Ian Desmond, Jayson Werth Propel the Nationals Past the Phillies

The Washington Nationals valiantly delivered late, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 Wednesday evening at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

Gio Gonzalez and Jayson Werth continually weathered the storm throughout the night for the Nationals.

However, it was Ian Desmond’s huge grand slam off Michael Stutes in the 11th inning that sealed the win for the Nationals.

Early on, it seemed as if the Phillies were destined to sweep the Nationals after a two-run shot by Michael Young in the bottom of the first. Nonetheless, the early mistake proved to be a minuscule one for Gonzalez as he dissected the Phillies with a series of devastating fastballs and sliders that the Phillies had no answer for.

In seven innings, Gonzalez allowed only two runs and two hits, all the while matching a career-best 11 strikeouts on the night.

Although the night ended in no-decisions for both Gonzalez and Kyle Kendrick, both pitchers had outstanding outings on the mound Wednesday evening.

Throughout the first seven innings, the Phillies were in control.

However, it was evident that Charlie Manuel’s decision to pull Kendrick in the seventh inning weakened the Phillies’ onslaught as the evening progressed.

Honestly, it seemed as if Kendrick could go all night long if need be. Having allowed only one run and two hits through 7.2 innings, his adrenaline and confidence had to have had him feeling like Superman on the mound.

Yes, Kendrick was that good.

One cannot help but wonder how the game would have turned out had Kendrick still been on the mound for the Phillies.

Having dropped three straight prior to Wednesday’s contest in Philadelphia, a win for the Nationals has to feel oh so good as they prepare for their upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies in DC.

For the Phillies, however, there is simply no time to worry about the one that got away. 

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