Yunel Escobar and Michael Taylor each homered, Doug Fister tossed 6 2/3 solid innings and the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 in the opener of a four-game series.
Ryan Zimmerman knocked in two runs for the Nationals, who started a seven-game homestand on Thursday. Fister (1-0) gave up two runs -- one earned -- on four hits while striking out four and walking four.
Freddy Galvis and Darin Ruf had one RBI apiece for the Phillies, who have lost five in a row. Struggling first baseman Ryan Howard hit seventh for the first time since April 21, 2006. The 35-year-old Howard went 1-for-3 with a walk.
Cole Hamels (0-2) allowed five runs on five hits to go along with seven strikeouts and four walks over six innings. The left-hander has given up seven homers this season.
[SportsNetwork.com]
