Weston Wilson made Phillies history by hitting for the cycle, becoming the ninth player in the team’s history to do so. Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos added to the offensive fireworks with back-to-back homers in the first inning, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a dominant 13-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.
Wilson’s cycle included a triple and a single in the fourth inning, a home run in the seventh, and a double in the eighth, with fans urging him on for the final hit. This marked the 10th cycle in Phillies history, with Wilson being the first player to achieve this milestone at Citizens Bank Park since David Bell in 2004.
Philadelphia surged to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Bohm’s three-run homer and Castellanos’ subsequent solo shot. This offensive outburst, coupled with Zack Wheeler’s solid pitching performance, propelled the Phillies to their second consecutive game of scoring at least nine runs.
The Phillies continued their offensive onslaught with five more runs in the fourth inning, amassing a total of 17 hits throughout the game. Keibert Ruiz provided some offense for the Nationals with two home runs, but it wasn’t enough to match the Phillies’ dominance.
Wheeler’s strong outing, where he struck out six batters in six innings while allowing just two runs, set the tone for the Phillies’ victory. Unlike previous games where the team had to rally back, this time they maintained control from start to finish.
The win against the Nationals follows another victory over the Miami Marlins, signaling a positive turn for the Phillies after a rough period during the summer. Bryce Harper’s contributions also shone through, including a key single and hustle on the bases that led to important runs for Philadelphia.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are optimistic about the return of LHP Ranger Suárez from lower back soreness, with a potential comeback during the upcoming series against Kansas City. The Nationals will send RHP Patrick Corbin to face Phillies’ RHP Aaron Nola in their next game.
Overall, the Phillies’ strong performance showcased their offensive prowess and pitching depth, providing hope for a successful stretch as the season progresses.