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Washington Nationals: 3 Takeaways From 4-3 Win Over Phillies

By Ricky Keeler

May 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) steals second past the tag attempt of Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) steals second past the tag attempt of Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
May 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) touches the plate in front of Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Murphy Provides Bulk Of Offense

Last night, Daniel Murphy continued his storybook start to the season as he went 3-for-4 with a home run, a run scored, and three RBI’s. Murphy’s night started in the top of the second when he doubled down the left field line for the Nats’ first hit of the night.

Two innings later, he hit a 0-1 fastball from Hellickson over the wall in right center for a solo home run to tie the game at one. Murphy now has eight home runs on the season, which is only six away from tying his career-high from last season with the Mets.

Then, in the top of the eighth, Murphy took two splitters out of the strike zone against Neris to work the count to 2-0. With the bases loaded, Murphy hit a fastball into right field for a two-run single to give the Nats a 4-2 lead.

It’s been a historic month of May for the the 31-year-old second baseman. This month, Murphy is hitting .413 with six home runs, 22 RBI’s, and a .421 on-base percentage. His 45 hits already are a Nats record for the most hits in any month and he’s two hits away from tying the Expos record as William Ladson of MLB.com tweeted Saturday night:

At this point in the season, you would have to think Murphy is the favorite to start at second base for the National League in San Diego at the All-Star Game in July. But, if he can somehow keep this going all year, it could be a historic season for Murphy in his first year in DC.

Next: Strategy Against Neris Pays Off

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