Werth's two-run single lifts Nationals over Phillies 5-4

By foxsports
Published

WASHINGTON (AP) Jayson Werth hit a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals rally past the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 on Sunday for a three-game sweep.

The Nationals (39-24) improved to a season-best 15 games over .500. It was the second three-game sweep of Philadelphia in two weeks for Washington, which has won 10 of its last 13.

The Phillies (29-34) fell to a season-high five games under .500 and have lost 17 of their last 22 games.

Philadelphia closer Jeanmar Gomez (2-2) loaded the bases by surrendering one-out singles to pinch hitter Bryce Harper and Danny Espinosa and a two-out walk to pinch hitter Clint Robinson. Werth then singled to center to bring home Harper and Espinosa.

Jonathan Papelbon (1-2) earned the victory despite giving up a home run to former teammate Maikel Franco to lead off the ninth inning. The Nationals acquired Papelbon from Philadelphia last year.