Phillies win 5-3 as Zimmermann takes second loss

Back in the leadoff spot, center fielder Michael A. Taylor roped a single to left field to get things going early for the Nationals this afternoon. Shortstop Ian Desmond followed with a walk and Taylor then advanced to third on a groundout from right fielder Bryce Harper. Taylor would score the game's first run unchallenged when first baseman Ryan Zimmerman bounced out.

The Nats have now scored in the first inning of the last four games.

Starter Jordan Zimmermann has kept the Phillies hitless through two innings, allowing one walk with a strikeout.

Update: Desmond's fielding issues continue to haunt the Nats. With one out and nobody on in the second, Phillies pitcher Aaron Harang hit a routine ground ball to Desmond. He fielded it fine, but couldn't get a handle for the throw. He dropped the ball, picked it up and hurried a one-hopper to first that Zimmerman picked sharply. Harang was originally called out, but the a quick review overturned it into Desmond's eighth error of the season in just 12 games.

Philles center fielder Odubel Herrera immediately followed with a double into the left field corner, leaving men at second and third. Shortstop Freddy Galvis then singled home Harang to tie the game.

Desmond's damage was not done.

With runners on the corners and one out, Chase Utley hit a tailor-made double play ball to second baseman Dan Uggla. Uggla fielded and made a perfect flip to Desmond, who fumbled the ball while trying to make the transfer. Herrera scored easily as Desmond was lucky they called the force out at second.

Both runs were unearned for Zimmermann.

The Nats came back in the fourth when catcher Jose Lobaton singled home Uggla to even the score.

Update II: Herrera would make Zimmermann pay for a dreaded two-out walk in the fifth. Herrera put himself in scoring position by stealing second a few pitches later and then crossed the plate on a single to left from Galvis.

The Phillies lead didn't last long as Harper hit a one-out bomb off Harang in the bottom of the inning. The no-doubter traveled to unchartered territory in Nats Park deep beyond the center field wall. The homer is Harper's team-leading fourth on the season.

Update III: Zimmerman labored through the middle innings battling control problems. He walked Ryan Howard to start the seventh despite the Phillies first baseman hitting just .167. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg sent outfielder Ben Revere in to pinch-run for Howard and he promptly stole second. After advancing to third on a lineout, Nats manager Matt Williams called for lefty Matt Thornton to replace Zimmermann.

Sandberg countered with pinch-hitter Grady Sizemore, who hit a chopper to Zimmerman. With the infield up, Zimmerman came home, but his throw was too late to get Revere, who slid in safely.

Zimmermann wasn't at his best today, but two of the four runs the Phillies put on the board were unearned. He gave up six hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Update IV: Herrera has given the Nats fits this season. He's already responsible for driving in the game-winning run on a walkoff hit in last Saturday's extra inning win at Citizens Bank Park. Today, he's 3-for-4 with a RBI, walk, two stolen bases and two runs scored.

After Revere doubled in the ninth off Nats right-hander Blake Treinen, Herrera singled him home to give the Phillies an insurance run.

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is on to pitch the ninth. Williams will send Tyler Moore up to pinch hit followed by Taylor and Desmond.

Update V: Papelbon got the Nats in order in the ninth to preserve the Phillies' 5-3 win.