Hernandez Keeps Nats Off Balance, Phils Win 1-0

Roberto Hernandez picked a fine day to go beyond 6 innings pitched for the first time in his Phillies tenure. Hernandez went 7 and 1/3, striking out 3, walking 3, giving up 4 hits and no runs. The Phillies could only muster 4 hits themselves but that would be all that was needed; the Phillies won 1-0.

Hernandez Carmona-Esque

Hernandez made it beyond the sixth inning for the first time since July 30 of last year when he was pitching with the Rays. Hernandez threw 104 pitches, 61 for strikes and was never in particular danger in this game.

Bullpen Keeps Nats off the Board

Hernandez was cruising through seven before giving a lead-off single to Denard Span on a ball that narrowly evaded Chase Utley. Hernandez retired Kevin Frandsen on a sacrifice bunt. Mike Adams, in his third appearance in 3 days, retired Jayson Werth. Antonio Bastardo walked Adam LaRoche to put runners on first and third before striking out Anthony Rendon to end the eighth.

Jonathan Papelbon retired Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa before giving up a base hit to Sandy Leon. Papelbon struck out Zack Walters with a 93 MPH fastball to end the game. Since blowing a save on April 2, Papelbon has now pitched 11-straight innings without giving up an earned run, giving just up six hits and two walks, saving 9 straight.

Bats Quiet

Chase Utley drove in the only run of the game in the first inning. Jimmy Rollins hit a one-out triple before Utley drove him in. The only two other hits from the Phillies came off the bat of Ben Revere (triple) and Jayson Nix (single).

With the win, the Phillies pull to 1.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves, who have lost six in a row. The Phillies will send Kyle Kendrick to the mound tomorrow against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays send former Phil J.A. Happ to counter.