Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Nats Offense Picks Up Jordan Zimmermann In Win Over Orioles

Jul 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) hits a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Washington won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

For the Washington Nationals’ offense, July has not been the best month for them in terms of hitting the long ball. Coming into last night’s game, the Nationals had five home runs in the first eight games of the month. Last night, the Nats got a pair of key home runs from Bryce Harper (his 26^th of the season and Danny Espinosa’s three-run homer (his 10^th of the season) in the sixth inning to help lead the team to a 7-4 win over the Orioles, snapping the Nats’ three game losing streak.

With the offense missing some key regulars, it’s tough to expect the bats to have great nights on a consistent basis. Last night, they scored more than five runs in a game for the second time this month. Washington’s offense was able to get some pitches to hit up in the zone against O’s starter Miguel Gonzalez and they took advantage of it.

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Last night’s outing wasn’t the best one for Jordan Zimmermann, but the offense was able to bail him out. Zimmermann went five innings, gave up four runs on nine hits, struck out four, did not walk a batter, and gave up home runs to Caleb Joseph and Steve Pearce. However, he was able to get his third straight victory.

After Zimmermann, the Nats’ bullpen shut out the Orioles for the final four innings, but it wasn’t without any tense moments. Blake Treinen and closer Drew Storen got in jams of their own, but the O’s were not able to get the clutch hits in the big spot. Baltimore was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position while the Nats were 4-for-7 in those situations.

Before Max Scherzer takes the mound (1:35 PM ET, MASN2/WUSA9) for the final game of the first half of the season, here are my takeaways from yesterday’s 7-4 win.

Next: Nats Stay Aggressive On Offense