Phillies Edge Cardinals Behind Harper, Luzardo in Game 1

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Phillies Edge Cardinals Behind Harper, Luzardo in Game 1 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Bryce Harper delivered the go-ahead hit in the seventh inning as the Phillies edged the Cardinals 2-1, snapping St. Louis’ nine-game win streak. Jesus Luzardo pitched seven strong innings to stay unbeaten on the season. Philadelphia rallied late with four singles, including Harper’s game-winner, in the opener of a Wednesday doubleheader.

Quick Looks

Bryce Harper drives in game-winning run with 2-out single.
Phillies score twice in the seventh to secure 2-1 victory.
Jesus Luzardo goes 7 innings, improves to 4-0.
Cardinals’ 9-game winning streak ends in Game 1.
Harper reaches base three times in the comeback win.
Bryson Stott ties game with infield single in rally.
Rafael Marchan ruled safe after overturned tag call.
Kyle Schwarber’s 47-game on-base streak ends.
Jordan Romano strikes out side for his 4th save.
Cardinals’ Erick Fedde allows no runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Deep Look

Bryce Harper’s Clutch Hit Ends Cardinals’ Streak as Phillies Rally Late Behind Luzardo’s Gem

In a low-scoring, tension-filled matchup that unfolded like a playoff preview, the Philadelphia Phillies delivered a late-inning rally to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Bryce Harper once again proved to be the difference-maker, while Jesus Luzardo continued his dominant start to the 2025 season.

This was more than a single win—it was a statement. The Phillies not only snapped the Cardinals’ nine-game winning streak, but also reignited momentum in a season that’s seen its share of ups and downs.

Seventh-Inning Magic Sparks the Turnaround

Heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Phillies had managed just three hits and no runs against a sharp Cardinals pitching staff. But patience paid off as they mounted a methodical rally against lefty reliever Steven Matz, who entered with a 1-0 lead and little room for error.

The inning began quietly before the Phillies stacked together four well-placed singles. Bryson Stott knotted the score with an infield hit that snuck past a diving defender. Then, with two outs and the crowd at Citizens Bank Park hanging on every pitch, Bryce Harper blooped a single into shallow left-center, driving in the go-ahead run.

The key to the rally wasn’t just timely hitting—it was persistence. Harper’s bat and leadership shone through, once again elevating the Phillies when it mattered most.

Marchan’s Safe Call Key to Rally

One of the game’s most pivotal moments came just before Harper’s go-ahead hit. Phillies catcher Rafael Marchan was initially ruled out while stretching a single into a double. However, video replay reversed the call after it revealed Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan tagged Marchan’s helmet—which had come off during the slide—rather than Marchan himself.

The overturned call allowed Marchan to remain on base and ultimately score the winning run, a moment that highlighted both the power of modern replay and the fine margins that often define tight games.

Luzardo Remains Unbeaten with Dominant Outing

Jesus Luzardo (4-0) gave the Phillies exactly what they needed: length, control, and shutdown pitching. The left-hander tossed seven innings for the second time this season, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six and issuing no walks.

The lone blemish came in the third inning, when Jordan Walker gave the Cardinals a brief lead with an RBI single. But Luzardo quickly settled in, retiring nine of the next ten batters and consistently working ahead in counts. With this performance, he continues to cement his status as Philadelphia’s most consistent starter in the 2025 rotation.

Romano Locks Down the Ninth

Jordan Romano closed the game emphatically. Tasked with protecting a slim one-run lead, the veteran reliever struck out the side in the ninth inning, showcasing electric stuff and pinpoint command. The save was his fourth of the season and capped off a high-quality pitching performance from the Phillies’ staff.

Fedde Sharp Despite No-Decision

On the opposing side, Cardinals starter Erick Fedde pitched well enough to win, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks. His sinker kept Phillies hitters off balance, and he left the mound with a 1-0 lead. However, the bullpen couldn’t preserve it, and Matz’s struggles in the seventh flipped the game on its head.

Harper Continues MVP-Caliber Impact

Bryce Harper’s ability to deliver in pressure situations continues to set him apart. The former MVP now has multiple go-ahead hits in late innings this season, and his leadership—on and off the field—is proving vital to the Phillies’ chemistry. His performance Wednesday, reaching base three times and delivering the winning RBI, is exactly why he remains the heartbeat of this Philadelphia squad.

Schwarber’s Streak Ends Quietly

Kyle Schwarber, one of the Phillies’ most consistent on-base threats all season, saw his remarkable 47-game on-base streak come to an end after going 0-for-4. The streak was the longest in MLB this year and the fourth-longest in Phillies franchise history. Despite the end of the streak, Schwarber’s overall offensive impact remains crucial to the team’s success.

St. Louis’ Streak Ends, But Big Picture Remains Bright

The Cardinals had been riding high entering the game with a nine-game win streak that had propelled them to the top tier of the National League standings. While the loss stings, especially given how close they were to a tenth straight win, the team remains in excellent form overall.

Jordan Walker’s RBI marked his third straight game with a run driven in, and the Cardinals continue to get timely contributions from across their lineup.

Game 2: Reset and Regroup

Both teams were set to return to the field just hours later for Game 2 of the doubleheader. The Phillies handed the ball to right-hander Aaron Nola, who has struggled in 2025 with a 1-6 record and a 4.89 ERA. The Cardinals countered with Sonny Gray, their most reliable starter so far this season at 4-1 with a 3.50 ERA.

For Philadelphia, another win would mark a major momentum shift. For St. Louis, a split would stabilize things after a rare loss. Either way, Game 2 offered another high-stakes chapter in a closely contested series.