The Phillies have lost five in a row and needed to at least start off their final game of the series with the Nationals well. Veteran Chase Utley answered the bell. In the top of the first, following a leadoff double by Ben Revere and a sacrifice that moved him to third, Utley delivered a run-scoring single past starter Doug Fister into center field to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead, their first of the series. Fister got out of the inning without any further damage. He is seeking his fourth...

ARLINGTON, Texas - Can the Orioles keep their offense cranked up for one more game in the Texas heat? The Orioles, going for the series sweep tonight, have totaled 50 hits over their last four games, including 30 in the first two at Globe Life Park. Over the last 16 games since May 18, the Orioles have recorded 12 hits or more nine times and are batting .295, the second-highest mark in the majors behind the Blue Jays (.297) before today. Their 87 runs over that span also trailed only Toronto...

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper met with the media prior to Thursday's series finale against the Phillies and appeared upbeat and in a positive mood as he recovers from left thumb surgery. Harper has been on the disabled list since April 26. "It's in a good spot right now," Harper said of his thumb. "I think every day it's getting a little bit better. Just feeling better every day." As to when the former Rookie of the Year will get back to playing baseball, Harper would not confirm...

ARLINGTON, Texas - Orioles reliever Tommy Hunter just completed his simulated game at Globe Life Park, as the club determines whether he's ready to go on an injury rehab assignment or perhaps be activated from the disabled list. David Lough and Ryan Flaherty took their swings against Hunter, who's on the DL with a strained left groin. Coaches Wayne Kirby, Bobby Dickerson and Einar Diaz also took turns. No stats will be kept on this game, of course. Manager Buck Showalter stood on the field...

Nationals manager Matt Williams gave shortstop Ian Desmond the day off in Thursday's series finale with the Phillies. It marked the first time in 58 games Desmond will not start a game for the Nationals. Williams has said for a few weeks he has wanted to give all his regulars a day off and Thursday seemed a natural spot to give Desmond the breather. Wednesday was a late game where the Nats had to start and stop because of the rain delay. "He came in last night a little tight after (the...

The Orioles are proud to announce that this year's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program boasts the highest level of participation in the history of the Baltimore chapter, with over 500 boys and girls involved this year. Each age group has seen an increase of at least 40% from 2013; the number of teams has increased 50% in the 12-and-under group (nine teams in 2014 compared to six in 2013), 63% in the 13-15 age group (13 teams, up from eight), and 43% in the age 16-18 group (10...

The Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides, are about to welcome their 10 millionth fan to Harbor Park. It could happen as soon as their next home game on Monday. Harbor Park opened on April 14, 1993, and has seen 9,993,385 fans walk through the turnstiles over its 22-year existence. That number is just 6,615 fans shy of reaching the 10 million mark. The Tides will recognize the 10 millionth fan with several prizes that evening, including a pair of season tickets. The 10 millionth...

Ian Desmond will not be in today's starting lineup for the series finale agains the Phillies. Manager Matt Williams has been saying for the last several weeks that he wanted to give the Nationals shortstop a day off. Desmond has started all 57 of the Nats' games this season. Danny Espinosa will slide over to shortstop while Anthony Rendon will get the start at second base. Kevin Frandsen will enter the lineup playing third base. Catcher Wilson Ramos will also get the day off and Jose Lobaton...

The Nationals have hit the pot of gold when it comes to the First-Year Player Draft. Three recent first-round picks, two of them No. 1 overall selections, are starters for the team right now. Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon are considered by many, including ESPN's Jim Callis, the best three-year run in the First-Year Player Draft ever. The Nationals have built their system behind strong pitching. They have also sent off top prospects like Alex Meyer to get starters like...

This evening, the Nationals will take part in the First-Year Player Draft for the 10th time. In their existence, they've drafted near the top more often than not, and their first season in 2005 was no different. The Nationals held the fourth pick in what would turn out to be one of the best first rounds of any MLB draft. With the fourth pick that year, the Nationals selected third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Two other third basemen were taken within the first five picks that year. All three of...