Philadelphia took down Washington 4-2 on Saturday afternoon, ending a four-game losing streak and putting itself in a position to win its second consecutive series against the Nationals this season. The Phillies moved up to 4-7 on the year while the Nationals moved back to 6-5. Philadelphia starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson got the victory, giving up two earned runs on four hits in seven innings pitched. He currently has a 1.59 ERA and is 2-0 on the season. Washington relief pitcher Joe Blanton took the loss for the second time this year, giving up two runs in the eighth inning that gave the Phillies the win.
Roark delivers for Nationals on the mound and offense
Things started in the bottom of the third inning. Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton took a walk and Tanner Roark, the pitcher, was able to get a single on the ground. With two outs on the board, Anthony Rendon hit a single on a ground ball to bring in Lobaton. However, Bryce Harper had a 2-0 count and ended up grounding out to end any further of a threat for Washington.
The Phillies were able to respond. Immediately in the top of the fourth, Cesar Hernandez and Howie Kendrick were able to smack back-to-back hits to get something going. Odubel Herrera took it a step further with his third double of the season, reeling in Hernandez and pushing Kendrick to third.
Maikel Franco kept the rally going, grounding out but getting the RBI for Kendrick and Herrera moved the third base. Roark was able to rebound and eliminated any further threat, but it was 2-1 Philadelphia after the frame.
Phillies always able to come back
It turned into a pitchers duel after that. Roark actually picked up a double in the bottom of the fifth with two outs, but Wilmer Difo grounded out afterward.
Action finally picked up again in the bottom of the seventh, where Chris Heisey was able to knock out his first home run of the season. Washington was able to tie things up at 2-2.
Again, the Phillies had a response in the next frame. After a pitch hit Freddy Galvis, pinch-hitter Brock Stassi struck out but was able to give Galvis the opportunity to steal second base.
Hernandez smoked his second home run of the season to make it 4-2 afterward. Kendrick struck out, and Herrera grounded out to end any further threat, but the biggest damage was done.
There was no threat from Washington in the bottom of the ninth. Harper, Daniel Murphy, and Ryan Zimmerman all retired in a row to give Phillies reliever Joaquin Benoit his first save of the season.