Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Eugenio Suarez Steals Show In DC

Jul 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) is congratulated by third base coach Bob Henley after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

After sweeping the San Francisco Giants, the Washington Nationals were looking to keep their nine game home win streak alive last night when they began a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds. The last time the Nats went up against Cincinnati, the Reds offense outscored them 21-9.

While last night’s game wasn’t a blowout, the Nationals were not able to get to Reds’ starter, Anthony DeSclafani. DeSclafani gave up only two runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings of work. Although Danny Espinosa did hit a home run in the sixth that tied the game at two, the team was not able to get the big inning going.

More from Nationals News

• Robots in Baseball? The Possibility of an Automated Ball/Strike System in the MLB
• Washington Nationals Re-Sign RHP Erasmo Ramirez
• Washington Nationals Sign RHP Trevor Williams
• Washington Nationals find Success in First Draft Lottery
• Washington Nationals: What to Know for the MLB Draft Lottery

The Nationals now await new information on the statuses of Denard Span and Yunel Escobar. Span left the game last night after the second inning because of back spasms. Then, before the fifth inning, Escobar was taken out of the game due to hamstring tightness. The Nats are already without Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, and Anthony Rendon in the lineup. You have to wonder how many more injuries this lineup can afford to take.

While it wasn’t Todd Frazier or Joey Votto that made the difference yesterday, it was shortstop Eugenio Suarez. Suarez had two RBI’s, including the game winning home run against Casey Janssen in the top of the eighth inning. In fact, it was the eight and nine hitters respectively that scored the runs for the Reds, who are now 4-0 against the Nats this season.

Before the battle of aces between Max Scherzer and Johnny Cueto takes place tonight, here are my takeaways from yesterday’s 3-2 loss:

Next: Fister Puts Up Quality Start