Good, Bad, and Ugly: Washington Nationals Beat Philadelphia Phillies 4-1

THE RESULT

Scott Olsen threw well, the middle guys did their jobs, and Julian Tavarez slammed the door as the Washington Nationals salvaged the finale of a three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies, winning 4-1.

Olsen (1-3, 6.08) went five and two-thirds, allowing just a single run on Shane Victorino's third home run of the season. He gave up six hits and two walks, striking out six.

Garrett Mock and Kip Wells followed with two and one-third innings of scoreless relief, and Tavarez got two groundball outs before finally striking out Victorino to end the game. It was Tavarez' first save since May 28, 2006.

Anderson Hernandez was the hitting star, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Ryan Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to 18 games, longest in the majors this year, and longest in the five-year history of the Nationals.

THE TAKEAWAY

Olsen was sharp for the third start in a row. He faced 24 batters, getting seven groundball outs and just three fly ball outs to go along with the six Ks. He threw 93 pitches, 67 for strikes.

Mock and Wells walked three guys between them in two and one-third, but didn't give up a hit.

THE GOOD

Anderson Hernandez went 3-for-4, with two doubles, two RBI, a stolen base, and  a run scored. Solid.

THE BAD

Josh Willingham. He's really struggling right now. He went 1-for-4 to raise his average to .143.

THE UGLY

Anderson Hernandez. This is a rare feat, getting the good and the ugly in the same game, but his throwing error was the only bit of ugliness last night. Let's relish it.

NEXT GAME

Tonight at 7:05 against the Central Division leading St. Louis Cardinals. Daniel Cabrera (0-2, 4.42) faces Mitchell Boggs (1-0, 1.17).

NOTES

Cristian Guzman returned to the lineup, hit leadoff, and went 1-for-5. Willie Harris singled in his only at bat, his first since returning from the DL.