Nola’s arm, Hoskins’ bat lift Phillies to win
Nationals fall in opener of key East series
PHILADELPHIA— Rhys Hoskins has worn a two-sided flap helmet since he broke his jaw by fouling a pitch off his face.
Any chance the Philadelphia Phillies slugger keeps it on all season?
You bet, Hoskins says. His numbers have been jaw-dropping in the three weeks since he returned, and he’s superstitious enough not to mess with a good thing.
“I was able to step back, simplify things, and it’s going well,” Hoskins said.
Aaron Nola pitched into the eighth inning to win his 10th game of the season, Hoskins homered again, and the Phillies started a pivotal division series by beating the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Thursday.
Hoskins, who finished 3-for-4, hit a two-run shot in the seventh inning for his 13th home run of the year and a 4-1 lead that pulled the Phillies within two games of idle Atlanta for first place the National League East.
The Phillies took two of three last weekend in Washington, and both teams entered this four-game set within striking distance of the Braves.
“We keep inching closer to the Braves, and it’s a good division,”
Nola said. “I think it’s going to be a battle to the end.”
Nola (10-2), who beat the Nationals in his previous outing, pitched again like an All-star and hasn’t lost in six turns since May 26. He struck out eight and walked two over 114 pitches and 7 2/3 sensational innings. He has won seven straight decisions at home dating to last season.
“I think it’s everything: The fans, the mound,” Nola said. “It just feels good.”
Nola got Bryce Harper swinging to open the game and fanned Trea Turner with runners on the corners to end the sixth. Washington pinch hitter Brian Goodwin went down looking to end the seventh, Nola’s seventh strikeout. Harper struck out swinging again in the eighth.
Adam Morgan relieved Nola and retired the last batter in the eighth. Tommy Hunter allowed two runs in the ninth on an RBI single by Turner and an RBI double by Michael A. Taylor, before Seranthony Dominguez struck out the final two batters for his sixth save.