Zach Eflin was hit around by the Nationals
Resiliency has been a hallmark of this Phillies club all season, and with last night's devastating 8-7 loss to the Nationals, they'll have to once again rely on that ever important trait.

Juan Soto lashed a double in the ninth, and Ryan Zimmerman delivered the knockout punch with a walk-off two-run homer off Seranthony Dominguez to give the Nats the win. The loss, coupled with a Braves win, drops the Phillies to three-games off the pace in the NL East.

"I don't worry," manager Gabe Kapler told reporters afterward (see video). "I'm not concerned about our club. I know that we have issues. I know that we are imperfect. But I don't worry about a four-game stretch. I don't worry about a 10-game stretch."



The Phillies jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening frame, highlighted by a Maikel Franco two-run homer. Zach Eflin didn't have his best stuff though and struggled with command, allowing the Nats to hang around. He finished the night after just 3 1/3 innings, surrendering five runs on 10 hits. It was the first time since June of 2016 that a Phillies starter allowed 10 or more hits in fewer than four innings.

The Phillies turn to Aaron Nola on Thursday in an attempt to salvage the final game of the three-game set. The Nationals counter with an ace of their own in righty Max Scherzer.



Roster Moves
The Phillies placed Justin Bour on the 10-day disabled list on Thursday with a strained left oblique. Bour mentioned to reporters he felt a twinge after a swing on Wednesday night.

The club also placed Edubray Ramos on the 10-day disabled list with a blister on his right index finger. Over his last seven appearances, he has a lofty 6.75 ERA.

To take the vacated spot on the 25-man roster the Phillies recalled catcher Andrew Knapp from Triple-A and will have newly acquired reliever Luis Avilan available in the bullpen.

Starting Lineup
Hernandez 4
Hoskins 7
Williams 9
Cabrera 6
Santana 3
Franco 5
Herrera 8
Alfaro 2
Nola 1

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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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