Nationals Survive to beat the Phillies 2 - 1

With the Nationals leading 2 - 0 in the 9th inning, manager Davey Johnson decided it was time to pull his reliever in the middle of the count.  Henry Rodriguez had already walked a batter and given up a hit, so on his second wild pitch to Ty Wigginton, Johnson made the switch.  Left hander Sean Burnett came out and inherited the 1-0 count.

One run was scored, but ultimately the Nationals managed to hold on and win 2 - 1, moving back to within a half-game of division leading Atlanta.

Gio Gonzalez, however, had an outstanding night for six innings.  He struck out nine batters and allowed only three hits through all six scoreless innings.  Ian Desmond took care of the Nationals scoring duties by driving in both of their runs, one on a home run swat in the second.

The Nationals are due to face the Phillies again tonight at Citizens Bank Park where Zimmerman will be on the mound for the Nationals facing Halladay for the Phillies.