On the mound, Phillies starter Ranger Suárez (1-0) delivered a solid performance, conceding two runs and four hits across six innings.
Realmuto's offensive prowess was evident early on, as he ignited the scoring by singling and later scoring on Alec Bohm's triple in the opening frame. He then seized the opportunity presented by an 0-2 pitch from Jake Irvin, extending the Phillies' lead to 4-0 in the third inning. Trea Turner kick-started the rally with a two-out double, setting the stage for Realmuto's decisive blast after Harper received the intentional walk.
“We know what we have. I mean, we have a lineup — 1 to 9 — that we know they’re all game-changers,” Suárez told reporters via an interpreter after the contest.
The Nationals didn't collect a hit beyond a two-run homer by Joey Gallo in the third inning.
Turner collected two hits in the win, while Jose Alvarado collected his second save of the season.
The two clubs conclude their three-game set on Sunday with Cristopher Sanchez opposing MacKenzie Gore.
Brogdon Traded
The Phillies made a trade on Saturday, sending reliever Connor Brogdon to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-hander Benony Robles.
Brogdon played a pivotal role in the bullpen in helping the Phillies to the 2022 World Series, but struggled last year and was off to an abysmal start this year, surrendering six earned runs over two innings. He was designated for assignment on Tuesday.
Robles, 23, was 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA with High-A Great Lakes last season. He has a career 4.67 ERA over five seasons in the minors.
Injury Updates
Taijuan Walker tossed three simulated innings in a batting practice session on Saturday. He is eligible to be activated on April 9, but a return in early May is a realistic expectation.
Orion Kerkering tossed 1 1/3 scoreless inning for Clearwater on Friday and collected four strikeouts. Manager Rob Thomson said he wants the reliever to pitch two days with a day of rest in between before rejoining the club, meaning he'll likely rejoin the bullpen later next week.
