Howard, Suarez, guide Phillies to a 5-2 win against the Nationals

Spencer Howard was on the mound yesterday for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Washington Nationals. He was making his third start this season, and pitched 2.1 innings, allowing one hit, one unearned run, and two walks while striking out two. Again, Howard struggled to keep his velocity deep into the ball game. Luckily for him and the Phillies, Ranger Suarez was fantastic yet gain in relief of Howard, pitching 3.0 innings, allowing zero hits, runs, or walks, while striking out three. The Phillies won the game 5-2.
Jean Segura booted an inning-ending double play after Suarez forced a ground ball with two on and only one out in the third inning. From there, it was smooth sailing for Ranger, as he retired the next two batters to get out of the jam then continuing to throw three hitless innings. Suarez still has an ERA of 0.00 on the season in just over 17 innings of work.
Phillies Ranger Suarez:
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Rhys Hoskins hit a bloop single to center field scoring Jean Segura. With the hit, Hoskins extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Rhys continued to build off a very strong month of May. Over the last 30 games, Hoskins is slashing .308/.402/.490 with 32 hits, four home runs, 21 RBI.
Rhys Hoskins Extends Hit Streak
In the same inning, Andrew McCutchen busted the game open with a three run home run on a shot to left center field, which scored Hoskins and Bryce Harper. Harper, returning from injury would had another run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a line drive single to centerfield that scored Odubel Herrera.
Andrew McCutchen Three Run Home Run
The Nationals would add another run in the eighth inning on a Josh Bell solo home run, but the Phillies team effort from the mound would secure the 5-2 win for the ball club.
Connor Brogdon earned his first career save.
Up Next: It will be a busy day in South Philadelphia with the Phillies and the Sixers both playing at 1:00pm. Vincent Velasquez will be on the mound for the Phillies, as the Sixers open up round two of the NBA Playoffs across the street at the Wells Fargo Center.
Mandatory Credit: NBC Sports Philadelphia
[…] was on the mound Saturday for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Washington Nationals. The Phillies won the game 5-2 and beat the Nationals again yesterday 12-6 in a bizarre four and a half hour game to win the […]