The Washington Nationals are undefeated and are tied with the Boston Red Sox for the most wins in all of baseball. Sure it’s only April 2nd, but that doesn’t take too much away from the accomplishment. The Nationals defeated the reigning NL East Champion Phillies for the second day in a row by a score of 1-0.
Tim Redding to the start for the Nationals against young All Star pitcher Cole Hamels of the Phillies. On paper, this was a lopsided match up. It didn’t play out that way. Redding, in his first start of the year, had the Phillies hitters off balance all day as he threw 7.0 innings of 1 hit baseball, allowing zero runs. Luis Ayala threw in the 8th and Jon Rauch slammed the door in the 9th to complete the 1-0 victory. The only hit allowed all day by the Nationals was a single by Pedro Feliz. The Phillies vaunted threesome of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard went a combined 0-9.
All of the offense was provided by Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman hit a solo home run in the sixth inning off of Hamels. Hamels would end up going 8 strong innings, but the Zimmerman HR was the difference in this pitcher’s duel. Cristian Guzman, along with Zimmerman, had two hits.
The Nationals will finish up their series with the Phillies tomorrow at 1:05 EST. Jason Bergmann, who went 6-6 last season, will get the start for the Nationals against Jamie Moyer of the Phillies. The Nationals pitching and defense has been exceptional this season as they have allowed only 8 runs in their three games and have done so against two very good offensive teams in the Phillies and Braves.
