Washington 2, Philadelphia 1

Nationals 2, Phillies 1: Gio Gonzalez had eight strikeouts in the first four innings and Ian Desmond homered as the Nationals tallied their fifth consecutive victory at Citizens Bank Park.

Gonzalez (6-1) became the major league leader in strikeouts with 69 after giving up three hits with nine strikeouts over six innings. Washington has won eight of its last nine against the Phillies.

After Henry Rodriguez allowed two baserunners to begin the ninth inning, Ty Wigginton drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before Sean Burnett retired Placido Polanco for his second save.

Desmond hit his seventh homer in the second inning off Kyle Kendrick (0-4), who allowed two runs over seven innings. The Nationals extended their lead when Desmond singled in Bryce Harper in the fourth.

The Phillies, who dropped to 0-16 when trailing after seven innings, had two runners on in the eighth inning before Craig Stammen retired Hunter Pence and Carlos Ruiz to end the threat.

The Phillies’ pitchers retired 17 straight batters after Danny Espinosa walked in the fourth inning.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins missed the game after his wife gave birth on Sunday … The game opened a stretch of 15 consecutive games against NL East rivals for the Nationals, who are 7-2 against divisional opponents … Polanco (sprained left ankle) went 2-for-4 in his first start since last Wednesday ….Kendrick has a 2.25 ERA in his last four starts covering 24 innings … Gonzalez won his fourth consecutive start.

• Philadelphia will play their next game at home against Washington. The Phillies have a W/L % of .500 after a win and .476 after a loss.
• Washington will play their next game on the road against Philadelphia. The Nationals have a W/L % of .667 after a win and .500 after a loss.