Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Offense nowhere to be found in loss to Blue Jays

Jun 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) congratulates starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) after his complete game win over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Toronto Blue Jays defeated Washington Nationals 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals played the last game of their three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night at Nationals Park. The Nats lost the game, 8-0, losing their second series in a row.

Buehrle Stymies The Nationals

Nationals hitters were confounded by Jays pitcher Mark Buehrle, who pitched a complete game shut out. Buehrle had a 4.97 ERA coming into this game, so he has been hittable this year. He pitched a complete game in his last start against the Minnesota Twins, giving up four runs. The Nationals had to be hoping he would be worn out after pitching a complete game just five days ago. The Nationals hoped in vain.

Buehrle only threw 93 pitches in his complete game against the Nationals. That should tell you what you need to know about the Nats hitters’ lack of patience at the plate in this game. The other thing that aided Buehrle’s cause was Washington hitting into three double plays.

When the Nationals did manage to get a baserunner, Buehrle is such a wily veteran pitcher that he knows how to induce a ground ball or change speeds on his pitches to induce a strikeout. The Nationals didn’t really threaten Buehrle all night.

Bryce Harper and Yunel Escobar each got two hits off Buehrle. Ian Desmond got a hit. That was it for hitting contributions from the lineup. Except for Taylor Jordan, the Nats’ pitcher, who singled in his first at bat.

Next: Taylor Jordan Does Not Fool The Blue Jays