On Thursday, the Phillies (49-61) blew out the Nationals (58-49), but took a major blow losing Cliff Lee for what looks like the rest of the season. Yesterday, the Phillies sent Roberto Hernandez (6-8 3.87 ERA) to the hill looking to take the first two over the Nationals. Hernandez won his previous start going seven innings giving up two runs on four hits. The Nationals opposed Hernandez with Doug Fister (10-3 2.68 ERA). Fister, who the Nationals acquired in the past offseason, won his last four starts, going seven innings in three appearances.
The Game: The Phillies took the early lead in the second. With two outs, Grady Sizemore doubled to center on a ball deflected by Bryce Harper. Carlos Ruiz followed by working a walk. Cody Asche got the Phillies on the board with a RBI single. 1-0 Phillies
The Nationals got one right back in the bottom of the inning. Adam LaRoche singled on a pop up where no one called the ball in the infield, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Cody Asche. Ian Desmond plate LaRoche with a grounder through the middle. 1-1 TIE
In the fifth, Cody Asche led off with a single. Roberto Hernandez bunted Asche over to second. Ben Revere followed with a single to Jayson Werth. Werth fielded the ball and threw out Asche at the plate. 1-1 TIE
In the sixth, Marlon Byrd crushed a ball to right field for his team leading 21st home run giving the Phillies the lead. 2-1 Phillies
Papelbon took over Hernandez in the ninth. Papelbon got Jayson Werth to ground out for the first out. After allowing back-to-back singles to LaRoche and Desmond, Papelbon struck out Harper and new acquired Asdrubal Cabrera to complete his 26th save of the season.
Significant Offensive Stats:
Marlon Byrd 1-4, HR
Grady Sizemore 2-3, BB R
Cody Asche 2-3, RBI
Impact: With the Nationals leading the NL East, it is always nice to play spoiler. Also, Roberto Hernandez won back-to-back starts for the first time in his Phillies career. With the Phillies in last place and not much to play for, it is always nice to play spoiler.
Up Next: Today, the Phillies will go for the series victory by sending A.J. Burnett (6-10 4.15 ERA) to the hill. Burnett was subject of a lot trade rumors before the deadline. Burnett ultimately was never traded. Burnett struggled his last start giving up seven runs over five innings. Burnett will be opposed by Jordan Zimmermann (6-5 3.17 ERA). Zimmermann took the no decision in his last start going seven innings giving up two runs.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia.
