The Washington Nationals completed their sweep of the Miami Marlins by doing something they had not done all season — give up a run. Jordan Zimmermann scattered 8 hits over 6 innings, giving up a solo homer to Justin Ruggiano in the second. By then, Ryan Zimmerman had already knocked two runs in for the Nats (VIDEO). Bryce Harper got an elbow to the face (The Wash. Times) scoring the second run, but no there was no retaliation against catcher Rob Brantley. Yet.
The bullpen — Henry Rodriguez, Tyler Clippard and Craig Stammen all recorded holds, giving up no runs.
The game’s highlight though was Jayson Werth‘s 434 foot home run — I guess his wrist is feeling better (Nationals Journal, The Post).
The Nats did what they had to do — the swept the woeful Marlins. While the Marlins aren’t any good, those games count in the standings and the Nats have always had trouble with them. They real schedule starts tonight in Cincinnati. Like the Nats, the Reds won their division, but lost the NLDS last season. It is a big early test after a freebie.
A part of me is still expecting Jesus Colome to blow a lead tonight and ruin the whole season.
The curly W flag flies again
THE TWITTER MACHINE
I commend your consistent work against MASN. Also, the Gio hand love-making inclusion was a must @doubleuefwhy: ow.ly/jJL9E
— jp (@jtothemfp) April 4, 2013
After four days of baseball, only one undefeated team remains: the Washington @nationals.
— ESPN (@espn) April 5, 2013
This is so weird. MLB Tonight is assuming the #Nats are the best team.
— Luigi de Guzman (@ouij) April 5, 2013
Jayson Werth is making it REALLY hard to repair the Washington Monument from #Werthquake damage twitpic.com/ch1soa #Natitude
— Chris Ford (@DCSportsNexus) April 5, 2013
Just looked at the video of #nats #HotRod in the 7th today. Henry looked very good; Giancarlo looked downright spooked. Good stuff.
— Luigi de Guzman (@ouij) April 5, 2013
In 2007 Matt Chico started the Nats third game of the season against the Marlins. His line 4 IP 6 R 6 ER 8 H 3 K 0 BB 3 HR
— David Huzzard (@DavidHuzzard) April 5, 2013
Looking at the 2007 Nats and I have to ask. How long can one stare into the abyss before the abyss stares back.
— David Huzzard (@DavidHuzzard) April 5, 2013
Bryce Harper took an elbow to the jaw today. GIF! misterirrelevant.com/index.php/2013…
— Mr. Irrelevant (@MrIrrelevantDC) April 5, 2013
IN SCORES OF OTHER GAMES
Have another look at Andy Pettitte’s vintage 8-inning effort in tonight’s win over the Red Sox: atmlb.com/12lEuti #Yankees
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 5, 2013
#Caps win (18-17-2, 38 points) 2-1 in shootout, Green (8) with the goal, Holtby 35 saves, will be in first in SE Division with Winnipeg loss
— Sky Kerstein (@SkyKerstein) April 5, 2013