Nats Drop Phils in 'Second' Opening Day

Philadelphia, PA--A five-run top of the ninth inning paved the way for the Washington Nationals to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 11-6 in the Phils' home opener. The game was tied at six when Phillies Manager Charlie Manual summoned Tom Gordon to start the ninth, and the Nats' bats delivered against the temporary closer.

Lastings Milledge, who homered earlier off of Ryan Madson, started the ninth with a lead-off single. Nick Johnson doubled him home and scored on Carlos Ruiz' errant pick-off throw. Paul LoDuca and Ronnie Belliard then had back-to-back RBI doubles to chase Gordon from the game, and Dmitri Young doubled off of Clay Condrey to cap the scoring.

Nats starter Matt Chico pitched five and one-third innings, surrendering three earned runs on six hits and a walk, striking out four. He also allowed a solo home run to second baseman Chase Utley. Saul Rivera pitched a scoreless inning to earn the victory.

Cristian Guzman, Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns and Milledge all had two hit apiece, and the Nats second through seventh place hitters all drove in runs.

Jimmy Rollins, reigning National League MVP, homered against Ray King in the seventh inning to tie the game before the Nats heroics in the ninth. Phillies starter Brett Myers allowed four runs -- three earned -- and five hits in five innings. He also walked two and hit two batters. He spent most of last season as the Phillies closer, but after the acquisition of Brad Lidge was moved back into the rotation. Gordon was filling in for Lidge, who started the season on the disabled list recovering from spring knee surgery.

The Nats start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2003. They face the Phillies again Wednesday, April 1, with Tim Redding facing Cole Hamels in the second of the three-game series.

Nats Drop Phils in 'Second' Opening Day also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo Courtesy of A. Santos, DC Sports Box