Bryce Harper hit his 350th career homer, but the Phillies fell 9-8 to the Red Sox on July 24, 2025, after a costly error led to an 11-inning loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that had everything: milestone home runs, a massive early lead, and a raucous crowd at Citizens Bank Park. It had all the makings of a classic Phillies victory. Instead, it ended in classic Phillies heartbreak. Despite five separate home runs, including Bryce Harper's historic 350th, the Phils couldn't hold on, ultimately falling 9-8 to the Boston Red Sox in a gut-wrenching 11-inning battle.
With his first-inning blast, Bryce Harper became just the 151st player in MLB history to reach 350 career home runs.
For four innings, this game was a dream. Jesús Luzardo was cruising with a no-hitter, and the offense exploded. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper went back-to-back in the first, followed by solo shots from Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott. Just like that, it was 5-0, and the Bank was rocking. But the dream turned into a nightmare in the fifth. A dropped foul popup by J.T. Realmuto gave Boston new life, and they capitalized with a six-run inning, capped by a Romy Gonzalez grand slam. All the early momentum vanished in an instant.
Even in a loss, you have to tip your cap to the milestones. Bryce Harper's 350th career homer was a majestic shot, a reminder of the Hall of Fame talent we get to watch every night. Not to be outdone, Kyle Schwarber launched his 34th of the season, his fourth since the All-Star break. And how about J.T. Realmuto? After his costly error, he redeemed himself with a clutch, game-tying solo homer in the eighth off flamethrower Aroldis Chapman—his first long ball off a lefty since September of 2024. It was a moment of pure resilience that unfortunately wasn't the final word.
Realmuto's heroics sent the game to extras, but the bullpen couldn't seal the deal. After trading runs in the 10th, the ball was handed to Seth Johnson in the 11th. The recently recalled righty, brought up to provide a fresh arm, unfortunately served up the decisive two-run homer to Carlos Narváez to take the loss. It's a tough spot for any pitcher, but it highlights the razor-thin margin for error this team has. One mistake, one bad pitch, and a game you dominated early can slip right through your fingers.
There's no time to dwell on this one. As painful as it is, the Phillies have to wash it off and get ready for a massive weekend series as the New York Yankees roll into town. Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.75 ERA) gets the ball Friday night against the Yanks' Will Warren. It's a perfect opportunity to bounce back and prove that one brutal loss won't define their second half.
