Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Jordan Zimmermann Stumbles As Nats Struggles Continue
By Ricky Keeler
Jun 12, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez (16) hits a two RBI double during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
If the Washington Nationals (31-30) haven’t hit rock bottom yet, they are definitely getting there. Last night, Jordan Zimmermann, one of the more consistent starters in the rotation, couldn’t get out of the fourth inning as the Brewers (24-38) got ahead early and did not look back in a 8-3 victory. Now, the Nats have to work really hard to try to salvage a split in this series. With the Mets winning last night in Atlanta, the Nationals are now 1.5 games behind New York in the NL East.
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Even in a loss, Bryce Harper continued his great offensive season. In the second inning, he hit a solo home run to right field for his 21st home run of the season. However, other than Harper, the Nationals had trouble hitting Mike Fiers, Milwaukee’s starter, for most of the night. Fiers went seven innings, gave up three runs on five hits, struck out eight, and walked three in the victory.
Right from the beginning of the game, the Nats defense made a costly mistake where Ian Desmond bobbled a potential double play, which turned a quick inning into two runs and 31 pitches from Jordan Zimmermann. Plus, Zimmermann has not been himself over his last two starts.
The Nationals did get some good news on Friday involving both of their injured starting pitchers. Doug Fister made a rehab start down in double-A for Harrisburg. He went six innings, gave up no runs on two hits, and struck out four on 70 pitches. It looks likes Fister is ready to come back to the rotation. Plus, Stephen Strasburg to some work in at Miller Park as he works his way back to the rotation:
#Nats Manager Matt Williams said Stephen Strasburg threw 60 pitches against hitters (teammates) at Miller Park early this afternoon.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 12, 2015
Before Joe Ross makes his second start this afternoon, let’s take a look at some of my takeaways from last night’s loss:
Next: Time To Be Concerned About Jordan Zimmermann?