A clutch hit late in the game and another strong pitching performance led to the Washington Nationals earning a series sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Gio Gonzalez was outstanding for six innings, and a clutch hit by Wilson Ramos was the deciding factor in the Washington Nationals’ 2-1 win over the Phillies tonight.
Jayson Werth gave the Nationals a 1-0 lead in the first inning, cranking his 20th homer of the season.
Four innings later, Freddy Galvis knotted the score at 1-1 with his 15th homer of the year.
Ramos gave the Nats a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, as he laced a two-out RBI single to knock Phillies starter Adam Morgan out of the game.
The Nationals did load the bases later in the inning, but Clint Robinson, who was pinch-hitting for Gio Gonzalez grounded out to end the frame.
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Morgan pitched a solid game for his club. He allowed just two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings. The southpaw didn’t issue a free pass, fanned five batters and surrendered a homer on 103 pitches (63 strikes) in a losing effort.
Gonzalez was just as good on the mound. He tossed six innings, yielded two hits, allowed one run, struck out four, walked one batter and also gave up a homer on 101 pitches (61 strikes), in picking up his 10th victory of the season.
Blake Treinen relieved Gonzalez in the seventh and had a scoreless appearance. Treinen retired the first batter he faced in the eighth and gave way to Marc Rzepczynski, who recorded the last two outs.
Call to the Pen
Rzepczynski started the ninth with closer Mark Melancon unavailable. Rzepczynski did the walk the leadoff batter but forced the next batter to hit into a double play.
Shawn Kelley was brought in to face pinch-hitter Maikel Franco, and Kelley picked up his seventh save, as Franco grounded out to end the game.
Next Game: The Washington Nationals (78-55) continue their road trip on Friday, with A.J. Cole (0-1, 4.97 ERA) getting the start. He will be opposed by New York Mets (69-64) starter Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55 ERA).
You can watch the game at 7:10 p.m. ET on MASN.