Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Should Doug Fister’s Rotation Spot Be In Jeopardy?

Aug 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Godley (52) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Nats Offense Misses Opportunity Against Godley

The Nationals’ offense was going up against a rookie in right-hander Zack Godley last night. After facing Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard over the weekend, most people thought the Nationals could break out of their slump they had been in. However, that slump continued.

The 25-year-old right-hander, who was making his third start of the season, went six innings, gave up no runs on three hits, struck out six, and walked two on 83 pitches (48 strikes). He threw 13 first pitch strikes to the 23 batters that he faced.

Washington did not have a hit for the first three innings, but they were able to give Godley a scare in the fourth. Yunel Escobar began the inning with a single. After an Anthony Rendon lineout, Bryce Harper drew a walk.

Later in the inning, the Nats had the bases loaded and two outs after a Clint Robinson walk and Ian Desmond at the plate. Desmond did a good job to get the count to 3-1, but the shortstop grounded out to short to end the inning and Washington came away with nothing.

The last hit that the team would get in the fifth inning when Michael Taylor singled to left with one out. Godley did pitch well, but the Nats were not able to make the necessary against Godley’s cutter and sinker to be successful. If you look at Godley’s cutter specifically, he threw 35 of them last night, with 20 of them going for strikes (according to Brooks Baseball).

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