Kansas City Royals at Philadelphia Phillies

Schwarber hits 51st homer to lift Phillies over Royals

Harrison Bader contributed three hits for the Phillies, who can clinch their second straight NL East title by completing a three-game sweep of Kansas City in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

Taijuan Walker (5-8) benefited from strong run support, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings.

Jhoan Duran tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save in 33 opportunities.

Salvador Perez homered twice for the Royals, who lost their sixth in the last seven to further hurt their slim playoff chances.

Angel Zerpa (5-2), in relief of starter Ryan Bergert, gave up three runs in the fifth inning when Philadelphia went in front for good.

Schwarber tied the game at 4 by leading off the frame by sending a 1-1, 86-mph slider into the seats in right. He pulled within seven homers of tying Ryan Howard for the single-season franchise record, set in 2006.

Bader, filling in for Trea Turner as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter, has multiple hits in six consecutive games.

Key moment Nick Castellanos’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly four batters after Schwarber’s home run put the Phillies in front 5-4.

Key stat 13.50 — Bergert’s ERA in his last two starts after a 2.43 mark in his first six starts after being acquired at the trade deadline.

Up next Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00 ERA) faces Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon when the Phillies try to complete a 7-0 homestand.

How can I watch Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies?

• TV Channel: Royals at Phillies 2022 MLB Baseball, is broadcasted on MLB.TV.
• Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.