MLB: Philadelphia 4, Washington 2

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Carlos Ruiz hit a two-run homer in the top of the second Thursday night to start the Philadelphia Phillies on the way to a 4-2 win at Washington.

The homer was Ruiz' fourth this season. Philadelphia got one RBI apiece from Ryan Howard and Greg Dobbs.

Ruiz and Tadahito Iguchi both had two hits for the Phillies, who have won three of their last four games.

Winning pitcher Cole Hamels (14-5) gave up four hits in 6 2/3 scoreless innings, with two walks and six strikeouts. Brett Myers earned his 11th save.

Washington's Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young both hit solo homers in the bottom of the eighth. Belliard and Austin Kearns had two hits apiece for the Nationals, who have lost six of their last 10 games.

Losing pitcher Joel Hanrahan (2-1) yielded two earned runs and four hits in five innings, with four walks and eight strikeouts.