Philadelphia Phillies defeat Washington Nationals 9-3 at Nationals Park - MLB Update
Cole Hamels restricts the Washington Nationals’ offence to just one run as the Philadelphia Phillies win 9-3 at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. on May 6, 2012 in last game of the three-match series.
The Phillies take the Nationals' starter Jordan Zimmermann on as they hit him seven times. Roughing up an ace like this speaks of their dominance in the game.
While the Phillies have been mediocre as regard to their offence since start of the season, Sunday was an exception. Managing 13 hits in 39 at-bats in the game will go a long way in boosting up their confidence.
The Nationals, on the other hand did not have as much from their offence. Apart from Bryce Harper, none had big hits.
Meanwhile, Jayson Werth spells concerns for the management as he leaves the game after hurting his left wrist. He made one hit in two at-bats.
Right fielder, Hunter Pence was a star performer in the Phillies’ line-up. Two homers, which put together added four runs actually buried most of the chances for the Nationals’ win.
Zimmermann has an illustrious career as a starter, but thus far he has been far from his best. Three losses he has cost to the Nationals can easily lead one into believing that he is through his decline.
However, beneath his ordinary performance lies an issue of weak offence with the Nationals. After all, his ERA is better, despite his losses and if he had drawn better run-support, those will have easily been his wins.
Relief pitcher, Ryan Perry had a terrible time on the mound. As soon as he stepped on, the Phillies’ latched on him and drew six runs in little less than one inning he threw.
From this, one can infer that the Nationals are having issues with their bullpen. With Drew Storen and Brad Lidge out, options are not much for the manager Davey Johnson.
Once Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Morse returns to the line-up, the Nationals will see their offence completely transformed. Along with Harper, who is going through his dream Major League start, it can make the Nationals an invincible opposition in the season.
It is a perfect time for the Phillies to build a strong winning-steak. Their offence has started backing up the pitchers. Only if it can replicate this kind of performance consistently, the Phillies will be well on their way to another great season.
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