Adam LaRoche’s home run helps Washington Nationals beat Philadelphia Phillies 4-2-MLB Update
Second baseman Stephen Lombardozzi and first baseman Adam LaRoche help Washington Nationals post a lead in the sixth and beat Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. on October 2, 2012 in the second game of the three match series.
The score was tied at the end of the fourth inning. The Nationals were looking for home-runs from their batters in order to manage a lead and steer journey toward victory. Similarly the Phillies needed their offence to step up and find ways to score runs
at this juncture of the game.
The home-run smacked by LaRoche in the sixth delivered the Nationals exactly what they required at this stage of the match. His home-run was followed by a single coming off Lombardozzi which led to the scoring of one more run.
As a result, the Nationals took their lead to a level where it was not easy for the Phillies to blow it.
Philadelphia tried to fight back by putting some resistance in the eighth inning. However whatever attempt they made did not bear any substantive result as they failed to surpass the Nationals.
Drew Storen earned the save by completing the last inning scoreless.
Washington sent their relief pitcher Tom Gorzelanny as starter on Tuesday. In little more than three innings, he leaked one run and struck-out five.
As far as the Phillies’ offence was concerned, left fielder Darin Ruf thrashed for two home-runs in the game.
Ruf intends to prepare for Spring Training and then from there onward put up splendid performances in the upcoming season.
"I was just trying to put myself in a spot where I can compete next year in spring training for, if not for a starting job, just a spot on the team," said Ruf.
Praising the contributions by LaRoche in the on-going season, General Manager for Nationals, Mike Rizzo feels sorry for him as his expedition was stopped by an injury last year.
"It's unfortunate he got hurt last year, for really the first time in his career. But he's a terrific player and a terrific teammate, and I'm so happy for him," Mike Rizzo said. "Now we're looking for him to get hot and carry us like he did quite often in
the first half."
The Nationals will be trying to win the last match of the series and make sure the momentum stays with them.
Tags: