|
 Danny Espinosa ripped a two-run double to highlight a four-run
fourth inning for the Nationals, who breezed to a 7-0 triumph in the
series opener. Rendon added a two-run single, Denard Span drove in a
pair and Strasburg had an RBI single.
The Phillies took advantage of some shoddy defense to trim their
deficit to 4-2 in the fifth inning. A miscue by converted outfielder
Ryan Zimmerman was followed up by an RBI double from Reid Brignac,
who came around to score after Strasburg's error. Rendon answered by
leading off the fifth with his eighth homer and his single to left
in the sixth plated Strasburg and Span to stake Washington to an 8-2
lead.
Strasburg (5-4) was cruising along before permitting John Mayberry
Jr.'s pinch-hit, two-run homer in the seventh. The fireballer
allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits before a 1-hour,
47-minute rain delay ended his night, but Aaron Barrett and Jerry
Blevins each worked a scoreless frame to send reeling Philadelphia
to its 11th loss in 15 contests.
Adam LaRoche led off the fourth with a double to left before a pair
of walks allowed the Nationals to load the bases. Espinosa drilled a
1-2 sinker from veteran A.J. Burnett (3-5) off the right-field wall,
plating LaRoche and Wilson Ramos to open the scoring. Strasburg
followed by depositing a 1-2 fastball into center to plate Ian
Desmond before Span legged out a ground ball to allow Espinosa to
score and give Washington a 4-0 lead.
[to top of second column] |
GAME NOTEBOOK: Burnett yielded a season-high eight runs on 10 hits
in six innings to take the loss. ... Rendon has recorded eight
homers in 56 games this season, surpassing last season's total
(seven in 98 contests). ... Nationals LF Bryce Harper continued his
rehab by fielding light ground balls and practiced throwing on
Tuesday. Manager Matt Williams declared that Harper's return could
be as soon as July 1 if his progress continues to improve.
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