Nationals Vs. Phillies: Kyle Kendrick Pitches Philly To 4-2 Series Opening Win

The Philadelphia Phillies opened their weekend series against the Nationals on Friday night with a 4-2 win at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils were led by starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick, who held the team with the best record in baseball to just two runs over 6.2 innings of work. Kendrick allowed just four hits to hold a three-run cushion and hand it off to the bullpen over the final 2.1 innings.

The Phillies offense got to Edwin Jackson in the top of the first to get on the board early. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a single and advanced to second on a Kevin Frandsen walk. Rollins was knocked in one batter later on a Chase Utley single that made it 1-0. Jackson would settle in a bit and strike out eight Phillies but he could not match the work of Kendrick.

Rollins would again be involved in the second rally of the game in the fourth inning. Laynce Nix and John Mayberry started the inning by getting on base and after a Kendrick sacrifice, Rollins would drive in two with a single to left. The 3-0 cushion would prove to be enough for the Phillies pitching staff.

Philadelphia will now try to take the series on Saturday with Roy Halladay on the mound. He'll be opposed by Gio Gonzalez.

For more on the Phillies and their series with the Nationals, visit The Good Phight.