The Washington Nationals, fresh off of their opening night win at home, took to the road for Monday’s game in Philadelphia. The Nationals looked sharp, scoring 5 runs in the top of the 9th to defeat the Phillies by a score of 11-6. The Nationals are now 2-0 on the young season.
Matt Chico got the start for the Nationals against the powerful Phillies line up. Chico went 5.1 innings and gave up three earned runs. He held the Phillies in check until he was yanked from the game with one out in the 6th inning. The bullpen faltered a bit as Hanrahan and King both gave up runs. Saul Rivera, who threw so well last night against the Braves came on in the 8th inning today and gave up nothing to the Phillies and was able to pick up the win. Jesus Colome came on in the 9th to shut it down for the Nationals.
The bats picked up where Ryan Zimmerman left off last night. While Zimmerman went 0-4 his teammates picked him up and carried the team to a win. Lastings Milledge scored three times and scored twice as he homered for the Nats and really anchored the top of the order. In the 9th inning and the score tied at six, Nick Johnson doubled to deep center scoring Milledge and giving the Nats the lead for good. They scored five more runs in the 9th, including a pinch hit, RBI double from Dmitri Young.
These two teams will face off again on Wednesday after a day off. Tim Redding will get that start for the Nationals and Cole Hamels will take the ball for the Phillies. Game time is 7:05 EST.