Aaron Nola dominated for 7 innings and Bryce Harper hit his 20th homer as the Phillies beat the Reds 5-1 on July 6, 2025, to secure their 50th win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a perfect Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. Aaron Nola was masterful, the bats came alive, and the Philadelphia Phillies cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, securing a series win and becoming the first NL East team to reach the 50-win mark. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement that the Phils are firing on all cylinders as the season's midpoint approaches.
We had some adversity, but the guys are grinding every day. Nola set the tone, and the lineup is starting to click again.
Aaron Nola was simply untouchable. The Phillies' ace carved up the Reds lineup for seven brilliant innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out nine. Nola was in complete command, pounding the strike zone and keeping hitters off balance all afternoon. It was the kind of tone-setting performance the team needed, and Nola delivered in a big way, earning a well-deserved win.
While Nola handled business on the mound, the offense provided more than enough support. Bryce Harper ignited the crowd with a towering two-run homer in the third inning, his 20th of the season. Not to be outdone, Trea Turner was a menace on the basepaths, collecting three hits, swiping two bags, and extending his hitting streak to a blistering 12 games. The lineup looked deep, dangerous, and relentless.
The Phillies lineup got a major boost with the return of third baseman Alec Bohm, who didn't miss a beat after his stint on the IL with a bruised hand. Bohm immediately made his presence felt, lacing a double and going 1-for-4. More importantly, he made a spectacular diving stop in the sixth to save a run, reminding everyone of his defensive improvements. 'It's great to have Alec back,' manager Rob Thomson said postgame. 'His presence in the lineup and on defense makes a big difference for us.'
The good vibes weren't just on the field. After the final out, the team broke out a choreographed dugout dance, led by Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott, that immediately went viral. The video, captioned 'Winning looks good on us!', captures the incredible chemistry and swagger of this 2025 squad. It’s clear this team isn't just winning; they're having a ton of fun doing it.
The good news extended beyond the big league club. Down in Double-A, top prospect Justin Crawford put on a show, hitting for the cycle and stealing two bases for the Reading Fightin Phils. His incredible performance is a thrilling reminder of the talent pipeline. Meanwhile, the Phillies made a bullpen move, recalling Adonis Medina for depth and optioning rookie Mick Abel back to Triple-A. The move allows Abel, who showed flashes in two spot starts, to continue his development as a starter, ensuring the future of the rotation remains bright.
With 50 wins locked in before the All-Star break for the first time since 2011, the Phillies are in a fantastic position. The pitching is elite, the offense is clicking, key players are healthy, and the clubhouse chemistry is off the charts. As they head into the final week before the midsummer classic, the message from South Philadelphia is clear: this team is resilient, confident, and ready to make a serious run.
