Phillies Salvage Split Against the Nationals
In a game that went back and forth with big innings, the Philadelphia Phillies salvaged a split in their four-game series, with a 11-9 win on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park .
Philadelphia broke out early, as in the first inning, Alec Bohm, who just came off the disabled list, hit a grounder that Nationals’ third baseman, Brady House, misplayed that scored Trea Turner easily, and House’s error gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead.
In the top of the 2nd, the Phillies put up a five spot, thanks to an RBI single by Kyle Schwarber, which made it 2-0, then Bryce Harper hit an RBI single to center that made it 3-0, finally it was Bohm, who hit a fastball deep into the bullpen for his 9thhome run of the year, and that made it 6-0.
So, you would think, a 6-run lead would be enough for returning starter, Aaron Nola. Well, this is Aaron Nola, and in the bottom of the third, Nola fell apart.
Washington’s shortstop, CJ Abrams, made it 6-1, as he hit a line drive single to center. Then, Daylen Lile roped a single to right that scored two, and cut the deficit to 6-3. Then, another returning player, outfielder Dylan Crews, who missed two months with an oblique injury, hit a double by the diving Bohm, and that scored two, which made it 6-5. Finally, it was Jose Tena completing the comeback, as he doubled to right center, and that made it a 6-6 ballgame.
Phillies reclaimed the lead in the 4th inning, as Weston Wilson, who got the start in left, lined a single to left that scored both Bohm and Nick Castellanos, and made the score, 8-6.
Philadelphia made it 9-6, in the top of the 6th, as Castellanos launched a fastball, and hit it over the bullpen, and into the seats in left center field for his 16th home run of the year.
In the 8th inning, the score went to 10-6, as Trea Turner was hit by a pitch, Kyle Schwarber walked, then Harper hit a line drive single to left field, that scored Turner. Harrison Bader just missed a grand slam, but his sacrifice fly, that scored Schwarber, made it 11-6. Philadelphia was 7-14 with runners in scoring position.
The Nationals did cut the deficit to 11-9, courtesy of a three-run home run by Paul Dejong, and had the tying run come to the plate, however Phillies closer, Jhoan Duran, got the final two outs, including striking out James Wood to preserve the victory.
Today’s starters did not fare well, at all. Nola, only made 2 1/3 innings, and he gave up 7 hits and 6 runs.He did strike out 4 in his first game back in months; however, his ERA climbed to 6.92. Meanwhile, Washington’s starter, Tanner Parker, fared worst, as he only went 1 2/3 innings, and allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, and 6 runs, although 5 were only earned.
Up next for Phillies
The Phillies will head back home, and they will be facing the Seattle Mariners, who are looking to overtake the Houston Astros in the AL West. Ranger Suarez will take the mound for the Phillies, as he looks to improve on a disappointing 2nd half of the season. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m.
-David Weightman/ Olde City Sports Network