By Michael Marzzacco
The Nationals got their six game road trip off to a good start with a 4-0 shutout over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Jayson Werth, back in old ballpark where he once suited up for the hometown Phillies, launched a home run into the left field seats. It was his 19th home run of the season.
Before the game he told MASN’s Dan Kolko that this was his favorite ballpark.
After Bryce Harper drew a walk with two outs, Anthony Rendon drove him in with a single into the gap in left-center to put Washington ahead 2-0.
The Nats added two more runs in the ninth inning. Rendon struck out swinging to lead off the inning but still reached to first on a passed ball. Two batters later, with Clint Robinson up, Phillies reliever Frank Herrmann tried to pickoff Rendon but the ball went past first baseman Tommy Joseph and the ball was touched by a fan. That wasn’t the call and Rendon had to go to second but Dusty Baker challenged the call and it was overturned allowing Rendon to go to third. Robinson singled into right field to send Rendon home. Danny Espinosa followed with a walk. After Chris Heisey grounded into a force out at second there were runners at the corners. There was a challenge by the Phillies on a slide interference and the play was upheld. Trea Turner drove home Robinson with a single into left field.
Tanner Roark got the start for the Nats and had another impressive outing. For the eighth time this season he threw seven shutout innings, leading the MLB. He struck out five.
The Nats and Phillies will continue their series on Tuesday night. First pitch is at 7:05. Max Scherzer (14-7, 2.92 ERA) will take the ball for Washington while Philadelphia will counter with Jerad Eickhoff (9-12, 3.87 ERA).
(Photo courtesy of the Nats)
The Pursuit 