The Washington Nationals got some timely hitting and an outstanding start from Joe Ross, which led to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
The game was scoreless until the fourth inning when St. Louis shortstop Aledmys Diaz crushed his seventh homer of the season to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. The Nats had a scoring chance in their half of the frame with two men on base, but Stephen Drew grounded out to end the inning.
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The Nationals got on the board in the sixth inning, as Bryce Harper crushed a home run to the third deck in right field to tie the game 1-1. It was the 12th home run of the year for Harper, and his first since May 4.
Ross worked out of a jam in the seventh inning. He gave up back-to-back singles to Stephen Piscotty and Brandon Moss to start the frame, but the right-hander struck out Yadier Molina and forced Kolten Wong to ground into an inning-ending double play.
Danny Espinosa gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead during the bottom of the seventh, as he cranked his fourth home run of the season to right field.
FanSided
Ross was phenomenal on the mound in tonight’s start. He tossed seven innings, allowed six hits, struck out four batters, issued one walk, and yielded one run. Ross threw a season-high 110 pitches (74 strikes) and made just one mistake, which was the home run allowed to Diaz.
As for Leake, he also went seven innings, scattered seven hits, fanned five batters, walked one and surrendered two runs. Leake was very efficient, as indicated by him throwing 95 pitches (62 strikes). He made two costly errors to Harper and Espinosa, which accounted for both of the runs charged to him.
The Nats went to the bullpen in the eighth inning, as Felipe Rivero worked around an error to keep the Cardinals off the board.
Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 13th save of the season.
This was a great way for the Nats to begin a series. The Cardinals usually score runs in bunches, but Ross held their lineup in check.
Next: First battles between Nats, Mets signal long race ahead
Next Game: The Washington Nationals (29-19) will have Max Scherzer (5-3, 3.80 ERA) on the mound tomorrow night, and the St. Louis Cardinals (24-24) will counter with Jaime Garcia (3-4, 3.59 ERA). You can watch the game at 7:05 p.m. ET on MASN.