Kyle Kendrick took the hill for the Fightins in the last game of the three game series against the Nationals in Washington.  Kendrick was staked to an early three run lead as Jayson Werth belted his 15th home run of the season to lead off the second inning.  Eric Bruntlett then singled as did Carlos Ruiz.   Bruntlett scored on a ground out by Jimmy Rollins and Ruiz scored on a error by the Nats Ryan Zimmerman.

The Nationals scored single runs in the third and fourth frames to tighten the score.  Jimmy Rollins belted a two run home run in the fourth frame to widen the gap once again. The Phillies put the game away with three more runs in the sixth highlighted by RBI singles for Ryan Howard and  Pat Burrell.

Kendrick pitched six and 2/3 innings before yielding  to Clay Condrey.  Condrey completed the inning and pitched the eighth, Rudy Seanez started the ninth frame but relinquished two runs and was pulled in favor of Chad Durbin who finished the game by getting the final out.   Nationals Park marked the 47th park that Seanez has pitched in during his journeyman career.

The Mets were idle so with the win the Phillies expanded their lead in the division to one full game.  The Marlins pounded the Rockies so they remain one and 1/2 games off the pace.

 Chatter

The trade deadline came and went with no activity for the Phillies.  Manny was indeed dealt by Boston but to the Dodgers.  The Phillies have yet to play the Dodgers this season and have eight games left with L.A. so they will have to deal with Ramirez for a good portion of their remaining games.  I assume that J.A. Happ will see innings out of the pen and provides insurance if one of the starters stumbles.   Adam Eaton pitched at Single A Lakewood and did not have a great line score as he only lasted thru four innings.  He may indeed be the most expensive minor leaguer in history !   The Phillies will keep their eyes open for waiver wire deals, remember that two years ago Jamie Moyer was acquired via that path.