Nationals Secure Comeback Victory Over Phillies

WASHINGTON: At Nationals Park on Thursday, Jose Tena’s two-run single in the seventh inning propelled the Washington Nationals to a 3-2 comeback win against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Entering the seventh, the Nationals were down 2-1 but rallied against Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo.

Luzardo began the inning by walking Paul DeJong, then allowed a double to Riley Adams and walked Daylen Lile, loading the bases with no outs. This concluded Luzardo’s outing after six-plus innings, during which he recorded seven strikeouts.

Reliever Orion Kerkering managed the first out of the inning, but Tena then singled to center field, driving in DeJong and Adams and giving Washington the decisive lead.

Nationals’ starter Brad Lord limited the Phillies to two runs from seven hits across six innings. Shinnosuke Ogasawara (1-1) earned the win by recording a crucial out to close the seventh, and Cole Henry pitched a flawless ninth for his first career save.

Earlier, Paul DeJong hit a solo home run in the fourth off Luzardo, leveling the score at 1-1.

Philadelphia initially took the lead in the third when Bryce Harper scored Bryson Stott on a fielder’s choice. Trea Turner added the Phillies’ second run in the fifth with a double by Kyle Schwarber.

Washington has now won two consecutive games and four of their last six, while Philadelphia has lost their last three, reducing their division lead.

The Nationals are scheduled to send MacKenzie Gore to the pitcher’s mound on Friday against Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler.