PHILADELPHIA — Justin Crawford barley had the chance to turn to celebrate with the mob of his teammates after a 10th inning walkoff single gave the Phillies a series-clinching victory over the Washington Nationals before he was greeted with water from Kyle Schwarber's bottle in the face.
Justin Crawford’s first MLB RBI is a WALKOFF! pic.twitter.com/9SxDJlcLcO
— OnPattison (@OnPattison) April 1, 2026
Hey, it was 79 degrees at the time of first pitch, the water coming out of it probably felt great to cap off a tremendous first homestand for the rookie.
Unsurprisingly, Crawford says the walk-off single that allowed the Phillies to pull to 3-3 before heading out west was what he'll remember the most from his first six games at Citizens Bank Park.
"Definitely that walk off, for sure," Crawford said with a big smile. "That was something special. Obviously, my debut was really special as well, but just happy we were able to win today."
Justin Crawford explains what he’ll remember most from his first homestand.
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/fyt6rJJ91f
Crawford was at the forefront of the Phillies come-from-behind victory Wednesday. While Edmundo Sosa's insertion into the game in the bottom of the eighth inning gave the Phillies a jolt of energy, Crawford tallied three hits in five at-bats, including the aforementioned walk-off single.
What reaction did Crawford have when the game-winning single came off of his bat?
"Oh, let's go," the 22-year-old said with a laugh.
It can be difficult to put an exact value on a a contact hitter — see: Arráez, Luis — and it likely won't take long until there are debates about just how good Crawford can be. But even though he doesn't have any home runs and recorded his first extra-base hit on a fourth-inning double Wednesday, he's unquestionably provided value. He's hitting .412 in the early going. He hasn't really flexed his ability to bunt or steal bases yet, although teams clearly already respect his speed given how frequently third basemen are playing in on him.
Crawford had one major defensive test on this homestand and he passed it, making a leaping catch against the State Farm sign by Monty's Angle last Saturday against the Texas Rangers:
Justin Crawford takes away extra bases with a leaping catch at the wall! pic.twitter.com/t6P8BcoZwO
Perhaps the most noticeable thing that Crawford has brought to a veteran team is youthful enthusiasm. Some of that will inevitably fade over the course of a 162-game season when being in the majors isn't new anymore, but you do get the sense that Crawford is generally a positive person and that can be contagious in an MLB clubhouse.
Overall, Crawford aced his first homestand, and did his best trying to balance being locked in with soaking in a stage he's worked his entire life to reach.
"It's gone by fast," Crawford said. "Trying to enjoy it, but still also trying to stay focused each and every day and be ready to play."
He does still have one thing to work out, though: He said on Opening Day that his mom, dad and grandma needed to decide whose house the ball of his first MLB hit would be displayed at. Crawford didn't know after the game Wednesday if the family members are still deliberating.
"I'm not sure honestly," Crawford said, smiling. "They're probably still trying to figure that out."
Perhaps there will be a break in deliberations reached Wednesday evening that will leave everyone happy. One can get the ball from his first hit, one can get the walk-off single (which was his first RBI) and the other can get his first home run ball, whenever that happens. That should leave all family members smiling as much as Crawford has during his first week in the bigs.
