Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The deft combination of Ross Detwiler's arm and Adam LaRoche's bat helped the Washington Nationals salvage the final contest of their three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 3-0 shutout Thursday night.

Detwiler (6-4) scattered three hits, walked two and struck out three over seven innings. The southpaw retired the last 14 batters he faced.

Tyler Clippard walked two batters in the ninth before striking out pinch- hitter Ryan Howard to secure his 21st save of the season.

LaRoche homered, singled twice and drove in two runs for the NL East-leading Nationals, who avoided getting swept by the cellar-dwelling Phillies.

Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels (11-6) pitched well in defeat, allowing three runs on eight hits in seven frames. He fanned nine and walked one.

The Sports Network