VanMeter's homer lifts D-backs over slumping Phillies 3-2

PHOENIX (AP) — Josh VanMeter hit a two-run homer, Taylor Widener pitched five quality innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the slumping Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 on Tuesday night.

The Phillies lost for the fifth time in seven games as they try to keep pace in the National League playoff race. Bryce Harper homered in the third to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead but his team couldn't generate much offense the rest of the way.

It was Harper’s 22nd homer of the season. The All-Star walked in the first inning to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.

The Phillies — trailing 3-1 — threatened in the ninth when Brad Miller hit a double off Tyler Clippard with one out. Miller moved to third on a flyout before Travis Jankowski walked. Miller scored on a wild pitch and Jankowski moved to second, but Alec Bohm popped up to shallow left for the final out.

Clippard earned his third save. Miguel Aguilar (1-1) got the win after throwing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The Diamondbacks have the worst record in the NL but they've been a pain for playoff contenders in recent days. They won three of four games against the San Diego Padres last weekend.

Philadelphia starter Kyle Gibson (8-5) gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out five. The tall right-hander was cruising until the sixth, when he walked Christian Walker with two outs and VanMeter homered.

Widener started for the Diamondbacks after a 10-day stretch on the injured list. He had a good outing, giving up just Harper’s solo homer over five innings. Widener allowed two hits, walked three and struck out five.

The right-hander has struggled with injures throughout the season and was on the IL twice earlier this year for a strained groin. He was scratched from his previous scheduled...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/VanMeter-s-homer-lifts-D-backs-over-slumping-16394273.php