His last win — also his first career win — was celebrated with fireworks and parties across the land. Of course, it happened to occur on July 4.
Given what Hill has endured the past two years, nobody could blame him if he felt like celebrating the same way.
Hill earned his first win since 2004, allowing two hits in seven innings of Washington’s 6-0 victory over Philadelphia in front of 30,583 fans. The Nationals (30-34) won their third straight series, and sixth in the last seven.
Hill won his first game since undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in September of 2004. He sat out all of 2005, suffering a setback that May, which forced him to remain sidelined.
That led to periods of doubt about whether Hill, once considered a top prospect, would ever reach the majors again.
“You think about it, but you try not to,’’ said Hill, who was 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA after his first two starts. “You have periods where you think you’ll never get back. …. I’ve still got a ways to go, but this is a step closer.’’
Thing is, he might not last long in Washington. With John Patterson likely coming off the disabled list this week, Hill might be sent down.
“When that time comes, we’ll make a decision,’’ manager Frank Robinson said.
Regardless, Hill, 25, showed that he can still factor in the Nationals’ future. He won despite an inconsistent curve.
“He’s made tremendous improvements,’’ Robinson said. “He has much more confidence now and he’s more poised.’’
Robert Fick, who caught Hill Sunday afternoon, said, “He has [guts] out there. He’s not afraid to throw fastball after fastball. He comes after you. He’s well beyond his years.’’
The other good sight for Washington involved right fielder Jose Guillen, who missed 14 games while on the disabled list with an injured right hamstring. He doubled twice, driving in two runs, and made a running catch in the fifth.
“I’ve never been scared in my career,’’ Guillen said, “but I was today. I was scared it was gonna come back, but it didn’t happen.
“I’ve got to start playing better. I’ve got to start coming through in clutch situations.’’
Guillen, though, will be the subject of trade rumors until the July 31 deadline.
“I don’t worry about any of that stuff,’’ said Guillen, who rejected a four-year offer before the season. “[But] since I’ve been here, this has been one of the best times in my career.’’
Diamond dust
» Before singling in the fourth, Alfonso Soriano was on an 0-for-10 skid.
» Daryle Ward hit his third pinch-hit home run of the season, and eighth of his career.
