Washington defeated the Fightins 6-5 in the rubber game of the season opening series this afternoon.  Kyle Kendrick was hit hard by the Nationals lasting only four innings while giving up five runs, shows the difference between real games and spring training as Kendrick cruised during the spring. 

Newcomer Nelson Figuerora gave up the eventual game winning run in the seventh inning as Ryan Zimmerman knocked it in with a double.  The Phillies struggled offensively despite scoring five runs, they were a collective 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position.   Hard to say a team struggled offensively when they bang out 12 hits but timely hitting was not the case in this one.  Jayson Werth had three hits while Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard each had two hits.

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Raul Ibanez has continued his offensive struggles from spring training, Ibanez has opened the season 1 for 11, the one hit a soft ground ball to right field.  He had a chance to tie the game in the ninth with Utley on third base and one out but popped out to shortstop.   Utley led off the ninth with a hard liner just over the shortstop’s head and turned it into a double by busting out of the box, the Washington centerfielder was playing deep and due to Utley’s hustle and read of the situation Chase was safe at second, he is the epitome of a heady player, a true winner.

J.A. Happ takes the hill on Friday as the Phillies open a three game set in Houston, the Astros will be hunting for thier first win of the year as they were swept by San Francisco in thier season opening series.