a few races with a nice dive in the third inning.

Hector Neris kicked a perfect ninth to earn his 14th save. If the all-star game was on Wednesday, Neris could be a representative of the Phillies.

"Hector Neris has also been good for the calendar year," said Kapler.