Bryce Harper blasts a walk-off grand slam to beat the Cubs in series finale

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After being dominated for seven innings by Chicago Cubs starter Yu Darvish on Thursday night, the Phillies rallied for seven runs against the Cubs’ bullpen in the final two innings and pulled out a dramatic 7-5 win at Citizens Bank Park.

Bryce Harper won it with a grand slam with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning.

He sprinted around the bases and was mobbed at home plate by his delirious teammates.

The Phillies are 2-0 under new hitting coach Charlie Manuel.

The win gave the Phillies a series sweep of the Cubs, who entered the game tied for the NL Central lead.

The Phillies (63-58) had not swept a series since late June.

Harper’s grannie came against lefty Derek Holland. It was a high-arching drive down the right field line.

The Phillies entered the game two games back in the NL wild-card race.

Harper has seven homers and 15 RBIs in his last 12 games.

Funny game

Harper ultimately delivered with runners in scoring position and the Phillies finished the game 4 for 15 with runners in scoring position. But the Phils began the night 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Darvish shines

The Phils were shut out over the first seven innings by Darvish.

The Cubs’ right-hander did not walk a batter. He scattered four hits and struck out 10. It was one of his best outings of the season.

Darvish threw mostly four-seam fastballs and cutters and he got 16 swings and misses while throwing 92 pitches. His heater topped out at 96.7 mph.

No Smyls

The Phillies did not get a good start from Drew Smyly. He allowed seven hits and five runs over five innings. He gave up two homers. He gave up three long balls in 5 2/3 innings in his last outing. Over his last two starts, he has been tagged for 10 extra-base hits.

Up next

The Phillies open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Friday night. Vince Velasquez (4-7, 4.30) gets the ball in the opener. He will oppose right-hander Chris Paddack (7-5, 3.26).

Right-hander Zach Eflin (7-11, 4.49) will face right-hander Dinelson Lamet (1-2, 3.86) on Saturday night.

A pair of lefties, Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.03) and Joey Lucchesi (7-7, 4.25) will pitch in the series finale Sunday afternoon.

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