Kyle Kendrick got a tough assignment tonight. He was handed a sloppy defense that made four errors (three on an especially not sharp Chase Utley) and for the most part didn't really hit much either. Yet over seven frames, Kendrick held the Nationals to five hits and one run. He was on his game and matched up well against Jordan Zimmerman who pretty much matched him for six innings. The Phillies would chase him in the 7th after Kevin Frandsen drove in John McDonald for the go ahead run. They would add some insurance on an aggresive slide home from Utley on a play at the plate.
Exceptional evening from the bullpen tonight. Antonio Bastardo and Jonathan Papelbon would retire the six batters they faced. It was the meat of the order for Papelbon who has had a rough go of it lately but he retired the side with ease.
By far taking three out of four from the Nationals was as important as it gets for a team that a few weeks ago was contemplating blowing it up. Now the tables have turned and it appears Amaro and company are looking to buy. Who they are buying remains to be seen.
The Phillies play their final series before the break starting tomorrow. The Chicago White Sox come to town. Jonathan Pettibone takes on John Danks at 7:05.
