Harper ignites offense again (Zimmerman's walk-off homer gives Nats 8-7 win)

It looked like Stephen Strasburg was on target when he caught César Hernández and Rhys Hoskins looking to begin the game.

But then he allowed four hits in a row, including back-to-back doubles by Asdrúbal Cabrera and Justin Bour.

Maikel Franco then made 3-0 with a two-run shot to left field on a 3-2 pitch. It was his 21st homer of the season.

harper-yell-nlds-2017-side.jpgThe Nationals got one back in the bottom of the first. With two outs against Phillies starter Zach Elfin, Bryce Harper reached on a bunt single on the grass toward third base.

Anthony Rendon then laced a double off the center field wall to score Harper.

Bour added a solo homer in the third, his 20th of the season.

The Nats rallied in their half of the third. Harper had a RBI double to score Trea Turner and Juan Soto added a run-scoring single to right field.

Later, Matt Wieters delivered a run-scoring single. The inning ended only when Strasburg's bases loaded line drive was caught by a running Roman Quinn in shallow center field.

After three innings, the Nats and Phillies tied at 4-4.

Update: The Phillies added a run in the fourth on a run-scoring single from Roman Quinn. The Nats countered in the bottom of the fourth. Turner and Harper singled. Harper stole second, Phillies catcher Jorge Alfaro's throw got away from Hernández and rolled into center field and Turner scored on the error.

Strasburg finished four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He threw 84 pitches, 51 for strikes. Wander Suero replaced him to begin the fifth inning.

After four innings, the game is tied at 5-5.

Update II: Facing Suero, the Phillies retook the lead in the sixth on a RBI double from pinch-hitter Carlos Santana that scored Nick Williams.

Mid-sixth, the Phillies lead the Nats 6-5.

Update III: The Phillies bolstered their lead with a solo shot by Hernández in the seventh against Justin Miller.

Mid-seventh, the Phillies lead 7-5.

Update IV: The Nats get one run back in the eighth. Facing Pat Neshek, Difo tripled and pinch-hitter Andrew Stevenson brought him home with a sacrifice fly to center field.

After eight innings, the Phillies lead 7-6.

Update V: In the ninth against the Phillies closer Seranthony Domínguez, Harper and Rendon flew out. Soto then lined a double down the right field line.

Ryan Zimmerman hit a walk-off two-run shot over the right field wall. It was Zimmerman's 12th homer of the season.

The home run had to reviewed by the crew chief, as it was orginally ruled in play with Zimmerman stopping at second.

The Nats shock the Phillies 8-7.




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