Phillies combined for four home runs in series clinching 8-5 win over Nats
Bryce Harper homered for the first time since June to lead the Phillies to an 8-5 victory over the Nats, their 4th in the past 5 games.
Phillies (77-62) Beat Nationals (49-91)
- Winning Pitcher: Ranger Suarez (9-5, 3.62)
- Losing Pitcher: Erick Fedde (6-10, 5.24)
- Save:
A Few Quick Thoughts:
Ranger Suarez is having his second-straight above average season on the mound and has solidified the middle of the Phillies rotation while posting a solid 3.62 ERA. I was astonished to read that tonight was the first time Suarez had allowed more than 3 ER since a June 29th loss to the Braves. Yes, he did allow 4 unearned runs in an August start against the D-Backs, but I won’t knock him for the Phillies poor defense in that specific game.
But for some reason I have trouble seeing this version of Ranger Suarez, or at least the pitcher we have seen over the past 3 months pitching effectively in the playoffs.
His accuracy is just not the same as it was in his stellar 2021 season. Much of Ranger’s game comes from the precision of his fastball which in turn keep batters from sitting on his off speed stuff. Until Ranger improves his accuracy, he will continue to struggle with big innings and in turn most likely will be exiting ball games prematurely.
The returns are still early, but it appears the Phillies absolutely swindled the Angels in the trade deadline swap of Brandon Marsh for Mickey Moniak. Marsh had a big night offensively on Saturday, going 3 for 4, hitting a solo home run and driving in two runs.
Listen, I loved Moniak, but Marsh is light years ahead of Mickey with his professional approach at the plate. He’s also a better defender in center field and really just looks like he enjoys baseball more. Marsh also comes without the stigma of being an underperforming 1st overall pick in Philadelphia.
Granted, Moniak suffered a season ending hand injury almost immediately after being shipped to Anaheim, but I think it’s safe to say that the Phillies came away with the better all around player and more importantly one that can help this team immediately.
Marsh was hitting in the 9th spot of the batting order tonight. Over the past 5 games the Phillies 9-hole hitters are slashing above .750 with 5 HR and 9 RBI. With that kind of production coming from the bottom of the Phillies order it will be tough task for an opponent to outscore them on any given night.
With the win the Phillies are now 4 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the final wildcard spot in the National League.
RING IT.
CJ Abrams makes a fantastic defensive play, robbing Jean Segura of an RBI while turning the inning ending double play.
Joey Meneses takes Ranger Suarez deep to left field in the 3rd inning to give the Nationals the lead.
2-0 Nationals
Bryce Harper hits his first home run since returning from the 60-day IL to tie up the ball game in the 3rd inning.
2-2 Nationals
Edmundo Sosa slides into first base to avoid the double play and allow the go ahead run to score in the 4th inning.
3-2 Phils
Brandon Marsh launches a ball one foot short of a home run but manages to bring in a hustling Edmundo Sosa all the way from first base. What a great slide from Sosa!
4-2 Phils
Nick Maton hits a two run home run to the opposite field in the 5th inning.
6-2 Phils
Brandon Marsh hits the third opposite field home run off Nationals pitching tonight.
7-2 Phils
Kyle Schwarber launches a monster solo home run in the 8th inning to give the Phils a bit more breathing room.
8-4 Phils
Up Next for the Phillies
The Phillies look to make it two wins a row against the Washington Nationals in the second game of a three game set at Citizens Bank Park.
Aaron Nola (9-11, 3.35) will toe the rubber facing off against Anibal Sanchez (2-5, 4.56) with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 pm.
NBC Sports Philadelphia will carry the broadcast of the game.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Philadelphia Phillies
