Washington Nationals face 2-7 defeat against New York Yankees as Gio Gonzalez falters - MLB
Starter Gio Gonzalez gives up three runs as the Washington Nationals take 2-7 beating from the New York Yankees on June 15, 2012 in first game of the three match series at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
A clash of titans results in Nationals being overcome. Both sides entered the game at the back of a dominating performance in the last week. A nail-bitter was being envisaged. Two formidable forces meeting together always produce fascination for the fans.
Contrary to expectations, the Nationals gave in cheaply. What dismayed the fans most was the fact how poorly they dithered before the Yankees’ onslaught.
Yankees are not sparing any team coming to their way, regardless of opponents’ position on the Division table.
On Friday, while Washington was stagnating with quality throws, the Yankees managed sufficient number of runs. Starter Gonzalez, who has done tremendous job so far, was unable to put a plug on runs. Powerful fastballs that he can throw had little effect
on hitters.
Although, part of his excellence was visible from the way he struck-out eight in the game, his dominance was disappearing.
Relief pitcher Brad Lidge, who replaced Gonzalez, was even worse. In little less than one inning, Lidge leaked three runs, allowing the Yankees reach a substantial lead.
Centre fielder Bryce Harper failed to stand up against the Yankees, despite showing great power against most of the opponents he came across in the season. He made one hit in four at-bats.
Third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman continues his downward spiral in the season. He has been unable to live up to the role he assumes down in the line-up. In four at-bats, he connected one hit.
Similarly, first baseman Adam LaRoche, in a stark contrast to the way he has fared thus far, struggled big-time on plate. As if Yankees’ pitchers were too good, he went 0-for-3 on Friday.
Still two games are left in the series. There is every reason to believe that the Nationals will bounce back.
They lost the game mainly because their starter allowed the lead in the beginning.
As this happens with Nationals very rarely, one can believe that the club can draw much improved performance in the next game from their starter.
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