Nats down the Phillies AGAIN, take first in the NL East

The Washington Nationals continue their domination of the Philadelphia Phillies tonight with a

Jordan Zimmermann pitched six strong innings for the Nats allowing just 1 run on 7 hits with 2 strikeouts. The win improved Zimmermann's record on the season to 3-4 with an impressive 2.48 ERA

Offensively, the Nationals put up 4 runs on Roy Halladay in the third inning. After allowing two singles to Ryan Zimmerman and Steve Lombardozzi, Halladay gave up a two run triple to Bryce Harper. Harper had two hits and drove in two runs. Adam LaRoche drove in Harper with a sacrifice fly out. Ian Desmond continued his tear with a solo shot, his 8th of the season, good enough to lead the Nationals overall. Desmond's home run gave Washington a 4-1 lead.

Rick Ankiel padded the Nats lead with a solo bomb in the 5th inning to put the Nats up 5-1. Tom Gorzelanny pitched 2 innings of relief and allowed a solo home run to Erik Kratz.

With Henry Rodriguez removed as closer in Drew Storen's absence, Davey Johnson has committed to closer by committee. Tonight it was Tyler Clippard. And Clip was perfection, retiring all three Phillies to earn his second save of the season and guarantee the Nats another series win over the Phillies.

The Nats are now 13-3 over the Phillies over the last 16 contests. They have won six straight in Philadelphia.

Nats improve overall to 26-17. With a 4-3 Atlanta Braves loss tonight, your Washington Nationals are back in first place in the National League East.