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’ DefenseThe Post

Struggles continue for Patterson, NatsThe Wash. Times

JIM BOWDENNats wear hearts on hatsThe Wash. Examiner
Bowden talks about the team’s decision to wear Virginia Tech caps last week.


For Lopez, Patience Is a VirtueThe Post
Lopez has improved his OBP by 22 points.


In left field, job remains wide openThe 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.