Frandsen’s Pinch Hit Propels Phillies Past Nationals 3-1

Jul 11, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates scoring during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY SportsThursday night in Philadelphia, newly minted All Star Jordan Zimmerman vied for his thirteenth victory of the season. Despite a strong outing from the tall right hander, the Nationals gave up runs in the seventh and eighth to fall 3-1.
With the exception of the sixth inning, the Nats were shut down by Phiilie righy Kyle Kendrick(8-6). The veteran longman went seven strong innings of one run ball, giving up five hits and a walk.  Their only run came courtesy of Ryan Zimmerman, who drove home Bryce Harper with a sixth inning sacrifice fly.  Harper, who had just tripled off of the glove of Delmon Young in RF, was Zimmerman’s 51st RBI of the year.

Despite the loss, Jordan Zimmermann(12-4) continued his efforts to try and get the starting nod in the All Star Game.  ZImmermann battled through six and a third innings, giving up two runs and striking out six.  He walked none.  The biggest play of the game happened for the Phillies in the seventh inning.  In a tie game, Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel sent up pinch hitter Kevin Frandsen to face Zimmermann with a rune ner on third and one out and Frandsen delivered, lashing a double off of Denard Span‘s glove to score one and give Philadelphia the lead.  Chase Utley scored on a fielder’s choice in the eighth inning to give the Phillies an insurance run.  Jonathon Papelbon shut down Washington in the eight for his 2oth save of the year and a series victory.

Friday night, the Nationals will head to Miami to take on the last place Marlins.  Stephen Strasburg will fire against right hander Nathan Eovaldi as the Nationals look to take advantage of a weak team to make up ground in the standings.  First pitch is at 7:10 ET.