Nationals 3, Phillies 2: Jordan Zimmermann threw seven strong innings and pinch-runner Jeff Kobernus used his speed to generate the go-ahead run in the eighth as Washington rallied to beat host Philadelphia.

Zimmermann (16-8) held Philadelphia to two runs on seven hits en route to just his third win in nine career starts against the Phillies. The victory moved the Nationals to within 6 1/2 games of Cincinnati for the second National League wild-card spot.

After drawing even in the seventh on Ryan Zimmerman's 17th homer, Washington pulled ahead for good in the eighth. Wilson Ramos drew a leadoff walk off Phillies reliever Jake Diekman (1-4) and was replaced by Kobernus, who advanced on Scott Hairston's sacrifice bunt, promptly stole third and came around to score on Steve Lombardozzi's infield chopper.

Craig Stammen stranded a pair of Philadelphia runners in the eighth - aided by Chase Utley getting tagged out at home plate trying to score on a wild pitch - and Rafael Soriano worked the ninth to lock down his 38th save.

The Nationals opened the scoring on Adam LaRoche's sacrifice fly in the first, but the Phillies answered the following inning as Cesar Hernandez ripped a two-run double into left field for his second and third major-league RBIs.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Philadelphia starter Roy Halladay was uneven over six innings, limiting Washington to a run on three hits but issuing five walks. ... Nationals OF Denard Span singled to lead off the night, extending his hitting streak to a career-best 17 games. ... Washington continues its 10-game road trip with a weekend series against the Miami Marlins, while Philadelphia enjoys a day off before hosting Atlanta.