Washington Nationals outscore Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 as Bryce Harper shines - MLB Update
Right fielder Bryce Harper connects three hits in four at-bats as he helps the Washington Nationals defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 in first game of the three match series on June 11, 2012 at Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
Harper propels the Nationals to one run lead, right in the first inning by hitting a single and leading Stephen Lombardozzi on home plate. Then, capitalising on sacrifice fly by the designated hitter Michael Morse, Harper completed the second run.
Two runs posted in first and third kept the Nationals alive in the game, in-spite of the last inning resistance coming off from the Blue Jays. Dominance of the Nationals’ offence can be gauged from the fact that they struck 14 hits.
First baseman Adam LaRoche shines on plate again. Slamming a home run, he went 2-for-5. Whenever the Nationals’ offence experiences a big day, it more often than not comes with a major contribution from LaRoche.
Reinforcing the notion of powerful arms with the Nationals, starter Edwin Jackson delivered splendour on the mound. He threw eight innings and allowed just four hits.
Throwing such a great number of innings alone and giving up just two runs in the process, in most cases, harms little to the team and produces victory. No wonder, the Nationals wrapped up an easy win in the end.
Blue Jays’ starter Brandon Morrow was unable to sustain longer. As soon as he held the mound, pain at his left muscle troubled him and before completing even one inning, he left the park.
Reliance on relief pitcher Chad Beck by the Blue Jays came with a cost. The Blue Jays allowed run-spree during initial innings and ended up losing the game.
The Nationals were lucky that their bullpen was not exposed on Monday, as most of the innings were thrown by starter. For the last many games, the Nationals had to endure melt-downs from relievers after the starter had finished off perfect spell.
Therefore, watching Jackson breezing through innings was an ideal scenario.
Victory has strengthened the Nationals’ top position on National League East Division table. As it was first match of the series, they will be eyeing series sweep and keep their hegemony afloat.
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