The Braves got a little help from an unlikely source late Wednesday night -- the rival Nationals.

Ryan Zimmerman hit a walk-off two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Washington an 8-7 home win over the Phillies.

Philadelphia’s loss gave the Braves a 3-game lead in the NL East standings.

The Braves beat the Pirates 2-1, completing a 3-game sweep in Pittsburgh.

The Phillies trailed the Braves by only a half-game in the standings just three days ago.

Philadelphia has lost nine of its last 13 games.

The Phillies blew leads of 3-1, 4-1, 5-4, 6-5, 7-5 and 7-6 Wednesday night.

Bryce Harper went 3 for 4 with a run-scoring double and a stolen base for the Nats.

The Braves open a 4-game series against the Marlins Thursday in Miami while the Phillies play Washington again at 1 p.m. Then Philadelphia travels to Toronto to start a 3-game series against the Blue Jays Friday.

Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on August 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Credit: Patrick Smith

icon to expand image

Credit: Patrick Smith

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes throws to a Miami Marlins batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

Credit: AP

Featured

Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com