Field Level Media
Aug 12, 2021
Bryce Harper homered, walked twice and scored two runs to help the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 win against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday afternoon and avoid a three-game sweep.
Phillies starter Ranger Suarez made just his third start of the season in 30 appearances, allowing one run in a season-high 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander from Venezuela surrendered three hits, struck out four and walked two to lower his ERA to 1.07.
Hector Neris retired the side in order in the sixth, Archie Bradley (7-1) did the same in the seventh and eighth, and Ian Kennedy stranded the bases loaded in the ninth for his 19th save.
Dodgers starter Mitch White (0-1) matched his season high by pitching four innings and allowing two runs on three hits. He struck out four and walked three.
Harper crushed a 421-foot solo home run over the left-center field wall to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the first inning. It was the 21st home run of the season for the six-time NL All Star. He has just four hits over the past seven games but they've all been homers.
The Phillies tacked on another run in the fourth when Harper and Didi Gregorius walked before Harper scored on a two-out single by Ronald Torreyes.
Suarez was replaced after allowing an infield single and a one-out walk in the fifth. Enyel De Los Santos entered and gave up a run-scoring groundout to Trea Turner to make it 2-1.
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner missed his third straight game after injuring his groin on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, but he's expected to return when Los Angeles visits the New York Mets this weekend.
Los Angeles outfielder Mookie Betts missed his fourth straight game with a sore right hip that landed him on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto missed the game after taking back-to-back foul tips off his mask in the 8-2 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday.
--Field Level Media