Kyle Schwarber looks forward to ending the regular season with a bang. Despite the series-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, the star hitter is embracing the challenge.

Schwarber is nearing the end of the 12th season of his career in the majors, his fifth with the Phillies. He stands out as one of the best hitters in the league, helping Philadelphia be in the playoffs once again.

Schwarber and Philadelphia are getting closer to postseason action. They have one last series to end the regular season, clashing with Tampa Bay. Despite suffering the loss, Schwarber looks forward to the last two contests of the series.

“We look forward to the challenge… the best way to go about it we know what’s in front of us and we go out there and face it head on,” Schwarber said.

Kyle Schwarber: “we look forward to the challenge… the best way to go about it we know what’s in front of us and we go out there and face it head on”

Via @MrUram pic.twitter.com/vGSe3cxmlO

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 26, 2026

How Kyle Schwarber, Phillies played against Rays

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The Phillies paid tribute to Giles before their series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. However, Philadelphia couldn't end the night with a win, falling 2-0 to the Rays.

They were unable to get a run on the board, conceding the lone runs in the first two innings of the game. Of the 30 at-bats, Philadelphia only landed four hits whenever they stepped up to the plate.

Cristopher Sanchez got the loss after conceding both runs but still managed to have a solid performance. He struck out 10 batters while allowing five hits and two earned runs.

Philadelphia fell to an 87-73 record on the season, sitting at second place in the NL East Division standings. They are above the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals while trailing the Atlanta Braves.

They will look to bounce back in Game 2 of their series against the Rays. That matchup commences on Sept. 26 at 7:15 p.m. ET.