Espinosa, Drew spark offense in Nats' 9-6 comeback win

The Nationals pulled off another comeback win during what has become a confidence-building run for the offense.

Down 4-0 early, the Nationals reeled off nine unanswered runs. They ended up beating the Phillies 9-6, behind seven extra base hits.

The Nats have now scored nine or more runs in four of their last five games.

The beneficiary of the offensive burst Friday night was right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who became the first 10-0 starter in the majors. Strasburg struck out 10 batters - his seventh game of 10 or more whiffs this season - and stretched his winning streak to 13 games dating to last Sept. 15.

Shortstop Danny Espinosa went 3-for-4 with his 10th homer to lead the way.

"We've been waiting on it and he's been waiting on it," said manager Dusty Baker. "He works hard. He's determined also. He's trying to do everything he can to help us win. He makes some heck of good plays at shortstop, too. He's been really busting it and really playing well.

Espinosa's recent hot streak has been based on power. He has seven homers inhis last 14 games.

"Balls are starting to fall," Espinosa said. "I'm making solid contact. Just feeling comfortable up there. If I continue to stay with my work and my approach, I felt like things would turn my way."

Jayson Werth had a productive night at the plate, with a hit, two RBIs and two walks - plus one amazing diving catch to save an extra-base hit on defense.

He has seen Espinosa go through a lot to fight over the years for the starting spot at short.

"For me, thing with Danny is he's been given an opportunity," Werth said. "For a lot of these years, his only opportunity's been at second base. That's not really his natural position. Now being able to play shortstop every day and Dusty's giving him a long leash and basically telling him you're our shortstop.

"Sometimes somebody to have your back and love on you a little bit can go a long way. But sky's the limit for Danny - I've always thought that. He's a shortstop, he switch-hits, he's got power. The consistency has come with the playing time."

The sixth through eighth hitters in the Nats order combined for six hits, four runs, three homers and four RBIs.

Stephen Drew, playing third base as Anthony Rendon had the night off, had two hits and a homer. Wilson Ramos hit his ninth homer of the season.

"It's finally I felt good with the swing," Drew said. "I felt good in spring and then just trying to get accustomed to this role. It's a good thing. It's good for (Rendon) to get a day off. Like tonight, getting in at 5 a.m., it's a big pickup."

Baker said Drew is likely to get the start with Saturday's early game, as well. Espinosa understands that is all a utility player needs to get consistent at the plate: more at-bats.

"He's a professional hitter," Espinosa said. "He's been in the big leagues for a really long time. He knows how to hit. He always has quality at-bats. There's nothing really more to say. He's a professional hitter. He knows what he's doing up there. To see him come in and get those at-bats and get those hits, it's awesome."

Baker empathizes with the plight of a bench player. The only way to get into a rhythm is to play multiple games in a row. Drew will finally get that shot to play back-to-back come Saturday. He was always used to being a starter. This will feel right.

"We knew his track record," Baker said. "(Mike Rizzo) knew him better than anybody because had him in Arizona. He works hard and he stays ready. He knew when he signed here he was going to have limited time and opportunities, especially with Rendon playing third and Murphy at second and Danny at short.

"I'll find a way to get him in there some times to keep him sharp. I'll find a way to keep everybody sharp and keep other guys strong."

Rendon is expected to return to the lineup Saturday.