Nationals swept by Phillies’ streaks in four-game series
JT Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins each hit a two-run double in the ninth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied for a 7-6 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep.
The Phillies have won five straight games in total and have moved into midgame from the New York Mets, leaders of the National League East, who travel to Philadelphia for a three-game series beginning Friday. Philadelphia is three games above .500 for the first time since May 14.
Realmuto tied the game with his double into the right center field gap against closer Kyle Finnegan (4-3). Two batters later, Hoskins doubled to left center to score two more.
Juan Soto scored in the ninth on a single and pitching error, but Archie Bradley rallied for his second save. Mauricio Llovera (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the Phillies.
Josh Bell hit a three-run homer in the fifth off Aaron Nola to put the Nationals up 5-2. Nola allowed five runs and five hits, walked three and struck out seven in five innings.
The Phillies led 2-0 before the Nationals tied for the fourth. Nola allowed an RBI single by Carter Kieboom and hit Tres Barrera with a bases loaded pitch.
Washington’s Joe Ross pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowed three earned runs and struck out seven.
Soto singled, doubled and walked twice, and Kieboom doubled, single and walked. Washington has lost four games in a row.
Soto made a jump catch in right field to hit a home run away from Didi Gregorius in the seventh inning after the Phillies closed in on an RBI single by Odubel Herrera.
Bryce Harper homered in the second against his former team, whom he has tormented this season.
COACHES IN MEND
The second COVID-19 outbreak of the season in Washington forced coaches to change course. Sam Narron stepped in as pitching coach in place of Jim Hickey. Bullpen coach Henry Blanco replaced third base coach Bob Henley. Gary Thurman, field run / bases coordinator, led first base in place of Randy Knorr, and bench coach Tim Bogar was not replaced.
On Sunday, all members of the coaching staff who tested positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to rejoin the team. They will join the Nationals on their day off Monday in New York before a three-game series with the Mets begins.
COACH ROOM
Nationals: RHP Kyle McGowin (right bicep fatigue) threw 24 pitches in a live batting practice session Thursday. McGowin is close to going on a minor league rehab assignment. He last appeared in a game on July 10.
Phillies: 2B Jean Segura had the day off to rest a sore knee.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Phillies: Send newly acquired ace Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) to the mound in Game 1 of the series against the Mets and Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80).
Nationals: Erick Fedde (4-7, 5.01) will start a three-game series in Atlanta on Friday. LZ Kyle Muller (2-3, 2.43) is going for the Braves.
