Game 8: Washington Nationals 5, Chicago White Sox 2
Jordan Zimmermann’s quality start and Danny Espinosa’s RBIs helped the Nationals get their sixth win of the season to improve their record to 6-2.
Apr 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) is congratulated by
Jayson Werth(28) after scoring a run during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Former National Adam Dunn got the White Sox on the board early with a RBI groundout that scored Jeff Keppinger in the first. Jordan Zimmermann got back on track immediately afterwards to keep the Sox from causing any more damage.
Adam Dunn also got to put on his glove and indulge in the fine art of fielding for the first time this season. Dunn started in place of Dayan Viciedo in left field.
Bryce Harper’s solo home run in the bottom of the fourth ended Gavin Floyd’s shutout and tied the game. It was Harper’s fourth home run of the year and he has now homered in each of the Nationals first three series of the season.
The Nats kept the pressure on the White Sox in the forth and took the lead. Ian Desmond doubled and scored on a Danny Espinosa single. Ryan Zimmerman also contributed in the fifth inning by driving in Jayson Werth to extend the Nats lead to 3-1.
The White Sox were able to score again on Zimmermann in the sixth. Alex Rios drove in Alejandro De Aza on a groundout. Zimmermann’s final stat line for the day was 7 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, and four strikeouts.
The Nationals added insurance runs in the sixth inning. Espinosa got another RBI when he again drove in Desmond on a double to right field. Denard Span added a run on his RBI single that scored Espinosa.
That proved to be enough for the bullpen. Drew Storen and Rafael Soriano pitched back-to-back scoreless innings to secure the victory.
The series with the White Sox concludes Thursday. The Nationals will be looking to keep their perfect record at home intact.