Nationals Drop Series; Lose Pitchers Duel 1-0

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday evening the Nationals could get only five hits, two of which coming from Denard Span. Roberto Hernandez thoroughly dominated the Nationals hitters for 7.1 innings. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out three. Gio Gonzalez did his job as well, going 7.1 innings striking out seven, walking two and allowing the lone run of the ballgame.

The only run of the game was scored in the first inning where the Nats have struggled mightily all year long. Jimmy Rollins tripled to left with one out and Chase Utley singled him home.

In the second inning the Nats got Ian Desmond to third with two outs but nothing came of it.

In the third the Nationals got runners on first and second with one out, partially due to an Utley error. Adam LaRoche and Anthony Rendon both got out ending the inning.

In the bottom of the third with one out, Ben Revere tripled to right. In the end he was stranded at third after a strikeout and pop out by Gonzalez.

The pitchers controlled the game until the top of the 8th when Span reached on a single. After that Kevin Frandsen was up and he interestingly bunted Span to second for Jayson Werth. Rookie Manager Ryne Sandberg then went to his best reliever, Mike Adams, who got Werth and Rendon to end the inning. Looking back on it, bunting with Frandsen was a baffling decision.

The Nationals missed too many opportunities and wasted a gem from Gonzalez. On the bright side, the Atlanta Braves lost, so the Nats remain a half game back.