Game 33: Nationals 2, Reds 1

The Nationals continue to live and die by one run per game.

Jordan Zimmermann had a typical Nats start, throwing seven innings and allowing one run, but Wilson Ramos appeared to suffer a serious knee injury that marred an otherwise solid 2-1 win as the Nats moved to 21-12.

Zimmermann (2-3) earned the win despite the ongoing trend of not receiving any run support, as evidenced by his 2.14 ERA and losing record. He had especially impressive peripherals, striking out nine while walking one and allowing only five hits. Clippard threw a scoreless eighth with one walk and one K, leading up to a stellar ninth where Henry Rodriguez struck out the side on only ten pitches.

On offense, the Nationals were only able to manage six hits, but two of those hits were solo home runs by Wilson Ramos in the fifth and Danny Espinosa in the 6th. Espinosa hit a home run in two consecutive games for the first time this season, and went only four at-bats between his second and third home runs after going 104 between his first and second. Espinosa had a great game overall, going 2-3 with the solo home run, a walk, and a stolen base. Ian Desmond, Roger Bernadina, and Adam LaRoche each added one hit, while Bryce Harper was held hitless for the second consecutive game.

The night’s main story, however, was the injury suffered by Wilson Ramos. The spikes on his right cleat caught in the ground as he turned to chase a passed ball in the seventh, and his knee twisted awkwardly. He lay on the ground in pain before being helped off the field, barely placing any weight on his injured leg. Jesus Flores replaced Ramos in the game after his injury. No official update was available after the game, but when asked about Ramos’ health, manager Davey Johnson said, “I don’t know how bad it is, but I have a bad feeling he tore something in there.” Flores would become the team’s everyday catcher if Ramos misses an extended amount of time, and Carlos Maldonado, the catcher at AAA Syracuse, would be the likely backup.

Champ of the Game: Espinosa, who played an all-around great offensive game and delivered the eventual winning run.
For the Reds, Joey Votto was 1-2 with two walks but scored no runs and had no RBI.

Chump of the Game: Rick Ankiel, who was 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Jose Arredondo allowed Espinosa’s homer on his first pitch in relief of Mat Latos.

Unsung Hero: Adam LaRoche was 1-3 with a walk, but never scored.
Mat Latos allowed only one run for the Reds, but pitched only five innings.

Next Game: 1:10 PM, Great American Ball Park. Jackson (1-1, 3.49) v. Arroyo (2-1, 2.75)

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