TORONTO – Rhys Hoskins raised his right hand as he neared second base on Sunday afternoon, lifted two fingers, and gestured to the relievers who cheered from the bullpen.
The Phillies' first two days in Canada were difficult. The clubhouse after losses Friday and Saturday carried a much more dire tone than losses in June and July. It is almost September. The Phillies are chasing a playoff spot. And each loss stings that much more.
But as Hoskins stepped on second base in the first inning of a 8-3 win and his home run landed in left field, everything seemed OK.