It was starting to look a little dismal for the Nationals. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Nats had lost six of their last eight games (although it’d be unfair not to point out that they murdered the Mets 11-4 on Sunday). But then a funny thing happened: Nick Johnson drilled a home run into the right-center stands in the first inning.

Caveat one: Yes, the Phillies had already scored a run of their own. But the Nats scored early! Not too shabby. Caveat two: Yes, it didn’t quite go into the stands. Such is the problem with RFK’s much-too-elevated outfield seating.

The game stayed competitive through the fifth inning, albeit without any runs and just a handful of hits, when Nats pitcher John Patterson doubled. Then Brad Wilkerson — who by all accounts is pleased as punch with Chevy Chase Bank — homered and drove them both in. With that, the Nats won 3-1, their first of the three-game series. Now, Nats, more like it.

Now tied 1-1, they suit up for a 4:35 p.m. start again this afternoon. They’ll do so having just found out today that GM Jim Bowden will be with them through at least the end of the season. Bowden’s current contract with MLB ran out on Saturday. Now he’ll stick around a bit longer.