The Washington Nationals offense looks completely unable to put anything together once again. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Vance Worley is having a field day and has not run into much trouble as he is holding the Washington offense down and at his mercy. There is almost a feeling of the Phillies just waiting patiently for the dam to break as the teams move into the sixth inning with the score in the Phillies favor 3-0.
The Phillies offense was just as confused facing Nats pitcher Jason Marquis as Marquis allowed only three hits up until the bottom of the fifth when everything came undone. Raul Ibanez hit a solo home run off the right hander then Marquis loaded the bases and allowed Wilson Valdez to score off a Shane Victorino single. Worley who was at third then scored on a Placido Polanco sac fly.
Without any offense the Nationals have looked dead in the water.
In the top of the fourth inning manager Jim Riggleman was tossed from the game for arguing balls and strikes after Adam LaRoche struck out for the second time in the game. Riggleman's ejection left the team in the hands of bench coach John McLaren.
Outfielder Michael Morse was scratched from the game mere minutes before the first pitch. Morse complained of right knee soreness, but will be available to pinch hit if needed. Outfielder Laynce Nix was put into left field in his place.