WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Ian Desmond had his first major league hit, his first RBI and his first home run Thursday to highlight the Washington Nationals' 8-7 victory over Philadelphia.

Desmond, who has spent six years in the minor leagues, finally was called up to the majors this month and got the start Thursday at shortstop for a team that has lost 92 games. His heroics helped the Nationals build an 8-2 lead going into the ninth and they survived a five-run Philadelphia outburst to halt a two-game skid.

The Phillies had the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on first with one out in the ninth before Ryan Howard grounded into a double play to end the game.

Desmond's first hit and RBI came in the fourth when he drove in a run with a double. After Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer in the fifth, Desmond came through with a three-run shot later in the inning.

Starter Livan Hernandez (8-10) got the win by allowing two runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings.

Matt Stairs then hit a grand slam homer to key the five-run ninth before Ron Villone came on to get the game-ending double play and earn his first save.

The loss went to Joe Blanton (9-7), who was roughed up for eight runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Philadelphia saw its lead over Florida in the National League East trimmed to five games.