Nationals Edge Giants, 6-5

The Nationals held on against the Giants to pick up their fifth straight win, 6-5. Jordan Zimmermann earned his NL-leading 14th win, allowing one run in seven innings and out pitched Tim Lincecum.

Aug 14, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals and the Giants each scored runs in the second inning. San Francisco left fielder Roger Kieschnick singled in Hunter Pence. Ian Desmond answered for the Nats with his 17th home run of the season.

The Nationals busted the game open in the fourth inning by scoring five runs. Anthony Rendon‘s double scored Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth. Adam LaRoche scored on a Kurt Suzuki single. A wild pitch by Tim Lincecum allowed Rendon to cross the plate. Ryan Zimmerman drove in Suzuki on an infield single.

The Giants threatened in the eighth and ninth innings.  Brandon Belt hit a solo shot off of Ian Krol.  Ryan Mattheus gave up a two run double to Pablo Sandoval.  Belt later drove in Andres Torres in the ninth to make the score 6-5 before Rafael Soriano was able to hold on for the Nats and complete the save.

The Nationals are now 59-60 and 8.5 games back of a wild card. The series with the Giants wraps up Thursday afternoon with Dan Haren taking the mound to face off against Ryan Vogelsong.