Nationals use 4 rbi doubles in ninth to pull away from Phillies

Nick Johnson hit the first of 4 rbi doubles in the tenth inning to send the Washington Nationals to their 2nd victory in their new ball park, 11-6. Johnson continued his opening night performance with a double to drive in Lastings Milledge to start a rambunctious rally by the Nationals off Tom Gordon. Catcher Carlos Ruiz’s throwing error scored Johnson from third to put the Nationals up 8-6. With Austin Kearns taking second on the error after drawing a walk, Paul Lo Duca hit a double to deep center field to increase the Nationals lead. Ronnie Belliard followed with a rbi double of his own and Dimtri Young drove him in for the final margin.

Reliever Jesus Colome retired the Phillies in order in the bottom of the tenth to get the win. Lastings Milledge went 2-4 with a homer and 3 runs scored to lead the Nationals. Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns and Christian Guzman each had 2 hits as well to give the Nationals a 2-0 record in their new ballpark.