In the same way the Philadelphia Phillies make themselves at home at Nationals Park, the Washington Nationals are moving into Citizens Bank Park and are making themselves comfortable. Perhaps in time Philadelphia will be home to "Nationals Park North." It will come sooner than later if the Nationals continue to beat the reigning NL East champs like they did Tuesday afternoon. In game one of a doubleheader the Nationals beat the Phillies 4-3 in 10-innings much to the dismay of the hometown fans in Philly.
Nationals starting pitcher Tom Milone pitched six brilliant innings giving up only four hits, no runs, no walks and striking out two. It was the longest performance of Milone's short Major League career and the first start where he was not taken out of the game mid-inning.
In the seventh inning outfielder Roger Bernadina hit a three-run blast to put the Nationals up 3-0. However, reliever Doug Slaten entered the game and put two Phillies on base before being relieved for Tyler Clippard. Clippard then gave up a three-run home run to Raul Ibanez to tie the game.
In the 10th inning manager Davey Johnson put in pinch hitter Ryan Zimmerman (who had the afternoon off) and he slapped a RBI single to score Michael Morse off Michael Stutes. Nationals closer Drew Storen then came in and slammed the door on the Phillies for his 39th save of the season.
The Nationals have won six of their last eight against the Phillies.
Game 2 of the doubleheader is at 7:05 P.M. with Ross Detwiler taking the mound.