Bryce Harper's ninth‑inning homer powers Phillies comeback over Nationals

The Philadelphia Phillies rallied from a five‑run deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 10‑5 in Thursday night’s game at Nationals Park. Bryce Harper delivered a go‑ahead two‑run home run in the ninth inning, followed shortly by Derek Hill’s three‑run shot, giving the Phillies a five‑run lead. The comeback marked the Phillies’ third straight win in the series, during which they amassed 15 runs in ninth innings and became the first team in MLB history to win two consecutive games after being down to their final strike with the bases empty.

Harper, a former National, faced vocal hostility from the home crowd, who chanted profanities throughout his at‑bats. After his ninth‑inning homer, he raised his ring finger toward the section that had been chanting, a gesture that was widely reported in the media. The victory moved Philadelphia within four games of the NL East leaders and kept the Nationals’ season in turmoil.

The game also featured contributions from Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott and J. T. Realmuto, while Nationals pitcher Cristopher Sánchez allowed five runs over five innings. The series win highlighted the Phillies’ recent offensive surge and kept them above .500 as the NL East races intensify.