Washington Nationals Reaction: Joe Ross Impressive In 5-1 Win

Check out our takeaways from last night’s 5-1 Washington Nationals win over the Phillies

After the Washington Nationals (32-21) got a strong outing from Tanner Roark on Monday night, Joe Ross followed that impressive start with one of his own. The 23-year-old right-hander went seven innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out five, and walked two on 103 pitches in a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies (26-26). While the Nats haven’t given Ross much run support, he has been able to put together some strong outings as of late.

As for the offense, they didn’t mange much against Aaron Nola with Bryce Harper out of the lineup. But, they made their runs count thanks to two solo home runs from Jayson Werth in the first inning and Daniel Murphy in the sixth. The Nats added more insurance runs in the ninth thanks to home runs from Danny Espinosa and pinch-hitter Stephen Drew (inside-the-park home run).

With June now here, the Washington Nationals hope their home run display from May will carry over. Thanks to their four home runs last night, they finished with the most home runs of any National League team in May (43). That total is three higher than the team in second, the New York Mets.

Once Ross left the game, the bullpen duo of Felipe Rivero and Jonathan Papelbon shut the door and held the Philadelphia lineup to one hit and struck out three of the seven batters they faced combined. With the win last night, the Nats enter today with a two game lead over the Mets in the NL East standings.

Before Max Scherzer takes on Adam Morgan tonight (7:05 p.m, MASN2) as the Nats go for the sweep of the Phillies, here are my takeaways from last night’s 5-1 win

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