PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning, but the Philadelphia Phillies suffered their sixth straight loss, falling 7-4 to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
Harper, the 30-year-old All-Star slugger, was listed as the DH in what was his fourth game since recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Nov. 23.
A two-time National League MVP, Harper found an 89-mph sinker offered by right-hander Corey Kluber (2-4) with a full count. He sent the ball over the fence in left-center field, with no men in the lanes and one out, to cut Philadelphia’s deficit to 5-3.
Harper had 286 career homers, 102 with the Phillies.
Rafael Devers had three hits and two RBIs, leading the Red Sox to their eighth straight victory. This is his best streak since July 2021.
Kluber allowed three runs in five acts. Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth for eight saves, forcing Harper to ground out to end the matchup.
Boston pretty much settled the game by recording five runs and six hits in the fourth inning off Bailey Falter (0-6).
For the Red Sox, Mexican Alex Verdugo 3-1 with a run scored. The Dominicans Devers 5-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, Raimel Tapia 3-1. Puerto Rican Kiké Hernández 5-0.
For the Phillies, Panamanian Edmundo Sosa 4-2 with an RBI.
