LaRoche, Strasburg start off well (Phillies win 9-8 in 11 innings)

There was some question prior to Friday's series opener against the Phillies whether or not first baseman Adam LaRoche would be able to play.

He admitted during pregame that he has been battling back pain, elbow soreness and flu-like symptoms since early in the week.

Facing the Dodgers on Wednesday, LaRoche managed to battle through the pain to put together a two-hit five RBI performance, including his 20th homer of the season, in a 8-5 14-inning victory over Los Angeles.

LaRoche told manager Matt Williams he was good to go Friday. In the first frame, he proved it, launching a two-run shot over the right-center field wall, and the Nationals led 2-0 after one inning.

Denard Span recorded his 1,000th career base hit, a single in the first inning, but was caught stealing third base.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg dispatched the Phillies 1-2-3 in the first inning. He did the same n the second frame, with two grounders and a flyout to right field.

The Nationals lead 2-0 after heading to the bottom of the second in D.C.

Update: Wilson Ramos connected on a sac fly RBI and the Nationals lead 3-0 after four innings.

Update II: Anthony Rendon had a two-run double in the fifth, scoring Span and Strasburg who singled to get the inning started. The Nationals lead 5-0.

Update III: Strasburg exited after six innings, allowing one run on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He gave up a run-scoring double to Ben Revere in the sixth, and the Nationals shutout was gone.

In the seventh, Xavier Cedeno gave up a towering solo shot down the right field line to Ryan Howard, cutting the Nationals lead 5-2.

Update IV: In the seventh, Jayson Werth had a RBI double and LaRoche added a sac fly to score Rendon, for a 7-2 Nationals lead. On a Bryce Harper flyout to left field, Werth was called out on the throw home. The crew chief initiated a review of a possible violation of Rule 7.1.3. The video replay confirmed the call on the field. The delay was approximately one minute.

Update VII: In the eighth off of Matt Thornton, Chase Utley had a RBI double and Howard a run-scoring infield single. The Nationals' lead was trimmed to 7-4.

Update VIII: Rafael Soriano came on in the ninth looking to record his 32nd save. That did not occur. Carlos Ruiz crushed a two-run shot and Ben Revere hit a solo homer. The Phillies, once down 7-2, have tied the game at 7-7.

Heading to extra innings even at 7-7. The Nationals are 8-8 and the Phillies 8-10 in games past the ninth inning.

Update IX: In the 10th inning against Jake Diekman, Desmond walked. Harper laid down a sacrifice bunt to get Desmond to second base. Ramos was intentionally walked.

Asdrubal Cabrera flew out to left field for the second out.

Pinch-hitter Kevin Frandsen then struck out to end the inning. After 10 complete, we're all even, 7-7.

Update X: With Craig Stammen pitching in the 11th, Dominic Brown hit a deep fly to left center, and Harper and Span collided, the ball dropping. Brown was safe at second on Harper's error. Brown moved to third base on a sacrifice by Ruiz.

Maikel Franco's fielder's choice was thrown home by first baseman Tyler Moore. The throw was too high and late, allowing Brown to score and the Phillies to take an 8-7 lead. Moore was charged with an error and Franco went to second.

Revere added a run-scoring single, adn the Phillies lead 9-7.

Update XI: Facing Jonathan Papelbon in the bottom of the eleventh, Rendon walked with one out. Werth singled and Rendon went to third on an error by Revere. Moore singled Rendon home to get the Nats within a run.

Desmond struck out and Harper lined out to left to end the game.