PHILADELPHIA -- Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon was in familiar territory on Sunday afternoon. He was looking to save his sixth game in as many opportunities this season, but he ended up with his first blown save in the Nationals' 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, ending a seven-game winning streak.
Papelbon, who saved 123 games for the Phillies from 2012 to the first half of 2015, entered the game with the Nationals leading, 2-1, thanks to a solo homer by Bryce Harper. With Peter Bourjos on second with a double and two outs, Andres Blanco singled to left-center to tie the game, and went to second on the throw to the plate from left fielder Jayson Werth.
Freddy Galvis was the next hitter and he doubled over Werth's head in left, scoring Blanco to end the game. Papelbon had no excuses and blamed himself for the loss. His location simply wasn't there, he said.
It was Papelbon's second appearance at Citizens Bank Park and fourth against the Phillies since the team traded him last July. He has blown two saves against his former team, and three times given up go-ahead or game-tying runs.
Galvis and Blanco have been involved in all three situations. In his first game back in Philadelphia last Sept. 14, Galvis homered off him to tie the game. In Washington 13 days later, Galvis walked and Blanco homered right after.
"Your job is to go there and preserve the win. When you don't do your job, I have to turn the page, move on, go to Miami and win another series," Papelbon said. "I've blown plenty of these in the past. I know how to handle them. I'm moving on and coming ready to work and get another save [Monday]. It's pretty much how it works. Keep the line moving."