Bryce Harper came through with a clutch sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and Kody Clemens’ ninth-inning homer tied the game, helping the Philadelphia Phillies secure a 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday night.
Philadelphia’s Bryson Stott also contributed with a home run. The Phillies have been on a roll, either winning or splitting each of their last 14 series. With 33 wins, they currently hold the top spot in baseball and aim for a series sweep on Sunday.
“We never give up,” Harper remarked. “We play every inning, and we have full confidence in every player in our team.”
For the Nationals, CJ Abrams and Ildemaro Vargas had strong performances, each delivering three hits. However, Washington has been struggling, losing four consecutive games and six of their last seven.
“We had opportunities early in the game that we didn’t capitalize on,” commented Washington manager Dave Martinez.
In the 10th inning, with runners in scoring position, Harper connected with a pitch from Washington closer Kyle Finnegan, driving it into center field for the winning run. Clemens’ game-tying home run in the ninth lifted the team’s spirits.
“Our team’s resilience is incredible,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “They never give up until the very end.”
Finnegan, who had been stellar this season, experienced his second blown save, but Martinez remained supportive, recognizing his excellent performance.
