Major League Baseball

Asher strong in return, Phillies beat Nationals 4-1

Published Sep. 9, 2016 12:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

WASHINGTON (AP) Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer, Alec Asher pitched six innings of two-hit ball coming off a suspension, and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals 4-1 on Thursday night.

Peter Bourjos homered for the Phillies, who have won three of four.

Asher (1-0), who earned his first major league victory, was suspended for 80 games while on the disabled list with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in June after a positive drug test. He made four minor league appearances beginning in late August and his suspension ended Sept. 4.

The right-hander pitched to contact, walking one batter without a strikeout, and throwing 75 pitches.