Frandsen leading Phillies' top-notch pinch-hitters

PHILADELPHIA -- A good pinch-hit can change a game, and in the first half this season, the Phillies have had plenty of them.

Kevin Frandsen came off the bench to give the Phillies the lead in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Nationals with a pinch-hit RBI double. It was Frandsen's Major League-leading 11th pinch-hit, and he also has nine RBIs in those scenarios. He has two walk-off pinch-hits this season.

The Phillies lead all teams with 37 pinch-hits and are fourth in the Majors in pinch-hitter average with a .278 mark.

Laynce Nix has struggled since coming through with some hits off the bench in the beginning of the season, but Frandsen said Nix serves as a good mentor to players on the Phillies bench.

"All of us are ready. We have a great teacher in Laynce, because he's one [heck] of a pinch-hitter, too," Frandsen said. "They keep us prepared down there, and we know there's a moment, that one spot when you're going to have a chance."