With two outs in the 1st last night, Utley singled, then Howard singled him over to third. While Ibanez was working a walk, Howard stole second. As two Nationals converged on second base, Chase Utley alertly stole home. It was a super play and almost all that the Phillies needed. I can't believe that I have seen two steals of home in person this year!
Joe Blanton struggled with his command, walking four. But he also struck our seven in six shutout innings. Again and again, the Nationals ran themselves out of the game, getting picked off at third, on a 9-3 double play, and a 3-unassisted double play. Who is defensively the worst: Nationals, Mets, or Marlins?
The big blow for the Phillies came in the 7th. Up 2-0 and with two outs, Utley was plunked, Howard was walked, and Ibanez, in a great at-bat, worked a walk to load the bases for Jayson Werth. The Nats brought in Jason Bergmann to face him. Werth was 0-8 against Bergmann---till last night's grand slam, clubbed deep into the left field seats. It was Werth's second grand slam of the season and a major league-leading 10th for the Phillies. The Nats got a run in the 9th in their 6-1 loss.
The very bad news, however, is that Chan Ho Park had to be helped off the field at the end of the 7th inning. He injured his hamstring and is out indefinitely. That's another big blow for the beleaguered bullpen.
