The Rafael Marchan Game: Phillies beat Braves 5–4 in Game 1 without Bryce Harper

No Bryce Harper, no panic. That was the energy in South Philly as the Phillies pulled off a gritty 5–4 win in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Braves.

With Bryce Harper out after taking a Spencer Strider fastball to the elbow two nights ago, it was Rafael Marchan who stepped up and delivered the goods.

The backup catcher did everything. He blasted a two-run homer in the third, scored the go-ahead run in the eighth after taking a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch off the shin, and gunned down two Braves trying to steal second.

The Rafael Marchan Game

MARCHAN. RING IT.#RingTheBell | #Phillies pic.twitter.com/5PDJaOoQYu

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) May 29, 2025

Maybe stop trying? pic.twitter.com/c2QERaVT4d

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 29, 2025

That'll do! pic.twitter.com/yQStMNNpOc

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 29, 2025

It was an all-around performance from a guy who’s barely seen the field this season. Rafael Marchan might not be a household name, but he played like a seasoned vet when the Phillies needed it most.

The Phillies have now won 23 of their last 29 games. It’s a machine right now, and everybody is contributing—even the guys who weren’t expected to.

Rafael Marchan Does It All

Marchan’s third-inning homer gave the Phillies a 2–0 lead. He followed it up by scoring on a Trea Turner infield single in the fifth, and then got clipped by a bouncing slider in the eighth to bring in the go-ahead run. He also threw out Stuart Fairchild in the fourth and Ozzie Albies in the ninth to erase two potential scoring threats. The bat was loud, but the arm might have been even louder.

Kyle Schwarber Keeps Mashing

Kyle Schwarber continued his home run tear, sending a ball into the seats in the seventh for his 19th of the season. It came off Pierce Johnson and extended the Phillies’ lead to 4–2. Schwarber has been on fire lately and continues to be a key power source in the middle of the lineup.

There are Schwarbombs… and then there are SCHWARBOMBS pic.twitter.com/KnozUDHutr

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 29, 2025

Jordan Romano Escapes the Fire

Jordan Romano had a rollercoaster ninth inning. He walked three and allowed a single but escaped with a game-ending strikeout on a frozen Eli White. It was Romano’s eighth save of the year, and he’s slowly clawing his way back from a brutal start to the season. There’s still work to be done, but May has been a major step forward.

The Phillies Bullpen is quietly becoming a juggernaut but is it sustainable?

Bryce Harper’s Streak Ends at 54 Games

Bryce Harper had started all 54 games to begin the season before sitting this one out. Considering how hot he’s been lately, it was a noticeable absence, but the Phillies made it work.

Braves – Phillies Game Notes

• José Ruiz got the win after recording the final out of the eighth.
• Sean Murphy homered and added an RBI single for Atlanta.
• Ronald Acuña Jr. replaced Fairchild mid-game and picked up two hits and an RBI.
• Braves starter A.J. Smith-Shawver left early after getting drilled in the ankle by a Stott liner.

What’s Next: Chris Sale vs. Zack Wheeler

Game two brings a heavyweight showdown between Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler. Sale is the reigning Cy Young winner, while Wheeler is building another strong case himself. The Phillies have a chance to sweep the doubleheader and further bury the Braves in the standings.

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