Washington Nationals defeat Chicago Cubs 3-2 – MLB Update
Washington Nationals put in a brilliant team performance as the batters gave the Nationals a solid start and the pitchers threw in perfect line to lift Washington 3-2 over the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park, Washington on July 5.
The Nationals’ batters stepped on the gas during the first inning and smashed three quick runs to get a 3-0 lead. Laynce Nix was grounded out towards second base while Roger Bernadina and Danny Espinosa both scored the first two runs on the throwing error
of the Cubs’ second baseman Jeff Baker, who was costly throughout the game.
Wilson Ramos reached to short-stop on an infield single and Ryan Zimmerman scored the third run for the Nationals. Second to fifth inning went score-less as the pitchers preserved their line and struck-out batters. Bernadina walked and Zimmerman struck-out
looking during the second inning without the contribution of single run.
At the top of the fifth inning, the Cubs’ batters missed some run opportunities when Carlos Pena was grounded out to pitcher, Ramon Ortiz struck-out swinging and Darwin Barney flied out to left-field. However, the Cubs’ batters were able to score two runs
in the sixth inning to reduce their lead 3-2.
Baker said, “When I pivoted, my back foot slipped out and my lower back started to spasm up a little bit. That's frustrating. ... It should have been a double play. I didn't make the play.”
Aramis Ramirez struck a solo homer (391 feet) towards left-centre and Reed Johnson added one run at the top of the sixth inning. The pitchers got a hold in the last three innings and controlled the runs by pitching in the straight line. In the seventh inning,
Laynce Nix singled towards-left field and Jayson Werth was grounded out to short-stop position.
The Nationals’ manager, Davey Johnson said, “I love one-run wins, believe me. But every decision you make in one-run ballgames is kind of critical. Once in a while I'd like to have a laugher.”
The Nationals’ starter, Ross Detwiler was superb with the ball as he pitched just over five innings with an ERA of 3.38 and gave up just two runs on four hits. He did not permit any walk and had only one strike-out on his 78 pitches.
With this impressive win, the Nationals are now leading the four-game series 2-0 at Washington.
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