Washington Nationals beat Cincinnati Reds 7-3 as Gio Gonzalez shines on mound - MLB Update
Starter Gio Gonzalez puts in a splendid performance as the Washington Nationals go past the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 in first game of three-match series at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio on May 11, 2012.
Recording 12 hits in the game, the Nationals drew an improved performance from their offence.
After second baseman Danny Espinosa betrayed expectations in almost every game he played, the Nationals turned to other options to fill top order line-up. Centre fielder Roger Bernadina was brought in. So far he has proven a worthwhile option.
Bernadina hit his second home-run of the season. Third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman asserts his significance as a hitter.
As he sustained shoulder inflammation and stayed out in few games earlier, ever since he has returned, the Nationals’ offence has made impressive strides.
Zimmerman went 3-for-4 and completed one run in the game.
Real linchpin of the Nationals’ offence has been their first baseman, Adam LaRoche. Hardly a game passes without witnessing huge hits and homers from his bat. He is kind of anchoring through the innings for the team.
Three runs the Nationals added in first inning had his contribution. Following a homer by Bernadina, he doubled and prompted Zimmerman to reach home plate.
Then again in fourth inning, in the face of base-runners holding their positions, he singled and allowed Desmond to complete his run.
Bryce Harper was a little disappointment, and remained hitless in five at-bats during his time on the plate. With this, he takes a nosedive in batting average and slugging percentage.
Gonzalez threw five innings and gave up five hits as his season ERA is 1.94.
The game was another reminder of the powerful arms with the Nationals. Scores they have allowed so far in season are among the lowest pitchers have given up in National League East Division.
In the last game, it was Stephen Strasburg who horrified batters with his fastballs. In a continuation of the same, Gonzalez beat batters in Friday's game.
The Nationals are having their offence stuttering time-and-again and not being consistent in hits.
Occasional fireworks at a time when pitchers have already turned the game in their favour are not as important as is striking hits during crucial junctures of the game.
This is something the Nationals' hitters must think on and make up for deficiency in time.
Tags: