The Washington Nationals didn't beat the Philadelphia Phillies just once on Tuesday, but twice with the Nationals taking Game 2 of a doubleheader by the score of 3-0. The Nationals are now 8-8 with the Phillies in the season series and are the NL East team with the most success against the Division Champs. Is the writing starting to appear on the wall? Should Washington fans start purchasing tickets to 2012 series in "Natstown North?"
As long as Nationals starter Ross Detwiler continues to pitch like he did Tuesday night, you might want those tickets. Detwiler went seven innings giving up only three hits, no runs, one walk and striking out three. It was an impressive performance from yet another promising piece of the Nationals future.
Danny Espinosa hit his 20th home run in the second inning off a baffled Cliff Lee. Espinosa tied the single-season mark for homers by a rookie along with Ryan Zimmerman and Brad Wilkerson. Espinosa is the third rookie second baseman in MLB history to hit 20 or more home runs. Detwiler added a RBI single in the sixth inning and Jayson Werth scored on a errant pick off by the Phillies.
The Nats have won six straight road contests, the longest road win streak for franchise since the Montreal Expos won nine straight in 1994.