Phillies turn tables, slam homer early (Nats fall 3-1)

The Phillies jumped out quickly in Saturday's game. César Hernández singled and Rhys Hoskins took Nationals starter Tanner Roark to a full count before crushing a pitch over the center field wall. The two-run shot gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead.

This was the opposite of the Nats' 3-0 and then 7-0 leads to start the first two innings on Friday night.

In the third, Roark walked two but also struck out three. Odúbel Herrera walked to extend his on-base streak to 34 games.

Phillies right-hander Vince Velasquez was outstanding through three innings. He allowed no hits and struck out four, facing 10 batters.

The Nats' first baserunner was Roark, who was hit by a pitch in the third. Two batters later, Anthony Rendon walked. But Matt Adams struck out to end the opportunity.

After three innings, the Phillies lead the Nats 2-0.

Update: The Nats' first hit and first run come on one swing of the bat by Wilmer Difo. With one out in the fifth, Difo connected on a 1-2 Velasquez offering for his second homer of the season.

After five innings, the Phillies lead the Nats 2-1.

Update II: The Phillies added to their lead in the sixth. Carlos Santana tripled and Maikel Franco dropped in an RBI single.

Velasquez finished five innings, allowed one run on one hit with four walks and four strikeouts. He hit a batter and allowed one homer, firing 92 pitches, 59 for strikes.

After six innings, the Phillies lead 3-1.

Update III: Roark got through 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts. He threw 115 pitches, 70 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Phillies lead the Nats 3-1.

Update IV: Hector Nerris walked pinch-hitter Trea Turner to lead off the ninth. Pinch-hitter Matt Weiters popped up to second base. Turner was running on the play, and was doubled up off of first base. Michael A. Taylor walked, advanced to second on defensive indifference and took third on a wild pitch, but Difo struck out.

Final score: Phillies 3, Nats 1.