The Nationals have been on a roll the past three games and it is catch up time. On May 13, Washington was able to pound the Colorado Rockies 14-6. A large part of the win belonged to Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman had a career day, as he went 3 for 5 with two home runs and six RBI’s. Zimmerman hit both of his home runs off of Jhoulys Chacin. Zimmerman hit a two run shot in the top of the first and a three run shot in the top of the fifth. Those two home runs gave Zimmerman eight on the season and his 22 RBI of the year.
The Nationals got four runs in the top of the fifth. Along with Zimmerman’s three run shot, Nyjer Morgan hit a single that drove in Ian Desmond and that gave Morgan his eighth RBI of the year. Washington drove in one run in the top of the sixth, from a Desmond sacrifice fly that brought in Ivan Rodriguez.
Then the offense exploded for Washington in the top of the eighth. Desmond singled to right that drove in Willy Taveras and gave Desmond his 17 RBI of the season. Then Cristian Guzman hit a double to left that scored Josh Willingham, Roger Bernadina and Desmond. Guzman now has 12 RBI on the season. Ryan Zimmerman then singled to left and was able to bring in Guzman to put Washington up 12-6. The last two runs scored came from Willingham, as he doubled to left and drove in Adam Kennedy and Zimmerman, giving Washington a 14-6 lead and paved the way for the 20 win for the Nationals.
The Nationals had 16 hits on the day. Willingham and Zimmerman led the day with three hits, while Morgan, Kennedy and Desmond each provided two. Dunn, Taveras, Bernadina and Guzman each had a hit as well. Desmond, Guzman, Dunn and Willingham each had a double.
Lannan started the game for Washington and struggled. Lannan only lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing six hits, four runs and four walks. Lannan only had one strikeout but Lannan got the no decision on this day. Miguel Batista came in relief and didn’t do to great as well. Batista went 1 2/3 innings giving up three hits, two runs and a home run to Miguel Olivo. Doug Slaten came in relief for Batista and was able to get the win for the game. Slaten threw only 2/3 of an inning but got the win, his first on the season. Brian Bruney came in the eighth and pitched a scoreless inning.
Now quick recaps from the past two games. On May 11, the Nationals lost 6-8. Tyler Clippard got his first loss of the season. Clippard went 1/3 of an inning but allowed four hits and three runs. Scott Olsen started the game and went 5 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits and only two runs. Adam Dunn was able to get a three run shot in the top of the first to put Washington up 3-0. Then in the top of the fifth, Washington scored three more runs. Rodriguez hit a single that drove in Guzman and Zimmerman. Then Desmond hit a single that drove in Willingham. That put Washington up 6-1 but the bullpen fell apart, as they allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings of work.
On May 12, Clippard was actually able to get the win as Washington beat the Mets 6-4. Clippard pitched a scoreless eighth and was able to get win number seven thanks to Bernadina. In the top of the ninth, when the score was tied 4-4, Bernadina hit a two run shot to right off of Francisco Rodriguez, that gave Washington a 6-4 lead and paved the way for Washington to win the game. Bernadina also had a homer earlier in the game in the top of the fourth, which was a solo home run. Those were Bernadina’s first two career home runs. Also, Matt Capps came into the ninth to close out the game and was successful. Capps got his 14 save of the season and remains perfect in save opportunities.
The Nationals are sitting at a 20-15 record and are one and a half games back of the Philadelphia Phillies. Washington was suppose to play last night but the game was postponed due to rain.
The Nationals will have a doubleheader against the Rockies today. The first game will be at 2:10 p.m. Livan Hernandez (4-1, 1.04 ERA) will face off against Ubaldo Jimenez (6-1, 0.93 ERA). The second game will be at 8:10 p.m. Rookie Luis Atilano (3-0, 3.57 ERA) will go against Jason Hammel (0-2, 9.16 ERA)
