Washington Nationals lose 3-5 to Pittsburgh Pirates as Jordan Zimmermann struggles - MLB Update
Starter Jordan Zimmermann gives up seven hits as the Washington Nationals are defeated 3-5 by the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. on May 17, 2012 in second game of the two match series.
In a rare game of their starter stuttering on the mound, the Nationals were out of sorts. Three homers Zimmermann gave up are un-characteristic of him.
Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson terms his outing as the worst. Calling into question his control, Johnson says, his location was off the place.
''That's the worst I've seen him with his command early in a ballgame,'' Johnson said. ''His location was off. He was all over the place.''
Pirates’ centre fielder Andrew McCutchen struck two homers against the pitches of Zimmermann. His perfection on the plate was exhibited by how he will approach various pitches and deal with them appropriately.
He rendered Zimmermann helpless on the mound.
Zimmermann acknowledged after the game about how he was roughed up by him. Heaping praise on McCutchen, he elaborated, he is one of those players who will always manage to strike hits irrespective of the pitches thrown at him.
''You pitch him away, and he hits it away,'' Zimmerman said. ''He's one of those special players that can do everything. He's fun to watch. I just wish we didn't have to watch so much when we play them.''
Right fielder Bryce Harper was unable to lift the Nationals late in the innings. As he went hitless in three at-bats, he missed an opportunity to deliver one of the most breathtaking victories since he has stepped in the Majors.
Second baseman, Danny Espinosa did make one hit in four at-bats, but it was of little significance. By the time he appeared on the plate, a slugger who can bring homers was needed. Perhaps he was not the right fit to the situation.
Drawing just six hits from offence in the game is not a good sign for the Nationals. The fact Jayson Werth and Michael Morse will take their time before playing the season, the manager Johnson has to find a way out and make sure existing players provide
due run-support to pitchers.
How far he can achieve this will determine the extent of their competitiveness in upcoming games.
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