Bryson Stott ties Phillies record with huge 9-run first inning originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
BY PHIL SHERIDAN
Bryson Stott is not interested in suspense.
With a chance to tie Willie Jones’ 73-year-old franchise record for longest hitting streak to start a season, Stott immediately took care of business. Leading off against Cincinnati Reds right-hander Luis Cessa, Stott hit his first home run of the 2023 season.
Stott could break Jones’ record Monday night in Chicago, when the Phillies play the White Sox. Right-hander Lance Lynn is slated to start for the Sox. Lynn is 0-1 with a 7.31 earned run average.
It was Stott’s 25th hit of the season. He added two more Sunday, to finish with 27 hits in 16 games. Jones had a total of 24 hits in the first 16 games of the 1950 season. The man known as Puddin’ Head set the record against St. Louis Cardinals on May 4, 1950. Jones hit a double in the Phillies’ 9-6 victory.
Jones was hit by two pitches in the record-setting game. The next day, he went 0-for-4 at St. Louis against pitcher Harry Brecheen.
For an idea of how long Jones hit 16 in a row, he hit against the Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants. Brooklyn’s Jackie Robinson, whose barrier-breaking anniversary is celebrated this weekend, is in his fourth season. He won the National League MVP Award in 1949.
Jones had hits against Don Newcombe, Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain. His batting average is .365 after 16 games. Stott’s average is at .380 after Sunday’s 3-hit game.
Stott also delivered the glove. He went far to his right to rob Wil Myers of a base hit, drove the ball behind second base and circled the first out of the hour.
Stott’s home run ignited the Phillies’ wild 9-run first inning against the Reds. The day before, he led off with a double against Reds starter Graham Aschraft.
“I only have 1 walk (on the season),” Stott said with a smile. “I just try to swing the right ones.”
So far so good.