Washington Nationals slip 3-4 to Colorado Rockies as Tyler Clippard gives up one run - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Tyler Clippard gives up the winning run in a 3-4 defeat of the Washington Nationals against the Colorado Rockies on July 8, 2012 in the third game of the three match series at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Penultimate innings proved nightmarish for Washington. Maintaining a lead for a major part of the game, they gave up three runs in the last two innings, letting the Rockies pull off an incredible victory.
Their starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann was strong in seven innings. Similar to what the rest of the starters in the Nationals’ rotation have been doing in the season, Zimmermann made batters toil for hits on Sunday.
However, in terms of strike-outs, he was unimpressive with just two strike-outs in the game.
Relievers proved the Nationals’ undoing as they allowed runs during decisive moments of the game.
Clippard, who did the closing job, is generally considered a safe option in the ninth. For the same reason, when he went on to assume the mound at the back of a tie, manager Davey Johnson was fairly confident.
However, in a rare display of tentativeness, Clippard threw a wild pitch and led the base-runner aboard.
"I look at it as good timing," Clippard said. "You don't ever want to get too comfortable or too confident out there, so this is a little check for ourselves."
Meanwhile, Johnson praises the team’s performance in the first half of the season. He looks forward to come back even stronger after going through the All-Star break.
While commenting on the game, he stated that the Nationals had been part of nail-biters throughout the season. Therefore, Sunday’s match was not new for the players.
"Everybody feels good, and they're looking for the break," Johnson said. "They've battled hard. We've had a lot of close games. It's a good time for a break."
Offensively, the Nationals relied on shortstop Ian Desmond and the All-star out-fielder Bryce Harper.
Desmond managed two hits in four at-bats. Notwithstanding the defeat on Sunday, the Nationals are heading to the break with ideal numbers.
They stand top of the table and are by far the best team in the National League East Division.
With the way they have performed up until now, it will not be difficult for the club to go on to win a spot in the play-offs.
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