Moments That Mattered: Bang, Zoom Go The Fireworks

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This game was a step in the right direction.

Everything clicked for the Nats in today’s first game. They pounded out seven runs on fourteen hits while allowing none on three hits. A lot of less familiar faces contributed, including Xavier Cedeno and Chris Marrero, both of whom made their season debuts, and Jeff Kobernus, who made his first start and got his first two career hits. One of the problems the Nats have had this season is a lack of bench production, so it is encouraging to see some hits off the bench. Anthony Rendon also had some success, going 2-3 with a walk for some similarly unexpected production from second base. Every offensive starter reached base at least once, and this production was exactly what the Nats have missed all season long. Let’s just hope they didn’t use up their run allotment for the day week month.

Most Important Nationals Hit: Anthony Rendon’s two-run single (+21.2%)

Jun 4, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) walks in the dugout prior to the game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

A huge part of today’s game was two-out hitting. Every single RBI hit by the Nats came with two outs, and it began in the fourth inning. After a strikeout and three singles, including one where Jayson Werth was thrown out at home, Rendon came to the plate with runners on second and third. He beat out an infield single to third and the throw to first was wide, allowing two runs to score and putting the Nats up 2-0 early. Rendon would have 3 RBIs in the game, adding two more on a fifth-inning double. More fun two-out hitting: six straight Nats reached with two outs in the fifth, allowing the team to score five runs.

Most Important Nationals Pitch: Ryan Doumit‘s strikeout (+4.8%)

It was a really boring day on offense for the Twins. Even though they had just three hits on the day, they were threatening in the third with runners on first and second with two outs. A walk and a dropped popup by Rendon put those runners on before Doumit, the Twins’ three-hole hitter, came up. However, Jordan Zimmermann, who was dominant all day, ended the threat by getting him out on strikes.

Jun 4, 2013; Washington, DC, USA;Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch during the game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Champ of the Game: Zimmermann (+23.4%) mowed the Twins down with ease. In seven innings, he allowed no runs and just two hits, while walking two and striking out eight. His ERA is now 2.00. For the Twins, Chris Parmelee (+5.8%) accounted for 67% of his team’s hits, going 2-3 with a walk.

Chump of the Game: Steve Lombardozzi (-8.7%) continues to not produce, going 1-5 with a run scored but making multiple outs with runners on base. He can be a passable backup, but should not be hitting second under any circumstances. Minnesota’s starter, Scott Diamond (-18.9%) got lit up, allowing six earned runs on ten hits and two walks in 4.2 innings.