WASHINGTON -- In an attempt to get his struggling team back on track, Ryne Sandberg called a team meeting before Tuesday night’s game.
Didn’t work.
The Phillies suffered their fourth straight loss and eighth shutout in 56 games this season in a 7-0 loss to the Washington Nationals.
The Phillies have lost 14 of their last 21 ballgames to fall to 24-32.
It’s ugly, folks.
Starting pitching report
Rookie David Buchanan, in his third big-league start, was sacked for 10 hits and seven runs in six innings. Buchanan gave up four extra-base hits, including a pair of home runs.
Jordan Zimmermann, who beat the Phillies three times last season, pitched eight scoreless innings for the win. He allowed just five hits, four of which were singles.
Zimmermann pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth.
Bullpen report
Ethan Martin, just up from Triple A, pitched two scoreless innings. His fastball ranged from 92 to 94 mph.
Tyler Clippard pitched the ninth for Washington.
At the plate
The Phils have been shut out seven times in the last 27 games.
They had just one extra-base hit in the game.
Jimmy Rollins had a single. He is nine hits away from breaking Mike Schmidt’s team record.
Jayson Werth had a two-run double for the Nationals. Ryan Zimmerman, just off the DL, had an RBI double. Ian Desmond smacked a solo homer and Anthony Rendon a two-run homer. All those hits were off Buchanan.
In the field
The Phillies made two errors, one by Buchanan, one by Rollins.
Lineup stuff
Sandberg moved Rollins to leadoff and dropped Ben Revere to eighth. Chase Utley hit second.
Transaction
Martin was recalled from Triple A, replacing reliever Phillippe Aumont, who was sent down after allowing a pair of homers in two appearances.
The Phillies signed veteran right-hander Jason Marquis to a minor-league contract. Marquis had Tommy John surgery in July. He will work out in extended spring training and possibly be able to provide some depth later in the season.
Up next
A.J. Burnett (3-4, 3.79) and Stephen Strasburg (4-4, 3.15) are the pitchers in Wednesday night’s game.