Harper’s slam puts cap on Phillies’ huge rally
Bryce Harper blasted a grand slam with one out in the ninth inning, capping a six-run rally that sent the Philadelphia Phillies over the visiting Chicago Cubs 7- 5 Thursday night for a three-game sweep.
Harper delivered his biggest hit yet in his first season with the Phillies, celebrating while running around the bases and then getting mobbed by teammates at the plate.
Cubs starter Yu Darvish struck out 10, silencing Philadelphia’s bats for seven innings a night after the Phillies scored 11 runs in former manager Charlie Manuel’s debut as hitting coach.
But the Phillies rallied against Chicago’s bullpen and moved within one game of the Cubs for the second wild- card spot in the NL.
Pinch- hitter Brad Miller chased Rowan Wick with an RBI single in the ninth that cut it to 5-2 and Roman Quinn greeted Pedro Strop with an RBI single to make it a two-run game. Strop (2-5) hit Rhys Hoskins to load the bases with one out.
Former Giant Derek Holland entered to face Harper and got ahead 0-2 in the count. Harper fouled off a 2-2 pitch before launching his 25th homer.
INDIANS POUND YANKEES » Jose Ramirez hit two early homers, including his first career grand slam in a seven-run opening inning, and the Cleveland Indians pummeled the host New York Yankees 19-5 in the start of a four-game series between American League pennant contenders.
Carlos Santana also launched two home runs as the Yankees matched a franchise record by serving up seven. Greg Allen and Santana went backto- back in a five-run eighth against rookie designated hitter Mike Ford, a former Ivy League pitcher at Princeton.
The smiling Ford, throwing pitches from 53-85 mph, then worked a 1-2- 3 ninth and received a loud ovation from the scattered fans remaining.