Jose Tena, Paul DeJong star as Nationals rally to beat Phillies

Jose Tena delivered the decisive blow with a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning as the Washington Nationals rallied to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 on Thursday night. Paul DeJong continued his power surge, homering for the third time in five games to tie the score in the fourth.


The turning point came in the seventh when DeJong walked against Jesus Luzardo (11-6), Riley Adams doubled, and Daylen Lile drew a walk to load the bases.



Facing Orion Kerkering with one out, Tena sent a 3-1 fastball past a diving Trea Turner at shortstop, scoring two runs to put Washington ahead.


Shinnosuke Ogasawara (1-1) earned his first major league win by striking out Kyle Schwarber with a runner aboard to end the seventh. Rookie Cole Henry secured his first career save, striking out Turner with the tying run 90 feet away in the ninth.

Turner had three infield hits and scored once for the NL East-leading Phillies, but the offense stalled, leaving eight runners on base and extending their losing streak to three games.

Schwarber’s RBI double in the fifth briefly gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead. Luzardo allowed three runs on four hits over six-plus innings.

Washington starter Brad Lord was steady, giving up two runs on seven hits in six innings. Since rejoining the rotation on July 22, he’s posted a 2.77 ERA with the Nationals winning four of his five starts.

The Phillies’ travel delays - caused by a plane change and overnight stay in Cincinnati - had them arriving in Washington just hours before first pitch.