PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Noah Syndergaard won his Phillies debut despite giving up four runs, Alec Bohm hit a three-run home run and Philadelphia won a rain-shortened, five-inning game 5-4 over the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.
Rhys Hoskins also went deep, helping secure a victory for Syndergaard (6-8) two days after he was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels.
“I’m extremely thrilled and blessed to be in this clubhouse,” Syndergaard said. “The personalities seem amazing in this clubhouse. I just want to do my part.”
The Phillies began play a half-game ahead of St. Louis for the final NL wild-card spot. They have won seven of nine against Washington this season.
Luke Voit and Yadiel Hernandez each had two hits for the Nationals, who dropped to an MLB-worst 36-71 while playing their third game since trading star slugger Juan Soto. The 2019 World Series champs have dropped six of eight.
“Bummed,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “We had some good, positive energy going there. We were swinging the bats well. But you can’t do anything about Mother Nature.”
The Phillies reinstated second baseman Jean Segura from the 60-day IL prior to the contest. Segura missed 54 games with a broken right index finger.
Philadelphia also is looking forward to getting back 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper, who had pins removed from his broken left thumb Monday and expects to be back before the end of the regular season. Harper is taking swings off a tee and hopes to return in September, he said before the game. He spent Thursday cheering on his teammates from the broadcast booth, where he provided commentary.
Harper loved what he saw early in the contest from Philadelphia’s offense.
Hoskins connected for his 21st homer of the season in the first off Paolo Espino (0-4), and the Phillies…