Bryson Stott hits a solo HR, Phillies beat the Diamondbacks 2-1 to cap 21-win August

PHOENIX (AP) — Bryson Stott, in a display of individual brilliance, slugged a solo home run, bolstered by Aaron Nola's commendable pitching, as the Philadelphia Phillies clinched a 2-1 triumph against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. This victory concluded a streak of exceptional August performance for the Phillies, who amassed a record of 21 wins and 7 losses during the month, marking the best performance in the National League. The Phillies sit just four games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings.

Stott's powerful swing launched a 464-foot homer, sailing into right field, thereby putting the Phillies ahead 1-0. The lead was further solidified by Bryce Harper's double, which found its way off the center field wall, followed by Garrett Stubbs's subsequent scoring. This extended the Phillies' advantage to a commanding 2-0. The pitching duo of Nola and Stott demonstrated their prowess, with Nola (6-10) pitching until the sixth inning, conceding just one run on five hits and two walks, while striking out five batters. Nola has managed to give up two runs or fewer in his last five starts.

Alex McFarlane, Orion Kerkering, Brooks Raley, Jose Alvarado, and Jhoan Duran contributed crucial relief efforts over the final innings, collectively recording four scoreless innings. Duran notched his 29th save in 31 save opportunities, preventing runners from advancing to second and third base, respectively, on walks. The Phillies were backed by a rejuvenated lineup, with Ketel Marte returning from injury two weeks after missing a game in Boston.

Marte played as a designated hitter, batting cleanup, and went 1 for 3 at bat, including a single and a walk.

The Diamondbacks, seeking to clinch the third NL wild card spot, cut their deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning. Geraldo Perdomo advanced from first base on Gabriel Moreno's double to the left field line. Arizona's ace, Brandon Pfaadt (7-2), surrendered two runs over six innings, allowing five hits and a walk, while striking out a single batter.

The Diamondbacks now trail the San Diego Padres by a half-game in their quest for the final NL wild card spot. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (14-4, 2.50 ERA) is set to face off against Phillies LHP Jesus Luzardo (12-5, 3.09) on Tuesday night.