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

Check out our three takeaways from the Washington Nationals 4-3 win over the Phillies last night.

Last night, the Washington Nationals (31-21) offense was held to one run over the first seven innings by Jeremy Hellickson and the Philadelphia Phillies (26-25). Then, in the eighth inning, against one of the better relievers on the Phillies in Hector Neris, the Nats scored three runs, including a game-winning two-run single by Daniel Murphy to seal a win for Tanner Roark.

While Murphy’s game-winning hit and three RBI’s were the positive story of the night, but the negative storyline involved Bryce Harper. Harper, who has been struggling for most of the month of May, had to leave the game after the top of the seventh after being hit in the right knee on a pitch from Hellickson. However, while more information has yet to be announced, Harper and Baker didn’t sound as worried after the win last night, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post:

Just like the last series in Philadelphia, Jonathan Papelbon did make it interesting when he allowed back-to-back doubles and a run to start the bottom of the ninth. But, the Nats’ closer retired the next three Phillies’ hitters, including two strikeouts to seal his 14th save of the year.

Before Joe Ross takes on Aaron Nola tonight in the final game of the month of May (7:05 p.m ET, MASN2), here are my three takeaways from the Washington Nationals’ 4-3 win over the Phillies last night at Citizens Bank Park:

Next: Murphy Provides Bulk Of Offense

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

Eighth Inning Strategy Against Neris Pays Off

Other than that Murphy home run in the fourth, the Nats didn’t do much against Hellickson for the majority of the night. The Phillies’ right-hander went seven innings, gave up the lone home run on three hits, struck out eight, and did not walk a batter on just 79 pitches (53 strikes). Hellickson has now only given up one run in his last two outings against the Washington Nationals.

In the eighth, the Nats went up against Hector Neris, who had a 0.98 ERA in the eighth inning coming into the night. With one out, Danny Espinosa drew a walk. Two batters later, after a great leaping grab by Maikel Franco took a hit away from Clint Robinson, Ben Revere took a 3-2 pitch and drew another walk.

Then, Jayson Werth had his second clutch hit in as many days when he tied the game with a RBI single to left. After Chris Heisey (in for Harper) drew the third walk of the inning, Murphy hit his two-run single which eventually gave the Nats the win.

Neris didn’t finish the inning as he threw 29 pitches to get two outs and was eventually replaced by Jeanmar Gomez. The 29 pitches he threw last night were the third most he’s thrown in any game this year. In his previous for appearances against Washington, his maximum pitch count was 17 (April 26). Plus, three of Neris’ ten walks came in last night’s game.

Give the Washington Nationals lineup credit last night for staying patient and drawing those walks to set themselves up for a big inning that helped their starting pitcher pick up a well-deserved win.