Washington Nationals beat Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 as Ian Desmond strikes home run - MLB Update
Roy Halladay’s rough time in the season continues as he gives up two home runs and cost the Philadelphia Phillies a 2-5 defeat against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 22, 2012 in second game of the three
match series.
Dominance over the Phillies has become norm for the Nationals as they beat them two games in a row. The Phillies were all set to level series by the time the innings began.
Their hopes shattered as Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel struck homers and gave the Nationals a lengthy lead.
The Phillies on the other hand were unable to challenge the lead. While they added two runs, on no occasion Jordan Zimmermann and the relievers allowed them easy hits.
What hurt the Phillies most were six innings Jordan threw as he only gave up one run.
Halladay needs a series treatment at the moment. Ever since the game against the Atlanta Braves, when he had one of the worst outings of his career, his confidence is low.
Unable to believe how brutally he was hit, he is struggling to get his control back.
Six innings he threw went for nine hits. Although he struck out six, he conceded five runs.
The Phillies will be disappointed. Their ace is being roughed up and position on Division table is unimpressive.
The manager Charlie Manuel discussed after the match as to what is going wrong with the team.
"We do it about every night," Charlie Manuel said. "It gets to the point where you're just trying to get somebody in. Our starting pitching, they're going to give up some runs. They're only human, too."
He further reiterated the need to show resilience during crucial junctures of the game.
"We should be able to come back and win some games every now and then. How many times have we come back and won games being behind? We just don't put together enough. We don't hit the ball good enough to win the game," Manuel elaborated.
With the win, the Nationals have reclaimed top position on table. Their hitters have started putting up consistent performances.
Right fielder Bryce Harper went 2-for-5. Similarly, Ian Desmond contributed one RBI and drew one walk.
The Nationals will be looking to sweep the series by winning the next game against the Phillies.
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