Nats can't solve Hamels, fall to Phillies 4-1

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

May 23, 2012, 5:47pm

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PHILADELPHIA - The Nationals have won 10 series this season. They still only have one sweep, and that was of the two-game variety. For the ninth time this season, the Nationals entered a series finale with a chance to earn a sweep and came up short. They lost to the Phillies 4-1, with Cole Hamels again cruising through an outing against Nats hitters. He held them scoreless over eight innings, allowing just four hits and three walks and striking out eight. The Nats had chances, but Hamels was just too good, holding the Nats to a 1-of-9 line with runners in scoring position. The Phillies lefty has now allowed one run in 16 innings against the Nats this season. Nats starter Edwin Jackson battled through seven innings after elevating his pitch count early, allowing three runs on seven hits. Pitching in a much less stressful role - with his team trailing by three in the eighth inning - Henry Rodriguez still looked shaky, sending two of his first three pitches to the backstop and allowing a solo home run to Shane Victorino and a walk. Danny Espinosa, Bryce Harper and Jesus Flores each reached base twice for the Nationals, and they got a run in the ninth on an Adam LaRoche home run off Jonathan Papelbon, but still dropped their second game to the Phillies this season.