Nationals Explode For 9-4 Win Vs Cubs
The Washington Nationals needed a bounceback performance in the worst way against the Chicago Cubs, and did they ever get it!
The game started out under the impression of “more of the same” as Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester was able to get the first two outs of the first inning on just three pitches. Enter Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman. Harper singled on the first pitch of his at bat and Zimmerman drove them both home with a two run home run to give the Nationals an early 2-0 lead. Washington would add on in a big way, as Ryan Zimmermann went on to have six RBIs on the day, five coming via the home run. Daniel Murphy pitched in with a two run home run of his own, and Trea Turner-after misreading the count and walking halfway to first base on ball three-singled to drive in Matt Wieters. The Nationals offense was alive and well today, scoring nine runs on thirteen hits for a 9-4 victory. Additionally, Washington had at least one base runner in all nine innings.
The story of the game (besides Ryan Zimmerman) was hometown kid Tanner Roark. Roark had another solid start today in his home state of Illinois, allowing just two runs over seven and two-thirds innings, giving the bullpen a much needed rest (the only bullpen arm employed by the Nationals today was Wander Suero) and earning Roark his fourth consecutive win (he had three the entire first half of the season). Today was truly a dream come true for the Washington Nationals.
Nationals will attempt to win the series as Max Scherzer takes the mound at 8 PM, 7 PM Chicago time.
