Phillies Lose Late Leads to Nationals

Two blown late-inning leads culminating in a game-ending wild pitch kept the Philadelphia Phillies from gaining a share of the NL wild-card lead.

Marlon Anderson, who was later traded to the Dodgers, scored from third base on Aaron Fultz’s wild pitch in the 10th inning, giving the Washington Nationals a 6-5 victory Thursday night.

Philadelphia led, 4-2, in the ninth before Felipe Lopez had a two-run single against Arthur Rhodes with two out. It was Rhodes’ second blown save in six chances while filling in for injured closer Tom Gordon.

The Phillies took a 5-4 lead in the 10th when Abraham Nunez scored from third on Brian Schneider’s passed ball.

Nick Johnson led off the 10th with a single and, one out later, took third on Anderson’s single. Schneider followed with a run-scoring single, and Anderson advanced to third on Bernie Castro’s flyout.

Fultz then threw a 2-and-0 pitch in the dirt to pinch-hitter Ryan Church that was blocked by catcher Mike Lieberthal, but the ball bounced in front of the plate and rolled toward the mound. Anderson scored as Fultz tried to pick up the ball and tag him.

The Phillies’ Ryan Howard reached base in all five plate appearances. He was two for two, was hit by a pitch and walked twice.