Phils Are Blanked By Nats

The Nationals beat the Phillies 4-0 Monday night. It was another long day for the Phillies offense as they failed to produce for another "quality start." The Phils have lost 3 straight now, falling to third place in the NL East. They are half a game behind the Mets and one and a half games behind the first place Marlins.

Brett Myers got the start and did well enough to keep the Phillies in the game but his offense did not show up. He gave up 3 runs on 8 hits, walking 3 and striking out 2. Madson came in for the 7th and 8th inning and gave up the fourth run.

Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Geoff Jenkins had 2 hits apiece and Carlos Ruiz added the last hit. Ryan Howard was back to his old self going 0-4 and striking out once. Jayson Werth pinch hit with two outs in the top of the ninth only to strike out on Joel Hanrahan's high and in 97 MPH fastball.

Tim Redding got the start for the Nationals and pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings. He gave up 7 hits, striking out 2 and walking 2. Christian Guzman went 3-4 with a double and 3 runs scored. Lastings Milledge had 2 doubles as well for Washington.

Myers has been terrible all year in his return to the rotation. It isn't known if Myers is playing through an injury, is out of shape, or is just in a complete mental funk. His fastball has lost a lot of velocity, leading to a possible shoulder injury he is hiding. Putting him back in the bull pen won't help and taking him out of the rotation will leave the Phillies with out a 5th starter.