The Washington Nationals continued their weak play with two more losses in Cincinnati against the Reds. They lost on Friday 3-0 and on Saturday 3-2. The Nationals are now 34-55.
The starting pitching was sharp on Friday as Jason Bergmann went six innings and gave up three earned runs. He also walked three and struck out five. Steven Shell went the final two innings and gave up no runs to keep the game close. The Nats just couldn’t get it going at the plate against Bronson Arroyo. Dmitri Young led the Nationals with two hits and two walks. Paul LoDuca reached base twice as he singled and walked. The Nats put eight hits on the board and walked three times but were unable to score.
On Sunday the Nats got another quality start from Tim Redding. Redding went six innings and gave up only one earned run. He struck out four and walked only one. Joel Hanrahan got the loss as he went 1.1 innings and gave up two runs on three hits. Hanrahan is now 5-3 this season. The Nats went up 1-0 in the first inning on Tim Redding RBI single. The Nats trailed 2-1 in the top of the ninth inning but tied it on a Jesus Flores sacrifice fly that scored Felipe Lopez. Aaron Boone led the Nationals with two hits. Austin Kearns reach base twice with a walk and a hit.
The Nationals will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon against the Reds. Collin Balester will make his second start of the season for Washington. Game time is 1:15pm.