Alec Bohm returns and goes yard, Phillies out-slug Nationals to split the series

The Phillies needed a jolt, and Alec Bohm wasted no time delivering it. Back from the injured list, Bohm cracked a three-run homer and added another hit to help the Phils hang on for an 11-9 win over the Nationals on Sunday.

The win salvaged a four-game split in D.C. and kept the NL East leaders from sliding any further after dropping four of their last five.

Alec Bohm Back in Business

In his first game since July 18, Alec Bohm reminded everyone why his bat matters so much in this lineup. His second-inning homer into the left-field bullpen blew the game open early, and his single in the fourth chased reliever PJ Poulin out of the game. The guy missed a month, and it looked like he never left.

WELCOME BACK, ALEC BOHM! pic.twitter.com/mj3kAz2je2

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 17, 2025

Nick Castellanos Joins the Party

Nick Castellanos stayed hot with a homer and a double, while Weston Wilson came up clutch with a two-run single to put the Phillies back on top after Washington tied it.

Obliter8ed pic.twitter.com/b1ZCT7IAl2

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 17, 2025

Aaron Nola Struggles in Return

Aaron Nola’s return wasn’t as smooth. Making his first big league start since May 14, he breezed through the order early, then completely unraveled. Seven of the next eight Nationals reached base, and Nola was out after 2 1/3 innings, charged with six runs. Not exactly what you want heading into the stretch run.

Jhoan Duran Slams the Door

Things got dicey late. Paul DeJong launched a three-run homer in the ninth to bring Washington within two, but Jhoan Duran, pitching for the first time since taking a line drive off the ankle Friday, locked it down.

His final pitch was a 101 mph heater past James Wood to end it.

102 ⛽@PALottery x #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/SfqExJIksL

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 17, 2025

The Phillies’ lineup did its job and then some, but Nola’s rust is a storyline worth watching. Still, getting Bohm back healthy and productive is a massive boost as the Phils head home for a series against Seattle.

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