Max Scherzer got the start for the Washington Nationals on Friday, and earned his ninth win on the season and the 100th of his career. He is now 9-5 for the season after going eight innings and giving up five hits, two runs, and striking seven out. Closer Drew Storen came in and picked up his 22nd save of the year.
As for the Philadelphia Phillies, pitcher Aaron Harang took the loss, dropping his record to a rough 4-10 as the All-Star break nears.
Early in the game, catcher Wilson Ramos hit an infield single allowing Michael Taylor to score giving the Nats the early lead. During the first inning, Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar took a pitch off of his hand causing him to leave the game. Later, in the fifth inning, Danny Espinosa hit a sac-fly to score Scherzer.
Another infield error made by the Phillies saw Michael Taylor score again, increasing the Nationals' lead to 3-0.
In the sixth, Matt den Dekker smacked a two-run shot to right field, pushing the Nationals ahead by five.
In the bottom of the seventh inning Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown doubled to center field, scoring Cesar Hernandez and the first run of the game for Philadelphia.
With the Phillies trailing only by four runs in the late stages of the game, outfielder Ben Revere launched a solo homerun to right, closing the gap to just three runs.
The ninth inning rolled around, and Drew Storen came in and gave up two hits. He was able to close out the game, though, completing the 5-2 victory for the Phillies.
The second game of this series will take place tomorrow at 3:05 pm.