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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 starting pitcher Tanner Roark (57) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Roark Continues To Dominate Phillies

Ever since that bad outing against the Marlins in Game two of a doubleheader back on May 14, Tanner Roark has been a different pitcher. Over his last 20.2 innings pitched, he has given up only four runs and struck out 16 batters. He is 2-1 in that time thanks to that Nats’ three-run eighth inning getting him his second win this month. Plus, he has a 1.29 ERA in two starts against Philadelphia.

In last night’s game, Roark went seven innings, gave up two runs on four hits, struck out four, and walked two on 97 pitches (66 strikes) in the win. He threw 17 first pitch strikes to the 26 batters he faced and had 14 groundball outs, which was his second highest total of the season.

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One of those Phillies’ run against him came in the second inning and they didn’t need even a hit to do it. With one out, Cesar Hernandez drew a walk, stole second, and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a Tyler Goeddel walk, Hellickson helped his own cause, but with a sacrifice bunt.

Four innings later, Freddy Galvis hit a 1-2 slider over the wall in right center to give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead. In 24 at-bats against the Nats this season, Galvis is hitting .292, which is his highest batting average against any NL East opponent.

Next: Nats-Phillies Series Preview (5/30-6/1)

After giving up the home run, the Nats’ right-hander retired the last six hitters he faced on the night. Even though Roark continues to struggles with his command at times, he has been able to limit some of the damage and has been giving the Nats a lot of quality starts this year.

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