Washington (AP) — Andrew Stevenson was still driving toward Nationals Park when Tuesday night’s game against the Phillies began. Thanks to a lengthy rain delay, he got there in plenty of time to help Washington get the win.
Stevenson and Wilmer Difo hit back-to-back home runs in a five-run sixth inning and Washington rallied past the Phillies 10-4 on Tuesday night, hours after the Nationals traded Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams.
Stevenson, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day, tied the game with his first career homer, a two-run pinch-hit shot to center.
“He got in during the rain delay,” manager Dave Martinez said. “Came to my office and I told him, ‘Hey, congratulations. Happy to have to you. Get your uniform on and get loose. You might be in this ballgame.'”
The 24-year-old Stevenson, who spent time with the Nationals earlier this season and last, left Syracuse by car at around 3 p.m. after getting the word from manager Randy Knorr that he needed to get to Washington and no flight was available.
“(Knorr said) ‘I know you’re gonna be late, but they might need you the second half of the game,'” Stevenson said. “Ended up making it so it turned out pretty good.”
