Harper, Werth, and Desmond Slam Nationals Past Marlins
By Ben Bocian
The Washington Nationals continued their excellent play as they beat the Miami Marlins 9-0. Home runs by Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, and Ian Desmond proved excellent support for Gio’s stellar start.
Aug 28, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper (34) takes the helmet off the head of outfielder Jayson Werth (28) after a home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Nationals threatened to get on the board in the first with singles from Denard Span and Ryan Zimmerman. Harper, Werth, and Desmond were unable to drive home any runs this time around.
Marlins starter Tom Koehler was able to hold the Nationals scoreless until the fourth. A Zimmerman single set the table for Bryce Harper’s 19th home run of the season to give the Nats the 2-0 lead.
In the sixth, Koehler walked Zimmerman and Harper. Next, Jayson Werth hit a three run homer, his 21st of the season, to left field. Anthony Rendon‘s RBI single later in the inning extended the Nationals lead to 6-0.
Gio Gonzalez pitched seven great innings to improve his record to 8-6. He gave up no runs, three hits, three walks, and struck out eight.
Ian Desmond added three more runs in the seventh on his 20th home run of the season to make the final score 9-0.
The win improves the Nationals record to 68-65 and moves them to 6.5 games back of a playoff spot. The Nationals welcome the Mets to D.C. on Friday. Jordan Zimmermann will take the mound for the Nats against Dillon Gee of the Mets.