Phils Down Nationals, 4-1
Things didn’t look too good for the Phillies for the first six innings of Friday night’s game against the Nationals. The Phils were only down 1-0 thanks to a great performance by Jerome Williams, but the offense simply couldn’t get anything going against Gio Gonzalez.
But then, with one out in the seventh inning, Gonzalez lost it. He walked Grady Sizemore and Cameron Rupp, and then hit Andres Blanco to load the bases. Xavier Cedeno relieved Gonzalez, and promptly gave up a two-run single by Cesar Hernandez. The Phillies would score two more in the inning via a Freddy Galvis single and Chase Utley sacrifice fly.
Gonzalez’s final line was 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K. For the Phillies, Williams’ line was 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. Ken Giles pitched the eighth inning, and looked much better than he did in his first appearance this year. He gave up a double to Yunel Escobar, but otherwise had great command of his slider. He was in the mid-to-upper 90’s with his fastball, as well.
The attendance for the game was 19,047, which was an all-time low for Citizens Bank Park.
Tomorrow, Cole Hamels and Doug Fister get the call for the Phils and Nats for a 7:05 start.
