The Washington Nationals put together another winning week to end the month of August. After a five-game winning streak during the previous week, the Nats put together a three-game win streak against the Miami Marlins in their first series of the week.
(Aug. 27-29) Nats Sweep Marlins with Three Straight Wins
The First Game of the series was won off the right hand of pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, who allowed only three hits and one earned run in five innings pitched. With strong pitching, Washington won the game, 2-1.
The Nationals then won the Second Game of the series, 4-3, after Ian Desmond hit a timely RBI single in the seventh inning to give Washington the one-run edge needed to win. Stephen Strasburg started the game strong, recording zero hits and zero earned runs in two innings before being relieved from the mound.
Washington completed the series sweep with a beautiful win in the Third Game of the series. Gio Gonzalez delivered outstanding pitching as he allowed only three hits and zero runs with eight strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond each hit home runs in the 9-0 victory.
(Aug. 30-31)Two-straight Losses for Washington Against Mets
But Washington was later humbled during the week with a two-game losing slump against the New York Mets. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann had a quality performance with only three earned runs and six hits in eight innings. But the Nats’ struggled on offense with just six hits as the Mets held them off for a 3-2 win in Game One.
The Second Game of the series was much worse as Washington fell, 11-3. Dan Haren had probably his worst game of the season, giving up nine hits and seven runs in only 2.2 innings pitched. The only bright spot on offense came from Denard Span who had a three-hit performance.
Analysis:
The Nationals (68-67 record) are putting together quality wins, which helps them stay above the .500 mark. However, the chance of them reaching the postseason is still very remote as they trail in the National League wild card race by 7.5 games. Nonetheless, its still exciting for Nats fans to finally see their team consistently win some games, especially after so many losses early in the season.
Nats Player of the Week– Gio Gonzalez
Gonzalez pitched just once during the week, but man, was it a beauty. He was completely flawless in the third game of Washington’s series against the Marlins, allowing no runs and just three hits, while also striking out eight batters in seven long innings.
Next-up:
Washington starts the week with the final game in their three game Met series. The Nats will then travel to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Sept. 2-4. Washington will end the week with another away game series against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 6-8.
