The Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies continued their heated rivalry with a matinee in the nation’s capital Wednesday. The first inning was just as eventful as the game the night before.
The Phillies hung two runs on Anibal Sanchez in the top of the first. Former Nationals’ star turned hated rival, Bryce Harper drew an intentional walk in his first plate appearance with Jean Segura in scoring position. After an RBI-single by Rhys Hoskins, Harper scored on a fielder’s choice as JT Realmuto grounded out to pitcher to give Philadelphia an early 2-0.
The Nationals, however, responded in the bottom frame. Anthony Rendon hit his second home run of the season with a solo blast to left field.
Juan Soto followed with a two-out double in the next at-bat. Then, Ryan Zimmerman got the best of Phillies’ starter Aaron Nola, taking him deep to left for a two-run home run to give the Nationals the lead at 3-2.
The rivalry between these two NL East teams has been re-ignited with Harper opting to sign with the Phillies after spending seven seasons with the Nationals. Tuesday was his first game back since inking the 13-year deal worth $330 million. He ended the night with an epic bat flip after an upper-deck two-run blast that capped an 8-2 Philly win.
Wednesday’s matinee already has its share of fireworks early. The Nationals are looking to hand the undefeated Phillies their first loss of the season and split the two-game mini-series.
