Irvin's scoreless gem erased as 'pen implodes

WASHINGTON -- All the good feelings of an impressive scoreless start from right-hander Jake Irvin came crashing down in the late innings as the Phillies blasted five homers off Nationals relievers to hand the team a 12-3 loss before a sellout 38,853 crowd at Nationals Park on Saturday afternoon.

Former Washington shortstop Trea Turner was the hero, connecting on a pair of solo home runs that bookended a stunning eight-run outburst by Philadelphia in the eighth inning that put the game out of reach.

The Nationals’ bullpen was taxed Friday, with six relievers called upon to edge the Phillies, 8-7, in the series opener. On Saturday, relievers Andrés Machado and Cory Abbott struggled to record outs, allowing four homers and a combined eleven runs before position player Ildemaro Vargas surrendered a solo shot to Jake Cave in the top of the ninth. Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott also crushed three-run blasts as Philadelphia erased a 3-0 deficit and scored 12 runs over the final three innings.

"You are facing a tough lineup," manager Dave Martinez said. "[Abbott] got behind, gave up a home run. I think after that, his demeanor [changed]. He got down. You have to keep fighting right there. If he keeps it even remotely close, who knows what can happen. It didn't happen today."

Abbott wore this one, allowing eight runs on seven hits and one walk in one inning as the Phillies sent 11 hitters to the plate.

"It's just the way it goes," Abbott said. "The Phillies have always done well against me. I had the one outing last time against them [with one run allowed over two innings], but I haven't had many wins against them. They own me."

Irvin struck out seven over six scoreless frames, scattering five hits, walking two and hitting two on 94 pitches (63 strikes). The 26-year-old has been on a nice run, getting extra days off. It is paying dividends on the mound.

"[I am] just trying to get deep in the ballgame and throw a lot of strikes. … [The] defense played great behind me. Got a lot of ground balls, and those guys did a really good job," Irvin said. "Just kind of pitch fearlessly, throw the ball over the plate and whatever happens, happens. But make pitches, throw strikes and keep guys off balance."

Over his past four starts, Irvin has a 2.82 ERA with 21 strikeouts and six walks across 22 1/3 innings.

A key moment for Irvin arrived with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth inning. Martinez visited the mound, spoke to the right-hander and left him in to get Cave with a strikeout to finish the frame.

"As soon as you see him walking up the steps, it's kind of the thought going through your head, like, 'I want this moment,'" Irvin said. "I know that our bullpen [has] been taxed a little bit, and that's the positive of winning games is that the backend of that bullpen needs a little help. I want to get as many outs as possible, and that one right there is one you ask for."

Added Martinez: "I just went out there to say, 'I am here to give you a breather. I think you could get this guy out.' He was pumped up that I let him stay in there. It's just another growth moment for one of our young starters, and he got through it really well."

Lane Thomas singled, doubled and scored a run. On defense, he cut down Stott at third base with an on-target throw from right field in the fourth.

Backup catcher Riley Adams recorded two RBIs on a single and a double. Martinez said Keibert Ruiz needed a day off and would return for Sunday night’s Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa.

Despite the loss and the rough ending, Martinez is confident his bullpen will be rested for the series finale.

"Good news is tomorrow these guys should be available to pitch, and we have a chance to win a series," he said.