Jul 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Rough Outing For Zimmermann, But A Win Nonetheless
Before last night’s start, Jordan Zimmermann had been solid in his last four outings. Over a stretch of 29.2 innings, the right-hander had given up four earned runs. Last night, he gave up four runs on nine hits over five innings. He was pitching one day after going on the paternity list to be with his wife during the birth of their daughter.
One of the things the Orioles did well on offense against Zimmermann was work his pitch count up in the early stages. Out of the 95 pitches he threw in the game, 44 of them came in the first two innings. He had three 20+ pitch innings during the game.
While he only gave up seven flyball outs, Baltimore was able to take advantage of pitches that Zimmermann left up in the zone. In the bottom of the third inning, Caleb Joseph got ahead 2-1 on the count and hit a fastball from Zimmermann over the wall in center for a two run homer.
Two innings later, Zimmermann made a mistake on a 1-2 curveball to Steve Pearce and the right fielder hit it over the wall in left to give Baltimore a 4-2 lead. Pearce was in the lineup because Chris Davis was scratched due to a stomach flu.
In fact, one of the pitches the Orioles had great success hitting against Zimmermann was his fastball. According to Brooks Baseball, six of the 12 fastballs thrown by Zimmermann that were put in play by the O’s did not result in an out.
That being said, it was nice to see the Nats offense pick up Zimmermann on a night where he didn’t have his best stuff. However, it is understandable when you realize that he was coming back from paternity leave. Plus, he still has walked one batter or less in his last six starts.
Next: Bullpen Shuts Down O's Offense