The Washington Nationals finished off an impressive sweep with two wins over the Seattle Mariners this weekend. They received some timely hitting and some very strong pitching on their way to a 5-2 win on Saturday and a 6-2 win on Sunday.
Tyler Clippard got both the start and the win for Washington on Saturday. Clippard was terrific as he lasted six innings and gave up only two runs. Both runs were surrendered on solo home runs while he struck out two batters. The bullpen gave up nothing and Jon Rauch struck out the side in the ninth inning to pick up his fifteenth save of the season. On Sunday Tim Redding made the start and he lasted six innings while giving up only two runs (one earned). However, Redding wasn’t able to pick up the win. Jesus Colome threw scoreless seventh and eighth innings to pick up his second win of the season. Joel Hanrahan threw a scoreless ninth inning.
The offense was led on Saturday by catcher Jesus Flores who seems to be getting better and better. Flores singled and homered as he drove in three runs for Washington. Belliard, Lopez, and Pena each picked up two hits to help lead the Nationals offense. On Sunday Flores got the Nationals on the board first with a RBI ground out. Lastings Milledge led the Washington line up with three hits on Sunday, all three of his hits were singles. Even though Flores was held without a hit he did drive in two more runs on Sunday.
The Nationals will have a day off on Monday as they travel to Minnesota to take on the Twins. John Lannan will start the opener on Tuesday for Washington. Game time is 8:10pm.