You knew the Nationals were not going all year without winning a game.

But you kind of hoped they would wait at least one more night. Didn’t happen.

The Nats finally broke into the win column last night at the expense of the Phils.

Joe Blanton had a shaky first inning and it was all the guys from D.C. needed. Adam Dunn deposited an offering from Blanton in the upper deck in right field to give the Nats a 3-0 lead.

The Phils scratched their way back to 3-2, but then were victimized by something that was the team’s strength last year.

Blanton settled down and pitched well through six, then gave way to the bullpen. Jack Taschner gave up four runs – including two home runs – in the eighth to break the game wide open.

The Phils have battled one distraction after another so far this season. They were just getting past all the hoopla of their World Series celebrations when they were rocked by the death of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas.

Now they come home to face a city in mourning and two days of events to remember Harry the K.

For now, baseball will have to take a back seat.