The Washington Nationals began their seven-game homestand in fine form, riding a strong start from Tim Redding to take a 4-0 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies. But after dropping a 1-0 affair in the ninth inning the next night, the Nationals imploded in the finale of the three-game series with the Phils, losing 12-2.
Matt Chico started the game for the Nats, filling in for Shawn Hill, who is still nursing a sore elbow. Chico lasted five innings, surrendering four earned runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. He could have had a better fate if he managed to keep the ball in the park. Chico allowed three homers, all solo shots, to Pedro Feliz, Shane Victorino, and Ryan Howard. Of course, Chico certainly didn't get much support from his teammates, as the Nationals' bats couldn't push a run across the plate until the bottom of the seventh, and by then it was too little, too late.
The Phillies blew the game open with an eight-run sixth inning. Jesus Colome took the brunt of the punishment, getting lit up for five hits and six runs in only a third of an inning. Chris Schroder would get the final two outs of the sixth, but it wasn't until he gave up two more runs. Howard had the biggest blow, swatting his second homer of the game and his 12th of the season.
The Nationals will now set their sights on the Milwaukee Brewers, who will come to town for a four-game set.
