Phillies Comeback Bid Falls Just Short Against Washington

The Philadelphia Phillies nearly pulled off a three-game sweep of the highly touted Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park Sunday. Darin Ruf’s pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning tied the game at 2-2 after the offense battled with ace Max Scherzer through six innings while newly called-up starter Seam O’Sullivan went six strong himself (allowing two earned runs on five hits). Extra-inning drama was soon to be had, with the Nationals again taking a two-run lead in their half of the 10th, the Phillies pushed Nat closer Drew Storen to the brink by drawing two leadoff walks (Freddy Galvis and Cody Asche). Galvis later scored on Odubel Herrera’s two-out single, but Asche would be stranded at second base when Cesar Hernandez grounded out to end the ball game. Jake Diekman took the loss. Ryan Howard struck out all four times he came to bat, stranding six runners. For more on this game, click here.