Ew: Nationals 7, Phillies 1

Well...ew. That was just...ew. There were lots of ewwwwy things in today's game. Worley's pitching, the Phillies offense, and the trio of Nats hitters that just wouldn't stay off the damn bases.

Vance Worley got burned to a crisp today in the Phillies 7-1 loss to the Nationals. He played rather close to the sun through his six innings of work, allowing 11 hits and two walks. When you allow that many baserunners, you're gonna get burned. Those 11 hits translated into five runs, including two home runs. Of course, one of those homers was a three run blast from Jayson Werth. Prior to going yard, Werth was hitting under .200 with runners in scoring position. (That sounds familiar...)

Chad Tracy, Steve Lombardozzi, and Rick effing Ankiel had three hits each today. None of the Phillies pitchers, Worley, Joe Savery, or Jose Contreras, had a solution for any of them. In fact, Worley gave up a double to each of them, plus one to Gio Gonzalez, the pitcher. It was Gonzalez's first career extra base hit. Good for him, right?! (/sob) Speaking of the former Phillies prospect, he was annoyingly good today, allowing one run in seven 7 innings with four hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts. Savery got dinged by a Tracy two-run homer. Just...good Lord. EW.

The Phillies offense was unimpressive today. They scratched out a run early off a sac fly hit by Carlos Ruiz, and that was all the scoring they'd do. The "Chooch Hits Fifth" experiment wasn't successful today, as the Phillies leader in RBI and average went hitless. I'm hopeful they'll try it again, though given how reactionary the Phillies managerial staff has been, I'm not going to hold my breath. All told, the Phillies managed only five hits, though four of the five were doubles. Two of the hits belonged to Hunter Pence, who has been maddening, awkward, and confusing all in one strange, blue eyed package. Pence has an eight game hitting streak, but he's still flailing at everything, barely walking, and is having a tough time doing what he's supposed to do in right field.

Ew.

The Phillies mercifully wrap up their series with Washington tomorrow night at 8:05 pm when Cole Hamels squares off against Jordan Zimmermann. if I never hear the word "Natitude" again it will be too soon. It sounds like a noise someone makes while vomiting.

Ewwwwy Fangraph:

Source: FanGraphs

Scott Franzke Non-Regrettable Quote of the Game: "Do you think Angelo Cataldi and his busload of folks are headed for the exits yet, or are they staying until the end?"