Harper Homers Again, Nationals Edge Phillies in Series Opener

Bryce Harper’s National League-leading 16th home run of the season helped lift the host Washington Nationals to a 2-1 win to open the holiday weekend series Friday night. The solo shot in the bottom of the second inning tied the game at 1-1. The Phillies had claimed a 1-0 edge in their half of the second when Odubel Herrera knocked in Maikel with his 10th double of the season. Ryan Howard opened the frame with his ninth double, but was caught off the bag at second by shortstop Ian Desmond during a play in which Franco reached first safely on a fielder’s choice. The potentially wasted run loomed large when Nationals starting pitch Max Scherzer singled off Sean O’Sullivan to lead off the sixth and scored from first on a one-out double by Desmond. Scherzer took the win on the hill, going eight innings while allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts. O’Sullivan battled the high-priced ace, but took the loss. He threw six innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits, one walk, and struck out three. For more on this game, click here.