Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Nats Backups Taking Advantage Of Playing Time

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 4^th 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

Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) talks with Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams (9) during the fourth inning prior to be removed from the game with an apparent injury at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Strasburg Shows Dominance, But Leaves Game Early

Through the first 3.2 innings of yesterday’s win over San Francisco, Stephen Strasburg was able to shut down a Giants lineup that came into yesterday morning’s game on a four game losing streak. In his first two starts since returning from his left trapezius muscle injury, The 26-year-old right-hander had given up only two runs in his last two starts, struck out a combined 15 batters, and only walked two.

Yesterday, the only hit that took place against Strasburg came in the third inning on a one out single from Justin Maxwell. Other than that, the Nats pitcher settled in, especially when given an early 3-0. He threw 36 of his 56 pitches and threw ten first pitch strikes to the 13 batters he faced.

However, just when people were ready to say that Strasburg was back on form, he leaves the game in the top of the fourth inning after getting Buster Posey to ground out to second. It’s been a tough season for Strasburg when it comes to his health, but as Nats catcher Wilson Ramos said, he started to look like the pitcher from a few years ago:

“I was excited about the last three innings, because he was throwing really [well],” Ramos said. “I was telling Desi [shortstop Ian Desmond], and Desi told me he was impressive today.” (h/t William Ladson, MLB.com)

Tanner Roark came in for Strasburg and pitched well. He went 4.1 innings, gave up two runs on five hits, and struck out three on 61 pitches (43 strikes). The question would be if Strasburg were to go on the disabled list again, would Roark slide back into the rotation again or would the team use Joe Ross, who is now in triple-A?

For now, the Nats have another streak that they are continuing to build on and it involves the excellent control they have had in not allowing too many free passes:

Next: Moore Has Best Game Of Season

Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Tyler Moore (12) hits an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Moore Gets His Chance To Shine

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been talking about how Clint Robinson has shined when giving the chance to play in an everyday fashion. He has two home runs in his last five games. However, in yesterday’s win, Tyler Moore got the chance to show that he is able to help out an offense that had only scored ten runs in their last four games.

Moore got the start in left field because Michael Taylor was playing center field for Denard Span, who was getting the day off. While Moore would begin his day by striking out swinging against Madison Bumgarner in the second, he would redeem himself in the bottom of the fourth by working a seven pitch at-bat and hitting a 2-2 curveball into center field for a RBI double.

The scoring would not stop there. Two innings later, against Yusmeiro Petit, Moore delivered a second RBI double, this time to left field. He would end his day in the seventh inning by hitting a single to left to drive in his fourth run and finish the afternoon 3-for-4.

Despite earning a spot on the team in spring training, the 28-year-old first baseman/outfielder has not fared well in a pinch-hitting role this season (4-for-28, 1 HR, 3 RBI’s). However, guys like Moore and Robinson have shown that if given the opportunity to play, they can contribute to a team that is currently leading the NL East by 4.5 games. Plus, Moore did improve his batting average from .207 in May to .226 in June and that was in 24 more at-bats.

Next: Harper Giving Giants Flashbacks?