Read: Today in the NL East
The Washington Nationals picked up their first victory of the season last night by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-2. Washington’s offense was powered by home runs from Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham, Alex Gonzalez, and Elijah Dukes.
Tha Nationals continue their homestand tonight against the Marlins while the Phillies return to CBP to take on the Padres.
In Atlanta, the Marlins completed a 3-game sweep of the Braves to run their record to a league best 8-1. Cody Ross propelled Florida to victory with a 3-for-3 night that included a 3-run home run and 4 RBI.
The first place Marlins go north to face Washington this evening, and Atlanta travels to Pittsburgh for a 3-game weekend series.
In player news… Atlanta’s SS Yunel Escobar had to leave yesterday’s game with a strained abdominal muscle. Escobar injured himself while jumping up and down in the on-deck circle.
The Braves expect Escobar to miss 3-4 games.
Nationals manager Manny Acta inserted Nick Johnson into the second slot in the lineup on Thursday, and all Johnson did was go 3-for-4 with a walk.
Acta plans on keeping Johnson in the #2 spot for the foreseeable future to help jump-start the offense.
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