Home Runs lead Nationals to Comeback Win
Well the Washington Nationals offense has finally caught up to them on their first west coast road trip of the year. With a pair of solo home runs in the top of the ninth from Danny Espinosa and Kevin Frandsen along with earlier bombs from Ian Desmond and Tyler Moore the Nationals were able to pull off a six to five comeback win against the Arizona Diamondbacks to give them their first win on their west coast road trip.
The Nationals were paced by their leadoff hitter Denard Span who started the game with a leadoff triple in which he ended up scoring on a sac fly by Anthony Rendon. Span would finish the day going three for five with a triple and double and giving him one of his best performances at the plate this year.
Coming into the game the Nationals only scored four runs in their last series against the Oakland Athletics so when they put up four home runs it can be viewed as a turnaround for the previously slumping offense. The resurgence of this offense could not come at a better time as they were facing the worst pitching staff in the National League with a team ERA of 4.85. They would need all of the six runs they could get as Jordan Zimmermann would give up a season high five earned runs in just 5 1/3 innings.
The Nationals were able to pull off another one of their comebacks that has kept the Nationals in contention all year. They were able to pull off the comeback not just because of the resurgence of the offense but also because the Nationals may have the best kept secret in baseball and that is their outstanding bullpen. With scoreless outings from Jerry Blevins, Aaron Barrett and Tyler Clippard the bullpen was able to keep the Nationals in striking distance the second half of the game which allowed for the comeback in the top of ninth to happen.
Due to his two strikeout perfect inning Tyler Clippard received his third win on the young season. Allision Reed recorded his third loss and second blown save on the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rafeal Soriano was able to get back on track and finish off the game and record his eighth save.
