Game 3: Washington Nationals 6, Miami Marlins 1

The Nationals finished off the sweep of the Miami Marlins today to improve to 3-0 for the season. Jordan Zimmermann continued the Nats dominant pitching streak by allowing 1 run and scattering 8 hits over 6 innings of work. Marlins’ bats looked like fish out of water during the series, scoring only 1 run in 27 innings.

Apr 4, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals offense woke up and scored 6 runs. Ryan Zimmerman started things off by knocking in Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper on a double in the bottom of the first. Harper was slow to get up after a collision sliding into home, but luckily his off season conditioning at the Tron gym paid off. Harper got up, shook it off, and probably silently swearing vengeance.

Justin Ruggiano led off the second for Miami with a solo home run, which turned out to be the Marlins only run of the series. Rob Brantly and Adeiny Hechavarria were stranded after singling in the second as Jordan Zimmermann worked his way out of a jam. The Marlins inability to drive in runs was a theme of the series and was repeated throughout today’s game.

Harper’s vengeance came in the third. It was minor, but he drove in Denard Span on a single.

There was no more scoring until the bottom of the seventh. Werth connected on a 3 run homer off of Marlins lefty reliever Mike Dunn.

Werth’s home run sealed the sweep for the Nats. The bullpen was airtight. Henry Rodriguez, Tyler Clippard, and Craig Stammen pitched consecutive scoreless innings to close out the game.

The Nationals travel to Cincinnati to kick off a three game series with the Reds tomorrow.