By Alex Brenninger
Bryce Harper hit a walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth inning that sent the Washington Nationals over the Phillies 6-4 last night.
Hours before the game, the Nationals announced they had reached agreement with Harper on a $21,6 million contract for the 2018 season, covering the slugging outfielder through his last year before he can become a free agent. Harper would’ve been eligible for salary arbitration next year.
Then in the ninth, the 24-year-old star provided an immediate payoff. Pinch hitter Adam Lind led off with a single against Edubray Ramos (0-3) and two outs later, Harper lined an 0-1 pitch over the wall in center for his 11th homer of the season.
Trailing 4-0 in the fifth, Washington tied it on a two-run homer by Trea Turner and a two-run double by Ryan Zimmerman.
Shawn Kelley (3-0) pitched the ninth.
Washington relievers threw 4 1-3 scoreless innings, helping send the Phillies to their eighth loss in nine games.
Nick Pivetta made his third career start and second against the team that sent him to Phillies for Jonathan Papelbon and cash in 2015. He gave up four runs on five hits over 4 2-3 innings.
Washington starter Tanner Roark allowed four runs on six hits in 4 2-3 innings.
