Bryce Harper's walk-off RBI double wins game 2-1 (Nats eliminated)

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 26, 2015, 1:25pm

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Stephen Strasburg mowed down the Phillies through the first four innings without allowing a baserunner. Darin Ruf ended Strasburg's bid for perfection with a leadoff single in the fifth. Strasburg induced a double-play groundout from Andres Blanco after Ruf's hit. Strasburg has faced the minimum batters, striking out six through five innings.

The Nationals wasted a tremendous scoring opportunity in the fourth. Three straight singles from Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Clint Robinson loaded the bases with no outs for Ian Desmond. Phillies rookie right-hander Aaron Nolo caught Desmond looking on a third-strike fastball. Matt den Dekker followed with a lineout to Blanco and Wilson Ramos grounded out to end the threat as the Nats came away empty.

Update: Nola left the game after five scoreless innings as left-hander Adam Lowen started the sixth.

Harper drew a leadoff walk and then advanced all the way to third on two wild pitches. Another free pass to Werth gave the Nats first and third.

With one out, Desmond hit a slow roller up the third base line. Harper raced to the plate as Cody Asche's only play was to force Desmond.

Harper's walk was his 123rd this season, tying him with Ken Singleton (1973) for the Expos/Nationals franchise record.

Strasburg has struck out nine through six innings.

Update II: Ruf singled to start the eighth and moved to second on Blanco's sacrifice bunt. Brian Bogusevic then ripped a double off Strasburg, scoring Ruf for the Phillies' first run.

Strasburg allowed one run on three hits with one walk and 13 strikeouts over eight innings.

Update III: Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth. The Nats came up empty in the bottom of the frame.

Update IV: Right-hander Blake Treinen will start the 11th.

Update V: The Mets beat the Reds 10-2, clinching the National League East and eliminating the Nats from the playoffs.

Update VI: Harper's walk-off RBI double scored Rendon in the 12th for the win.

The Nationals beat the Phillies 2-1 in the 12th.