This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Bryce Harper delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning on Monday to lift the Philadelphia Phillies over the visiting Houston Astros, 3-2, in the opener of a three-game series.
Harper grounded a first-pitch sinker from Josh Hader (6-7) into right field, past a diving Jose Altuve at second base. In his second inning of work, Hader walked Trea Turner to open the frame before Harper plated automatic runner Kyle Schwarber.
Matt Strahm (6-2) held Houston scoreless in the top of the 10th, retiring Alex Bregman (strikeout) and Yordan Alvarez (groundout) before center fielder Johan Rojas made a diving catch on a liner by Yainer Diaz.
Philadelphia’s bullpen was terrific despite the absence of Jose Alvarado, who was placed on the restricted list earlier Monday. Four Phillies relievers combined to yield just two hits over four scoreless innings.
Both starting pitchers were effective despite not factoring into the decision. Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler logged six innings, giving up two runs on six hits to go along with six strikeouts. Houston’s Ronel Blanco allowed two runs and seven hits, with five punchouts over 5 2/3 frames. Each starter issued two walks.
The Astros had multiple baserunners in both the second and third innings, but they were unable to score in either frame. They finally broke through in the fourth, as Shay Whitcomb deposited a two-run double into the left field corner.
Philadelphia got on the scoreboard in the fifth when Brandon Marsh slammed a 2-0 slider from Blanco over the fence in left-center for a solo shot. The homer was Marsh’s 13th of the season, setting a new career high.
The hosts tied it up one inning later on a rally sparked by Harper’s hustle double to begin the frame. Harper then advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Nick Castellanos’ single to center field.
Bregman had a pair of singles to headline the Astros’ offensive attack, while Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a walk after missing the previous three games with a neck injury.
Harper, Turner and Bryson Stott each collected two hits for Philadelphia.
–Field Level Media
