Kendrick Sharp as Phillies Top Nationals

Kyle Kendrick outpitched All-Star Jordan Zimmermann, pinch-hitter Kevin Frandsen hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 3-1 Thursday night.

Kendrick (8-6) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings to help Philadelphia take three of four from the defending NL East champions.

The Phillies are 7-3 since July 2, including series wins over first-place Pittsburgh and Atlanta, to pull within 1 1/2 games of the second-place Nationals and one game of .500.

Zimmermann (12-4) gave up two runs and eight hits, striking out six in 6 1-3 innings.

Antonio Bastardo pitched a perfect eighth and Jonathan Papelbon finished for his 20th save in 24 tries. Papelbon blew two saves against the Nationals last month and allowed two runs in a 3-2 win Monday night.

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