Washington Nationals beat San Diego Padres 8-5 as their offence shines - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Craig Stammen stabilises the Washington Nationals following a meltdown by starter Ross Detwiler and helps the side win 8-5 against the San Diego Padres on May 14, 2012 at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. in the first game of their two match
series.
Maintaining three run lead until the end of the third, the Nationals were shaken in fourth as the Padres tied the score. Thanks to their relievers, they did not let the Padres pile up runs and manage a substantial lead.
Shortstop, Ian Desmond struck three hits and contributed two RBIs for the Nationals. With his regular hits on the plate, he has taken the batting average to .271.
Ever since Roger Bernadina has joined the line-up, he has been hitting consistently. He went 2-for-3 in the game.
Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman though connected only one hit did manage to draw three walks.
What made the game a sight to watch was the homer by flamboyant 19-year-old right fielder, Bryce Harper. In four at-bats, he struck one hit and completed one run.
In the sixth, a double to deep right by Desmond was decisive moment of the game.
As it led Jesus Flores and Rick Ankiel to score runs, the Nationals restored their lead as a result. Beyond this inning, the Nationals just added to their lead without letting the Padres go across it.
Relief pitcher, Henry Rodriguez continued his poor run of form. As he threw less than one inning, he gave up three walks.
At the moment, he is low on confidence and as soon as he finds his rhythm back on the mound, he can be right back to his best.
All of a sudden the Nationals’ offence has come alive. In almost every game, reasonable numbers of hits are being struck. In 33 at-bats, they drew 11 hits, four more than Padres.
If the Nationals are leading in terms of facing highest number of injuries, their performance as a team has not declined. This is a peculiar distinction they boast in National League East Division.
Regardless of their present standing on the table, somewhere down the line, they will need their injured players.
After all, if injuries keep sprouting up at the same rate, the Nationals may go on to confront nightmarish kind of scenario late in the season.
Therefore, the manager Davey Johnson will make sure the lost players return as soon as possible.
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