Washington Nationals defeat Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 as Gio Gonzalez strikes-out nine - MLB Update
Starter Kyle Kendrick gives up a home-run in the second and cost the Philadelphia Phillies a 1-2 defeat against the Washington Nationals on May 21, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in first game of the three match series.
Ian Desmond provided the Nationals an edge right at the start by hitting a home-run. Following this, he singled to left in the fourth and allowed Bryce Harper to reach home plate.
Afterwards, the Nationals left everything on Gio Gonzalez, who did excellent job. He never allowed the Phillies to go past the lead. During his six inning spell on the mound, the Phillies scored none.
He gave up three hits. Nine strike-outs coming off his pitches were actually what demoralised the Phillies the most.
He rightly exploited the weak line-up of the Phillies. By keeping the ball down in the strike-zone, he drew easy strike-outs.
Calling the Phillies’ line-up as great with presence of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard but since they are absent due to injuries, club will struggle on this front, Gonzalez hinted.
''Even though they have a couple of guys down, they have a great lineup,'' Gonzalez said. ''You have to pitch them smart. I tried my best to keep the ball down.''
Runs in first few innings apart, the Nationals’ offence fared hardly any better than the Phillies’. Managing just five hits in the game means problems with their offence remain.
Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was hitless in four at-bats. Similarly Adam LaRoche, who is the best batter with the Nationals at the moment, did not connect any hit in three at-bats.
As the Nationals were heading to victory at the back of a two run lead, in the bottom of the ninth relief pitcher Henry Rodriguez came and gave up one run.
Reacting immediately, the Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson took him off and brought Sean Burnett to make sure the one run lead is not blown.
''Henry can be exciting sometimes,'' Johnson said. ''Sometimes he tries to do too much.''
Victory has brought the Nationals closer to the Braves on table in terms of number of wins in the season. To reclaim their top spot, the Nationals will be looking to construct lengthy winning streaks. By sweeping the Phillies in current series, they can
go a long way in this regard.
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