Phillies avoid getting swept with extra innings win over Guardians

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Bryce Harper drove in the go-ahead run with a 10th-inning single and flashed more solid defense in his second career start at first base, leading the Philadelphia Phillies past the Cleveland Guardians 8-5 Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep.

"He’s an athlete and he’s a baseball player," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.

Thomson admitted he’s surprised how comfortable Harper looks at his new position, a transition from the outfield that only began Friday night.

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Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper does an interview during a downpour after winning a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Cleveland.  (AP Photo/Phil Long)

"You can never tell with the speed of the game how it’s going to affect people, but he looks like he’s been there before," Thomson said.

"I’ve put in a lot of work," Harper said after the Phillies stopped a four-game slide. "Anything I can do to help this team win, wherever that may be on the field. Try to play the best game possible I can. That’s why they got me here. That’s why I love being here."

Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel (6-1) blew his first save of the season in 17 chances when David Fry hit a solo homer with two outs in the ninth to tie it 4-all. The home run came on a 1-0 pitch and narrowly cleared the 19-foot wall in left field.

The ball bounced back on the field after landing in the bleachers, which led to some brief confusion.

"I thought it was gone and then I looked up and the ball was bouncing back to left field," Fry said. "I was like, I better go. And then I look at (third base coach Mike Sarbaugh) and he signaled,