PHILADELPHIA 9 Washington 3 (ESPN Boxscore)

Just to be different, John Patterson pitched better than he had been, but poor fielding by Felipe Lopez and LF Robert Fick (Fick in left field — why?!) doomed him. For the night, Patterson gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings. Ouch.

Patterson Doomed By Nats’ Defense – The Post

Struggles continue for Patterson, Nats – The Wash. Times

JIM BOWDEN – Nats wear hearts on hats – The Wash. Examiner
Bowden talks about the team’s decision to wear Virginia Tech caps last week.


For Lopez, Patience Is a Virtue – The Post
Lopez has improved his OBP by 22 points.


In left field, job remains wide open – The Wash. Times
Fick hopes to play left field more often. I hope not. Won’t Ryan Church move over there when Nook Logan returns from the DL?


Last night’s victory put the Fleas up 3-1 in the Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge. I am not getting too concerned yet because if there is one thing Philly teams know how to do is choke.

Today’s game is at 3:05 p.m.