Harper returns, but Nationals fall

PHILADELPHIA — Jake Thompson and four relievers combined to hold the Nationals in check, and the Phillies spoiled Bryce Harper’s return with a 4-1 win Tuesday night.

Harper played for the first time since hyperextending and bruising his left knee Aug. 12. He was 0-for-2 with a walk before being lifted in the fifth inning.

The Nats locked themselves into the second seed in the NL playoffs behind the Dodgers. The Nationals will host the NL Central champion — either the Cubs or Brewers — in a Division Series beginning Oct. 6.

The win ensures that the Phillies (63-95) will not lose 100 games. The Phillies haven’t hit the century mark since 1961, when they lost 107 of 154 games.

Thompson (3-2) gave up a run over five innings, then Edubray Ramos, Adam Morgan, Luis Garcia and Hector Neris combined to strike out nine over four perfect innings. Neris got his 25th save.

Tommy Joseph had two hits, including a tying RBI single as part of a three-run third inning. Cameron Rupp followed with a line drive that sailed over the head of outfielder Michael Taylor in center field, bouncing to the wall to bring home both Aaron Altherr and Joseph.

Rhys Hoskins added a sacrifice fly in the seventh for the Phillies.

Howie Kendrick, who was traded from the Phillies to the Nationals on July 28, connected on his ninth homer in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. The Nats didn’t get a hit after the third inning, though.

Neris ended the game by striking out the side in the ninth. It was his 19th straight save, the longest streak for the club since Jonathan Papelbon converted 19 straight in 2014-15.

Gio Gonzalez (15-8) allowed three runs in five innings.