Justin Crawford hits first career walk-off after two clutch plays by Edmundo Sosa to secure 6-5 win over Nationals

The Phillies beat the Nationals today, and while it goes in the books as just another win, it had a little more going on than a typical April game. Justin Crawford ended it with a walk-off single, but it wouldn’t have been possible without some serious heroics from Super Utility Man Edmundo Sosa.

Before the late-inning drama at the plate, Sosa made one of the biggest defensive plays of the day. In the top of the 10th, with a run threatening to score, Sosa ranged up the middle, made a jumping catch, and turned it into a double play to end the inning.

It likely saved a run and kept the game right where it was. It is the kind of play that can get lost later, but it mattered just as much as anything that came after.

EDMUNDO SOSA TIES IT IN THE NINTH pic.twitter.com/79zGTnssfQ

— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 1, 2026

Then came the ninth. Two outs, Phillies down to their last strike, and Edmundo Sosa is in a 0-2 count. He does not try to do too much. He stays with it and drives a two-run double to tie the game. It is becoming a pattern with him. The dude is by far one of the best utility guys in franchise history.

Edmundo Sosa is having a day. He hits a two-strike, two-out, game-tying single in the bottom of the ninth. Then he makes this place to end the Nats' threat in the 10th. pic.twitter.com/fMjpK4um9u

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 1, 2026

At some point, it stops feeling like a bench spark and starts looking like a player who needs to be in the lineup more often.

After Sosa tied it, Justin Crawford took over. First career walkoff, and it came on the first pitch he saw. He jumped on it and ended the game. That kind of instinct stands out, especially for a young player this early in his rookie season.

Edmundo Sosa set the table, and Justin Crawford brought it home:

JUSTIN CRAWFORD WALKS IT OFF! pic.twitter.com/ukfW3776hg

— MLB (@MLB) April 1, 2026

Of course, the Phillies posted an alternative angle for the cinematically inclined fans as well.

Just Incredible pic.twitter.com/ZvRObf3Br9

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 1, 2026

Citizens Bank Park felt the shift right away. What looked like a frustrating loss turned into a win in a matter of minutes.

It was not perfect, and the Phillies did not control most of the game. But Sosa kept them alive on both sides of the ball, and Crawford finished it with one swing. That was enough to beat the Nationals.

Join The Chase