Phillies 2 - 3 Nationals
Final
  for this game

LaRoche homers twice as Nationals edge Phils

Sep 8, 2014 - 1:41 AM Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Scott Hairston's sacrifice fly in the sixth inning lifted the Washington Nationals over the Philadelphia Phillies, 3-2, in the finale of a three-game series.

Adam LaRoche hit a pair of solo homers for the Nationals, who lead the Braves by seven games for first place in the NL East. Atlanta lost to Miami on Sunday.

"Today's win was big," LaRoche said. "We avoid a sweep and have a win going into tomorrow."

Washington starter Gio Gonzalez (8-9) allowed two runs -- one earned -- on five hits over six-plus innings.

Cole Hamels (8-7) got the start for Philadelphia and gave up three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. He made his first appearance since being part of a combined no-hitter last Monday versus Atlanta.

"Cole wasn't as sharp with his command and just controlling the ball," said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg.

The Nationals took the lead for good in the sixth. Ian Desmond doubled with one out, advanced to third on a Hamels balk and crossed the plate on Hairston's sacrifice fly.

Aaron Barrett, Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen each pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. Storen recorded his second save of the season by turning away Philly in order in the ninth.

The Phillies jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a pair of errors from the Nationals. Grady Sizemore singled and scored all the way from first on Marlon Byrd's base hit. Nats center fielder Denard Span tried to throw out Sizemore at third, but his throw was wide and Sizemore headed for home. Third baseman Anthony Rendon's throw home was also off the mark.

LaRoche led off the second with a homer.

Each team scored once in the fourth. Darin Ruf hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Carlos Ruiz and LaRoche responded with his second homer of the game.

Game Notes

Despite the loss, Philadelphia finished its season series with the Nationals with a 10-9 advantage ... Washington went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight.






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