It looked like the sixth inning would help the Phillies go on and win the series-opener against the Nationals.

Instead, it ended up being a slippery slope. After the Phillies took a 4-1 lead in the sixth, sparked by Roman Quinn’s first career home run, the Nationals stormed out with five runs of their own in the bottom portion of the inning. That was highlighted with back-to-back homers from Andrew Stevenson and Wilmer Difo to re-take the lead. The Nats scored four more runs in the next two innings en route to a 10-4 win.

The teams had to go through a one hour and 42 minute rain delay prior to the start of the fourth inning, which did affect both starting pitchers. Washington’s Tanner Roark pitched the first three innings before the rain came down, while Velasquez went into the fourth before having his night done. He gave up one run, an RBI by Roark, on three hits with three strikeouts. Had the rain not interfered, maybe Velasquez would’ve had a gem on the mound.

This came hours after the Nationals appeared to seemingly give up on the season by trading Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams. The loss also doesn’t help the Phils, who are falling behind to Atlanta in the NL East lead. They’re now two games back of the Braves, who are playing the Pirates, and also a half-game behind the second wild card spot.

The series continues tonight at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Zach Eflin takes the mound in hopes to stop the bleeding.

The Roundup:


The Eagles are getting ready for Thursday night’s preseason rehearsal against the Browns. Mychal Kendricks thinks the Browns are more talented than his former team. Lol.

Head coach Doug Pederson said the starters will play at least the first half and run a two-minute drill. Nick Foles will also play. Doug also discussed a little bit about his new book, something he wasn’t too hot on in the beginning, which revealed how angry he was with the Jaguars for not going for the kill against the Patriots.

A ton of the Birds are banged up and won’t play, especially at running back. There’s only Wendell Smallwood and Matt Jones as veteran options, along with rookie Josh Adams, at the position. Donnel Pumphrey won’t play again this week, but he should play next week.

On the defensive side, Jim Schwartz raved about Ronald Darby’s performance so far, saying he’s had one of the best preseasons on the team.

NFL insider Adam Caplan revealed Mack Hollins had sports hernia surgery in the offseason, which might be why he’s struggled during the preseason.

Hey look, it’s Carson Wentz!

Finally, you can run the Philly Special with Nick Foles.


JJ Redick deleted his Twitter account. He’s also on the latest episode of Pardon My Take.


In other sports news, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith was suspended four games for violating the player conduct policy.

Some NBA owners want access to mental health records of their players.

Former lineman Richie Incognito was charged with making threats at a funeral home.

Victor Cruz retired from the NFL and will work for ESPN.

Marty Mornhinweg is now Andy Reid.


In the news, Paul Manafort was found guilty of eight counts and faces a long time in prison.

Michael Cohen took a plea deal and is willing to talk to Robert Mueller.

Olive Garden is offering a year of never ending pasta.