Jayson Werth led the Washington Nationals into Philadelphia, hoping to guide his new Beltway teammates to a win over his former employers, but it was Livan Hernandez who provided the former Phillie a victory via the mound and the batters box. Hernandez threw six strong innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one. Hernandez was two for three at the plate, driving in half of the Nationals runs.
The newly rejuvenated Rick Ankiel continued his August surge, going two for four, scoring a run, driving in a run and stealing two bases. Ian Desmond, he of the ridiculous minor league bobble-head, also chipped in two hits in four at bats.
Washington chased one of the National League's best pitchers, Cole Hamels, after just five innings. Hamels surrendered three runs on six hits, striking out five but also walking four Nationals batters.
The Washington bullpen was once again effective, as Tyler Clippard pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Drew Storen escaped a jam in the ninth to record his 31st save of the season.