Recap: Philadelphia Phillies Lose Series Finale to Washington Nationals 4-1

When Shane Victorino hit a first inning home run to jump on top of the Washington Nationals it would be a lie to say I didn’t say “Alright, here we go again.”

Like many Phillies fans I was expecting the Phillies’ offense to continue their recent hot streak and jump all over Scott Olsen early on en route to a solid victory and series sweep.

Olsen had other things in mind. The left handed pitcher went 5.2 innings (although I think he was pulled a little early) and scattered six hits and only allowed Victorino’s home run for the Phillies’ lone run of the night. Olsen struck out six batters and the Nationals bullpen finally held on to a late inning lead, winning 4-1.

Brett Myers got the start for the Phillies and was pegged with the loss, although he pitched ok. He got into a bases loaded jam in the third inning and actually walked in a run at the time, but he escaped with no more damage done.

Myers gave up two runs in the sixth inning though after giving up some base hits in the inning. Myers’ line shows three earned runs on eight hits and three strike outs and three walks.

The Phillies had some opportunities to score more runs tonight but failed to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Chase Utley went hit less and the bottom of the lineup (Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste and pinch hitters/Myers) failed to reach base except for one walk by Coste.

Jimmy Rollins had a two hit game which nudged his season batting average above .200 (.207).

The Phillies have an off day today before starting a weekend series with the New York Mets. The Phillies fall to a game and a half behind the Florida Marlins with the Marlins winning yesterday in New York.

This was originally published on Macho Row, a dedicated Phillies website.