For the second year in a row, the Nationals were victorious on the nation’s birthday. Though it lacked the drama of last year’s walkoff victory, I’m quite satisfied with a 6-0 victory.
3B Ryan Zimmerman hit a first inning homer for his first RBI in forever and a day to put the Nats ahead 1-0. Strong pitching from Matt Chico (7IP 4H 0R 0ER 0BB 4K) and two innings of scoreless work from the bullpen ensured Zimmerman’s dinger was the GWRBI. However, the Nats bats weren’t done. In the fifth, C Jesus Flores singled and was moved over to second by Chico. CF Nook Logan singled to put runners at the corners. Ronnie Belliard doubled Flores home. With runners on second and third, Cubs manager Lou Pinella made the dubious decision to intentionally walk Zimmerman. Da Meathook, Dimitri Young, made Pinella pay by hitting a 1-2 curve ball over the left field wall to clear the bases. 6-0 Nationals! The lead held and the second biggest crowd of the year (39,000+) saw one of the Nationals best games of the year.
A National Celebration – The Post
For Nats, a grand holiday – The Wash. Times
Chico, who never pitched above AA before this season, is unfazed by just about everything (The Wash. Times) it would seem, a helpful trait for a pitcher. Zimmerman says “he’s more boring than I am.”
Speaking of Zimmerman:
Zimmerman has now hit game-ending or go-ahead homers on five different holidays over the last two seasons: Father’s Day and Independence Day last year and Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Independence Day this year. (For the record, the Mother’s Day homer actually came in a game that began Saturday night but ended at 1:42 a.m. Sunday on his grand slam.)
Dick Heller notes that Zimmerman is patient about his stats and progress, but impatient at the plate (The Wash. Times).
Manny Acta is eagerly awaiting the return of Alex Escobar (The Post). Why? We know Escobar is just going to get hurt again. Also, Ryan Church has gotten worse every month after a hot start.
Jim Bowden is giving dictation again (The Wash. Examiner).
A happy vacation to Barry Svrluga.