Who won the week in Philly sports: Rhys Hoskins rakes for the Phillies

Did I expect to be writing about the Phillies so heavily before the start of this MLB season? Yes. Did I expect to be writing about them this much as of last month? No, not under any circumstances. That's what the June Phillies have done to Philly though. Going 15-3 in their first 18 games this month, the Phils have thrilled with moonshots, clutch hits and extra inning wins. 

The Phils are just 2.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot in the National League and are surging as their hitters rake. One of those dudes is someone I haven't shied away from criticizing this season: first baseman Rhys Hoskins. Hoskins and the Phils have captured the imagination of Philly fans this summer in a way I could've never imagined just four or so weeks back. 

• MORE PHILLIES
• Kyle Schwarber continues to mash with the Phillies 15-3 in June
  
• Phillies need a bonafide, reliable closer — where can they get one?
  
• Red hot Rhys Hoskins, surging Garrett Stubbs latest heroes for Phillies
  

As I like to say, I call them like I see them. Props are due for Hoskins, who I'm picking as the person who "won" the week in Philly sports. The criteria for this away is super subjective that heavily weighs "vibes" and team success. These Phillies are fun right now and Hoskins' bat over the last week is a crucial reason why. 

Eye-Popping Numbers 👀

Hoskins over the last seven days: eight games, .400 batting average, .455 on-base percentage, .767 slugging percentage, 1.221 OPS, two home runs, five runs scored, eight RBI. 

The Phils were 6-2 in those eight games as well. That'll do!

Walk-Off Winner ⚡

Rhys Lightning had the first walk-off hit of his career last Monday. With things tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth in South Philly against the Marlins, Hoskins came to the plate. With Matt Vierling at second, Hoskins ripped a double to left-center field for the win: 

What was important about this play and this game as a whole is that it came after a 13-1 blowout loss against the lowly Diamondbacks at home. The Phils had swept their previous two series and were looking to sweep Arizona as well that Sunday. They were crushed. It had a "same ol' Phillies" energy. Getting over that, coming up big in a huge spot against an organization that has frequently been a thorn in this team's side overcame some of that loser stench that has infected this clubhouse for a decade. It was the type of win the modern Phils simply don't pull off.