WASHINGTON (AP) — Rhys Hoskins hit his 30th home run, Bailey Falter pitched six scoreless innings and the Philadelphia Phillies boosted their lead in the National League wild-card race with a 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.
Philadelphia (84-72) snapped a five-game losing streak that included getting swept three games by the Chicago Cubs and moved a full game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the final NL wild card.
“We’re competitive. We care, probably too much at times, but in this game you can’t dwell on it for too long,” Hoskins said of getting past the sweep. “We’re a half-game up, I guess a game up now. If we continue to win games we’re going to be where we want to be.”
J.T. Realmuto had two hits and stole three bases, giving him 21 steals and 21 home runs. He is the second 20-20 catcher in major league history after Ivan Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers in 1999 (35 homers, 25 stolen bases). He also threw our a runner trying to steal.
“He’s been everything for us,” manager Rob Thomson said. “Big hits, controlling the running game. The way he runs the game. I’ve said all along that he should be in the MVP conversation.”
Falter (6-4) was roughed up for six runs on 10 hits over 3 2/3 innings against the Braves in his last start. He was far better on Friday, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out six.
“Tremendous. I mean you couldn’t ask for more than that,” Thomson said. “Six innings, threw the ball well. He commanded the strike zone.”
The Phillies have defeated the Nationals nine straight times and in 14 of their 16 games this season.
Washington loaded the bases against Seranthony Dominguez with one out in the ninth, but Dominguez struck out Victor Robles and César Hernández grounded…