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Washington Nationals Offense Shut Out By Jeremy Hellickson, Phillies

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 22, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals offense managed just two hits against Jeremy Hellickson in a loss to the Phillies

In their last series against the Phillies, the Washington Nationals offense scored five runs in the first inning against starter Jeremy Hellickson (April 15). Tonight, they managed only two hits over the course of seven innings as the Nats wasted a great effort by Gio Gonzalez in a 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.

The only two hits by the Washington Nationals tonight were a Daniel Murphy ground rule double to lead off the second and a Danny Espinosa bunt single in the fifth. Other than that, Hellickson kept the Nats in check. The right-hander went seven innings, gave up no runs on two hits, struck out eight, and walked three on 92 pitches (60 strikes) in the win.

It was a pitcher’s duel throughout the night as neither team scored for the first five innings, but the Phillies finally got to Gonzalez in the sixth. Odubel Herrera led off the inning with a base hit. Three batters later, with runners on the corners due to a sacrifice but, a wild pitch, and a walk, Darin Ruf hit a sacrifice fly to center for the game’s first run.

One inning later, Gonzalez ran into more trouble. Cesar Hernandez and Tyler Goeddel began the inning with back-to-back singles. After a sacrifice bunt by Hellickson, Peter Bourjos hit a groundball to Anthony Rendon, but Rendon’s throw to the plate was too high, which gave Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.

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Gonzalez would walk Herrera before leaving the game. The left-hander went 6.1 innings, gave up two runs (one earned run) on five hits, struck out five, and walked three on 108 pitches (62 strikes) in the loss.

Once Gonzalez left the game, Sammy Solis came in to get out of the jam. Solis was called up today after Matt Belisle was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a calf strain. He was able to get Freddy Galvis to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the seventh. But, the Phillies got a run off of him in the eighth when Carlos Ruiz hit a solo shot to left (his third of the season) to make the score 3-0.

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For the second straight night, the Phillies walked Bryce Harper twice (no intentional walks). However, Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts hitting behind him. After Hellickson, Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez (got the save) retired the last six Nats’ hitters in order to end the game.

Next Game: The Washington Nationals (14-6) will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon against the Philadelphia Phillies (11-10). You can catch the game at 4:05 p.m ET on MASN. Aaron Nola (1-2, 4.50 ERA) will get the start for the Phillies against Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.63) for the Nats.

 

 

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