Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) tags out Houston Astros’ Dexter Fowler and then throws to first for the double play on Jose Altuve, during the first inning of an interleague baseball game at Nationals Park Tuesday, June 17, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Washington Nationals won three of their last five games to maintain a hold on first place in the National League East division. Washington swept the Houston Astros in a short two-game home series at Nationals Park on June 17-18. But the Nationals’ struggles with the division rival Atlanta Braves continued as they lost two straight games to Atlanta before winning one with an opportunity to tie the four-game series on June 22. Washington currently holds a 38-35 record, as of June 21.
June 17-18:Washington Sweeps Astros in Short Series
The Nationals beat the Astros in both games of the series by the same score, 6-5. Starting pitcher Tanner Roark got the win in Game One on June 17; Roark lasted five innings, giving up seven hits but only one earned run. Three different Nationals players had two hits, including third baseman Anthony Rendon, who led the game with three RBI’s.
Gio Gonzalez got the start for the Nationals in Game Two on June 18; he struggled through five innings, giving up four earned runs before he was replaced by relief pitcher Ross Detwiler. Rafael Soriano closed out the game for his 15th save of the season.
June 19-21:Struggles with Braves Continue, Nats Lose Two of Three
Washington Nationals’ Jose Lobaton slides safely past the tag attempt by Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park on Saturday, June 21, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Unfortunately for Washington, they were not able to transfer their success against the Astros into their series against the Braves. For some reason, the Braves simply have the Nationals’ number, beating Washington in eight of the last 10 matchups. Two of those losses came this week in a four game home stand as Washington fell to the Braves, 3-0, on June 19 and took a 6-4 loss on June 20. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann started Game One on June 19, allowing seven hits and two earned runs in the first seven innings of the game. Zimmermann’s pitching was solid enough for a win, but the Nationals struggled offensively against the Braves’ pitching. The Nationals had just three hits the entire game.
Stephen Strasburg started at pitcher for the Nationals in Game Two on June 20 but struggled, giving up nine hits and four earned runs through the first six innings. Shortstop Ian Desmond and Rendon both hit home runs but it wasn’t enough to outlast Atlanta, who scored two late runs in the 13th inning for the win.
Washington, however, was able to get a win over Atlanta the next night with a 3-0 shut-out on June 21. Rendon led Game Three with three hits and two RBI’s. Starting pitcher Doug Fister was outstanding, giving up just five hits and no runs through eight innings. Soriano took over in the ninth inning and closed out the shutout win for his 16th save of the season.
Next-up: the Nationals have a shot at tying the four-game series with the Braves in Game Four on Sunday. Afterwards, they’ll travel to Milwaukee for a three-game series with the Brewers on June 23-25. Washington then heads to Chicago to face the Cubs in a four-game series on June 26-28 with a double-header on the June 28.