Hamels Sharp as Phillies Defeat Nationals

Cole Hamels threw eight sharp innings, Michael Young hit a two-run double and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 4-2 Tuesday night for their third straight win.

Hamels (4-11) allowed one run and six hits to win his second consecutive start for the first time this season. The three-time All-Star lefty has struggled in his first full year after signing a $144 million contract extension last July.

Jayson Werth hit a solo homer for Washington. The defending NL East champs have lost two straight and are only 1 1/2 games ahead of third-place Philadelphia.

The Phillies have won six of their past eight games, including consecutive series victories over first-place Pittsburgh and Atlanta, to move within one game of .500 at 45-46.

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