Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Game 131 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #44 Bryce Harper

Phillies 7
, Nationals 4
Game 131 - Monday Night, August 30th in Washington
Record - 67-64, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Zack Wheeler powered through in Washington for a 7-4 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Braves lost in Los Angeles, so the Phillies are 3 1/2 games behind them for the division lead.  They're three back in the second wild card race with the Reds, Padres and Cardinals all in front of them.

What Happened:  Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the first inning, his 26th, to start the scoring for the Phillies.  Ronald Torreyes had a huge three-run triple in the third to give the Phillies a 6-2 lead.  Brad Miller added an insurance run with a solo home run in the fifth, and Miller had a three-hit game.

Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he battled through six innings, allowing four runs on five hits.  Connor Brogdon, Archie Bradly and Jose Alvarado held the Nationals scoreless over the final three innings with Alvarado delivering his fifth save.

Featured Card:  Harper continues to carry the offense and his 1.008 OPS currently leads the majors ahead of Fernando Tatis, Jr. (1.007) and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (1.006).  If the Phillies are able to squeak into the postseason, Harper should deservedly get some MVP consideration.  And if he continues his hot hitting into September, he should hopefully be the frontrunner for the award.

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