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.
Credit: Patrick Smith
Credit: Patrick Smith
