Max Kepler’s infield single drove in the winning run with one out in the ninth inning, sealing a dramatic series-clinching 5-4 victory for the Minnesota Twins over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
Trevor Larnach, hit by a pitch from Phillies left-hander Gregory Soto (2-4) to lead off the bottom of the ninth, advanced to second on a wild pitch and moved to third on Austin Martin’s sacrifice bunt. Kepler then hit a two-hopper up the middle against a drawn-in infield. Despite a diving backhand stop by second baseman Bryson Stott, Larnach scored easily, and Kepler reached first without a throw.
The Twins celebrated their fifth walk-off win of the season, while the National League-leading Phillies (64-38) dropped their third consecutive series.
Minnesota closer Jhoan Duran (6-5) earned the win after retiring Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper in a perfect ninth inning.
Matt Wallner’s fourth homer of the season and Carlos Santana’s game-tying, two-run double in the seventh powered the Twins' offense. Trea Turner continued his torrid July for the Phillies, hitting his 10th homer of the month and 13th of the season, boasting a .361 average and 22 RBIs for the month.
Schwarber, mired in a slump and 1-for-21 on Philadelphia’s 2-4 road trip, briefly revived the Phillies' hopes with a two-run single in the sixth to tie the game.
Despite Aaron Nola’s 15th quality start of the season, tying teammate Zack Wheeler for the National League lead, the bullpen faltered. Nola allowed one run on six hits and three walks, striking out six over six innings. The Phillies’ offense struggled in crucial moments, going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight runners stranded, including six in the first three innings.
The Phillies, boasting the best record in the National League, will look to regroup as they return home for a weekend series against the Guardians beginning on Friday.