Zimmermann quality start as Nats spoil Mets Opener

Another quality start from Jordan Zimmermann, as the Nationals spoil the Met’s season opener 6-2. Zimmermann not only pitched well, but he helped his own cause hitting a double down the right field line off RA Dickey to take a 2-0 lead. The Nationals continue to get runners on base, but have failed to really bust open with a big inning. Until today when Pudge jacked a single in the top of the eigth with bases loaded driving in two runs. Ankiel had three hits and smoked a shot up the middle with bases loaded that was spoiled by an amazing highlight reel play. Reyes dove to his left picking up the short hop only to pounce on second and throw out Ankiel to save the Mets a chance to win the ball game.

Tyler Clippard came on to relieve Chad Gaudin with one out and runners on second and third in the bottom of the seventh. Clippard struck out Reyes with a sweet change up down and away, and then got Pagan out with a come back to the pitcher. Clippard has thrived this season as his fastball is smoking hitters making his change up absolutely devastating.

Drew Storen took over in the eighth and sat the Mets down 1-2-3. Coffey came on in the ninth closing the door on the Mets only yielding a hit. This bullpen is coming on strong to start the season and you can see the confidence growing for this pitching staff. Only one can imagine after another draft and the return of Strasburg how great this staff will be.

The Mets pitching was absolutely terrible and the Nationals did not beat themselves with bone head mistakes. Their patience at the plate lead to walks and better looks at the plate. The team performed within their ability and made the plays to win this ball game. The streak is now at two and the Nats will have the opportunity to make .500 this season with a win tomorrow and take their first series of the season.

The coaching staff has to be ecstatic with the job the starting pitching has done this season as no one saw this coming. Everyone could only have hoped that the starting rotation could perform a decent job, and the bullpen would pick up the slack. The Nationals are now 3-4 on the season and could easily be 5-2 without some bone head plays. This team will continue to play better and contend for the fall classic.

Tomorrow features the Nats new lefty Tom Gorzelanny against the former Brewer Chris Capuano. This will be Gorzelanny’s first start for the Nationals and he sports a terrible 5.11 ERA against the Mets. The good news is that the Nationals have done quite well against Capuano, so taking advantage of the big inning is a must tomorrow. The game is at Citi Field with a start time of 7:10pm, and the weather is going to be good for baseball with a high of 58. There is only a 20% chance of rain.