Zimmerman Slams Nationals to Sweep of the Padres
By Ben Bocian
The Washington Nationals completed the series sweep of the Padres behind Ryan Zimmerman‘s grand slam and Bryce Harper‘s 3-4 performance. Stephen Strasburg was effective and got his fifth victory of the season.
Jul 7, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) is congratulated by Bryce Harper (34) after hitting a grand slam during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Harper got the Nats out to an early lead on an RBI single that scored Denard Span in the first. Chase Headley drew the Padres level in the third by driving in Carlos Quentin on a double to right center.
The Nationals put together a six run third inning on two home runs. Ryan Zimmerman hit his fourth career grand slam, his tenth home run of the season to right center. Anthony Rendon knocked a two run shot that scored Jayson Werth a few batters later.
A two run homer by San Diego utility player Alexi Amarista put the score at 7-3 in the fourth.
The Nationals four run fifth inning put the game out of reach for the Padres. Harper was able to score on Nick Hundley‘s throwing error on Ryan Zimmerman’s steal. Rendon was able to drive in Zimmerman on a single. Werth scored on a Wilson Ramos double play ball and Strasburg helped seal his win with an RBI single.
Strasburg allowed four runs over six innings and struck out nine.
The Nationals bullpen gave up runs in the seventh and eighth, but the Nationals lead was too much for the Padres to overcome. The final score was 11-7. The win improves the Nationals record to 46-42 and four games back of the Atlanta Braves.
The Nationals travel to Philadelphia to begin a series with the Phillies tomorrow. The Nationals will send Ross Detwiler to the mound to face former Nat John Lannan.