VIDEO: Scott Kingery Crushes Leadoff Home Run for Phillies
By Michael Luciano
While just about everyone immediately jumped off of the Scott Kingery bandwagon following a rough rookie season, Gabe Kapler and the Philadelphia Phillies stuck with the talented utility man, and he has rewarded them with a tremendous 2019 campaign. Kingery, who came into today's contest hitting .353 with five home runs in June and .344 on the season, blasted a home run off of Washington Nationals starter Patrick Corbin to give the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead.
Mother Nature couldn't even cool off @ScottyJetp4x. ?#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/nIDvJMkhWm
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 19, 2019
After signing a six-year, $24 million contract before he even played a game in the majors, Kingery struggled mightily last season, hitting .226 with eight home runs while posting an OPS+ of 61 in 147 games.
Kingery doesn't even look like the same player this season, as he's driving the ball to all fields and making more consistent contact.
#Phillies 1 @ #Nationals 0 [T1-2o]:
— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) June 19, 2019
Scott Kingery homers (9): fly ball to LCF (solo)
Hit: 387.29ft, 103.48mph, 37.36°?
Pitch: 83mph Slider (LHP Patrick Corbin, 13) pic.twitter.com/FGUs1HPY7Z
With Maikel Franco struggling, Kingery is getting a tighter grip on an everyday job with the Phillies with each passing game.