Washington 7 BALTIMORE 4 (ESPN Boxscore)

Let’s give it up for Balmer starter Daniel Cabrera because he kept giving it up to the Nats. Cabrera had troubling getting the third out in any of the five innings he pitched in last night and the Nats made him pay. LF Ryan Church, 3B Ryan Zimmerman and C Brian Schneidner all hit home runs and 2B Felipe Lopez hit a two run double to get 7 runs over 4 2/3’s innings off of Cabrera.

Micah Bowie pitched well in five of his six innings, faltering only in the second when he gave up three hits, one of them a three run homer to Melvin Mora. Other than that, Bowie was solid. Washington has won all five of Bowie’s starts (The Free Lance-Star).

Jesus Colome came in to finish the game, but gave up a home run and allowed another two baserunners on. It was cool though, he was just teasing the O’s like a cat teases a mouse. Colome yielded to Chad Cordero, who bit the mouse’s head off, notching career save #100 (nationals.com). The Chief became the second youngest to reach that milestone.

Road Work Pays Off For Nats – The Post

Nats unleash power on road – The Wash. Times

The Battle of the Beltway(s) is now tied at 2-2 with 2 games to play.

John Patterson pitched another bullpen session (The Post) yesterday. There is no timetable for his return yet. Also, Jim Bowden said that character is a consideration when acquiring players, so he will have a lot of explaining to do if he acquires Tampa Bay’s Elijah Dukes and his extensive rap sheet.

SS Cristian Guzman and Lopez flipped spots in the batting order last night (The Wash. Times). Lopez responded, hitting a two-run double and walking three times. Guzman was held hitless, but scored a run after walking. The shortstop is not fond of batting leadoff.

Writing for Baltimore sports Web site Pressbox, WTOP‘s Craig Heist wonders if Zimmerman the next Cal Ripken, Jr.? Probably not, but Zimmerman is pretty good, especially lately seemingly getting at least one RBI a night.