Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Nats Backups Taking Advantage Of Playing Time
By Ricky Keeler
Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Tyler Moore (12) hits a two run RBI double against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into this weekend’s series against the San Francisco Giants, the Washington Nationals (45-36) were coming off of a couple tough losses against Atlanta. They got the chance to take on a Giants team that knocked them off in four games in the NLDS. While the series still has one more game to go tonight on ESPN, you have to think there has been a small statement made already by the Nationals
In the tradition that is the 11 AM 4th of July game at Nats Park, the Nats started off strong and got to Madison Bumgarner early, something they did not do in the postseason last year till the seventh inning of Game three. There were stars and stripes galore on Independence Day, and some of them were even on Bryce Harper’s bat.
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Plus, players like Tyler Moore were able to shine when given the opportunity to play. Moore went 3-for-4 with four RBI’s in the win. The Nats come into tonight’s game with a eight game home winning streak and a 24-14 record at home. Only four other teams have more home wins than the Nats (Pirates, Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals).
Of course, while the offensive surge was great to talk about, there is a level of concern in the starting rotation as Stephen Strasburg had to leave the game in the fourth inning with tightness in his left side. With Strasburg pitching great since coming off the disabled list, this setback could not have come at a worse time.
Before Jordan Zimmermann goes for the series sweep tonight, here are my takeaways from yesterday’s game:
Next: Strasburg Leaves Great Start Due To Injury