WAR OF THE PITCHERS

Nationals pitcher Esteban Loaiza pitched 8 scoreless, nearly hitless innings against the Phillies. His nemesis, Brett Myers threw 7 scoreless, nearly hitless innings. The tension was unbelievable by the top of the 9th when, with a full count, Kenny Lofton hit a homer, prompting Frank Robinson to remove Loaiza immediately. As the starter walked off the field, RFK exploded with applause.

Unfortunately, closer efforts couldn't prevent another two runs in the top of the 9th. The Nationals couldn't recover and lost this exciting pitcher war 3-0.