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Washington Nationals Reaction: Joe Ross Displays Terrific Command In Win Over Phillies

By Chris Lacey

Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross pitches during the first inning Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross pitches during the first inning Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last night, Joe Ross showed off his strong command as the Nats went on to defeat the Phillies, 9-1.

 Joe Ross had a spectacular start Friday night as the Washington Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-1 on the road. This was the sixth straight win for the team overall. Ross had all of the pitches in his repertoire working against the Phillies.

He tossed 7.2 scoreless innings while giving up a meager three hits, walked three batters, and struck out five. He is now 2-0 on the season with an ERA of 0.61. Plus, he even had a good night at the plate as he went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk.

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The dominance last wasn’t a surprise when you consider he shut down the Miami Marlins in his first start of the season. He threw seven innings, gave up one run on five hits, yielded two free passes, and struck out five.  The key factor for Ross in each of these outings is that he had terrific command of his fastball. He was able to locate this pitch and throw it for a strike when he needed to.

Another takeaway in both starts is that Ross showed the ability to pitch deep into games, as he has tossed at least seven frames in each start this year.

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    • If a pitcher cannot only locate his fastball, but throw it continually for strikes, that will make his other pitches more effective. It’s hard enough for an opposing batter to contend with one solid pitch, but having to worry about a starter’s secondary pitches makes the battle even more challenging.

    The Nats knew Ross had the potential to be a special pitcher in their starting rotation this season, considering the success he experienced last season for them. He posted a 3.64 ERA in 74.2 innings (13 starts) and surrendered seven home runs. He compiled a 3.42 FIP, an 111 ERA+, and his WHIP was 1.10.

    The results were great from a small sample, and the team was certainly excited what he could accomplish pitching for a full season. The dominant start by Ross gives the Nats another formidable pitcher in their rotation. They already have stellar arms in Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and reliable Tanner Roark.

    Next: Recap: Ross Propels Nats To 6th Straight Win

    The 22-year-old right-hander adds a new wrinkle to the staff as he is someone that opposing teams will have to concerned about when they face the Nats. It’s very early in the season, but it appears the rotation will be a strength for the club. This is a major factor as the team has aspirations of not only winning the National League East crown but making a deep run in the postseason.

    If Ross can be consistent in each start, those dreams will become a reality.

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