Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: 8th Inning Comeback Leads Nats To Series Win Over Mets

Jul 22, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) hits an infield single against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Puts Up Great Series Against Mets

It has been well documented that Ian Desmond was one of the biggest disappointments for the Washington Nationals in the first half of the season. However, there was a moment that may have helped turn his season around and that came after Sunday’s loss against the Dodgers.

As Cal Ripken Jr. (who was the analyst that day for TBS) was outside signing autographs, he ran into Desmond and said these words to him:

"“You know, back in ’93 through the first 80 games I was hitting .199 and I finished with a pretty good year. You’re going to be alright.” (h/t CSN Washington)"

While Nats fans wait to see the long-term effects of that conversation, Desmond definitely had a good series against the Mets in the short-term. In the three games, he went 5-for-9 with a home run, two RBI’s, and three runs scored.

Yesterday, Desmond showed good plate discipline at the plate. He went 2-for-2, but he started that eighth inning rally with a five-pitch walk against Parnell. In fact, during his four at-bats, he saw a total of 19 pitches. His single in the fourth also came on a 3-2 count, when he was the runner that scored on the Taylor RBI single.

If Desmond can continue his approach of taking pitches out of the zone and not trying to do too much at the plate, his contribution will be a big help to an offense that will start to get some of its main pieces back within the next week or so.

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