Nats avoid sweep, defeat Phils 6-5

The Washington Nationals avoided a three game sweep, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies today 6-5.

The Nats started out strong with a 3 run first inning led by three consecutive hits from Nyjer Morgan, Christian Guzman, and Ryan Zimmerman.  Morgan led off the  first with a triple and was knocked in by a Guzman single to make it 1-0.  Zimmerman then doubled, sending Guzman to third.  Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham then drove in Zimemrman and Guzman for the 3-0 first inning lead.  Philadelphia countered with a run in the second and 3rd innings to pull within 1 at 3-2.  That was followed by a 2 run home run by Willie Harris that gave the Nationals a 5-2 lead.

Philadelphia scored 2 in the fifth inning to pull to a 5-4 deficit and chase Nats starter Craig Stammen from the game.  The Stammen line was 5 innings, 9 hits and 4 runs, again, not that solid of a starting appearance, but for the Nats, it was the best one yet.  Sean Burnett allowed a run in 1/3 inning to dead lock the game at 5-5.  Tyler Clippard (1/23 innings) and Brian Bruney (1 inning) settle the Nats pitching down tossing 2 and 2/3 inning of scoreless relief.

Matt Capps came in for the save appearance and struggled allowing a double by Chase Utley and an intentional walk to Ryan Howard.  Capps then worked out off the jam to earn his first save as a National. Tyler Clippard (1-0) picked up the win from the bullpen.

Final:  Washington 6, Philadelphia 5

Offensive Stars:

Ryan Zimmerman, 2-4, double, run, and RBI

Christian Guzman, 2-4, run, and RBI

Willie Harris, 1-3, HR (1), run, and 2 RBIs