PHILADELPHIA — Jake Thompson and four relievers combined to hold the Washington Nationals in check, and the Philadelphia Phillies spoiled Bryce Harper’s return with a 4-1 win Tuesday night.
With the loss, Washington locked itself into the second seed in the NL playoffs behind the Dodgers. The Nationals will host the NL Central champion — either the Cubs or Milwaukee — in a Division Series beginning Oct. 6 at Nationals Park.
The win ensures that Philadelphia (63-95) will not lose 100 games. The Phillies haven’t hit the century mark since 1961, when they lost 107 of 154 games.