The Philadelphia Phillies opened their final homestand with a 6-3 win over the NL East leading Nationals. The Phils jumped on Washington starter Ross Detwiler early, getting five quick runs to spot Cole Hamels. The first run came via the long ball, the first homer of Darin Ruf's major league career. Ruf knocked the cover off the ball at Triple-A Reading, and Phils fans have been anticipating his power. He delivered by taking a 3-2 pitch over the left field wall.
The Phils would open up a four-run lead in the top of the third, with Carlos Ruiz doing the big damage with a three-run shot. Detwiler walked the first two batters of the inning, and Ryan Howard and Ruiz made him pay. Howard singled home John Mayberry and Ruiz smacked one to left for the 5-1 lead.
Hamels was steady enough to preserve the lead and get the game to the bullpen. The lefty gave up three runs in five innings of work. The Nats would get two in the fifth, ending his night but the pen slammed the door over the final four innings.
Kyle Kendrick will now get the ball in Game 2 of the series. He'll try to clinch it against John Lannan on Wednesday evening.