Washington Nationals outclass Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 as Gio Gonzalez horrifies batters - MLB
Starter Gio Gonzalez strikes out ten and helps the Washington Nationals win 7-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. on May 16, 2012 in the first game of the two-match series.
Nationals were perfect in every aspect of the game. Their offence drew valuable hits and their pitchers kept the opponents from going past the lead.
Right fielder, Bryce Harper had another great time on the plate. By hitting one hit in three at-bats, he took his slugging percentage to .460.
Harper came early in the line-up and scored the first run. In the bottom of first as Ryan Zimmerman grounded out to shortstop, Harper reached home plate.
Every time the Nationals’ offence needs a boost, first baseman Adam LaRoche comes in and shines. He is turning out to be a most dependable hitter for his side.
By making three hits in four at-bats, he takes his season batting average to an impressive .339.
Danny Espinosa will be happy with his one hit. Though it was of least significance, it will help his confidence and allow him to start finding the right swings.
Manager has purposely placed him down in the line so that he can find his form back and resume his duties up in the line-up.
While Stephen Strasburg experiences a little push back in his progress, as Gio Gonzalez steps forward. Continuing the way Strasburg was drawing strike-outs earlier, Gonzalez assumes the role now.
He threw seven innings and gave up four hits and walked two.
Relief pitcher, Henry Rodriguez finally finds his rhythm back after getting his confidence dented in couple of games. Coming in the ninth to do closing job at the back of three runs lead by the Nationals, he pitched one scoreless inning.
Shortstop Ian Desmond will be happy on connecting a homer after narrowly missing it in number of games. Although he has been consistent, he is unable to hit as many home runs as his performance will suggest.
Meanwhile, the Nationals will hope to see their offence stepping up in the same fashion throughout the season.
Injuries of some of their relievers apart, it is their hitters that have to become greatest reason of their success in the season.
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