The Philadelphia Phillies secured an early-season victory on Wednesday, edging out the Washington Nationals 6-5 to win their three-game series. The result was especially encouraging given the recent struggles of first baseman Bryce Harper.
Harper entered the game mired in a tough 2-for-20 start to the season. Even after the win, he sits at just 3-for-25 over his last several at-bats. However, his latest hit made a major impact, as the Phillies star launched a 425-foot home run to center field, helping fuel a comeback victory at home.
Speaking after the game, Harper reflected on the at-bat and his early-season form. He noted that he connected on a first-pitch curveball but admitted he’s still chasing pitches more than he’d like. Despite that, he emphasized that he feels good at the plate and is confident things will turn around soon.
Philadelphia’s start to the 2026 season has been somewhat uneven. They opened with a win over the Texas Rangers on Opening Day but followed it up with three straight losses—two against Texas and one against Washington.
That loss to the Nationals was particularly rough, as Philadelphia gave up 13 runs in a lopsided 13-2 defeat. Still, the Phillies responded well, bouncing back to win the final two games of the series.
With postseason aspirations in mind, Harper and the Phillies know there’s plenty of time to find their rhythm. His home run on Wednesday could be a positive sign as they look ahead. The team returns to action Friday when they travel to face the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series.
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