The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Wednesday night at Nationals Park, thanks to a dramatic two-run pinch-hit home run by Derek Hill in the ninth inning.
Trailing 4-3 entering the final frame, Kyle Schwarber drew a two-out walk against right-hander Orlando Ribalta after falling behind 1-2.
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Washington then brought in left-hander Richard Lovelady, prompting Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly to send Hill to the plate.
Hill delivered the go-ahead blast, marking the second consecutive night the Phillies rallied to win in the ninth inning.
Schwarber and Hill Reflect on Clutch At-Bats
Schwarber, returning from a two-day absence due to lower back tightness, acknowledged the difficulty of pinch-hitting late in the game.
“It’s the hardest thing to do in the game, I think, is being a pinch-hitter and having to go up there and taking an at-bat,” Schwarber said.
He praised Hill's adjustments since joining the team. “He’s been making some really good adjustments since he’s gotten to us.
He works extremely hard, and he fits right in with our group.
To see him go out there and have that big swing, put us ahead, it’s really cool.”
Hill credited the coaching staff's preparation.
“I’m just trying to go up there and just execute the plan that the hitting department has laid out for us.
Tonight they gave us a pretty dang good one.”
Nola Settles After Rough Start
Phillies starter Aaron Nola surrendered two solo home runs in the first two innings but settled down to strike out five over five frames.
