Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Bullpen Implodes In 11-4 Loss To Diamondbacks

Aug 5, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) scores during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Nats Offense Stalls After 1st Inning

For the second straight game and for the third time in the last four games, the Nationals got on the board right out of the gate, but failed to get much offense going past the first inning. After scoring two runs on one hit in the first inning, the Nats managed only six hits the rest of the way.

While Michael Taylor did provide some spark in the ninth with a two-run home run against reliever Daniel Hudson, it was too late since the Nats were still down 11-4. In that first inning, Yunel Escobar led off with a double to center against Rubby De La Rosa. Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper drew back-to-back walks to load the bases and it appeared the Nats were heading for a big inning.

While they didn’t get the big hits in that first inning, they did get the little things done, which is always key to getting an offense back on track. Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth hit back-to-back sacrifice flies to put the team in front, 2-0. However, despite that false start, the Nats only had two chances with runners in scoring position on the whole night and left six men on base.

Their best chance to score after the first came in the seventh inning when Anthony Rendon was up in a 5-2 game with runners on the corners and two outs, but Rendon struck out to end the inning. So, while the Nationals have continued to show how strong an offense they can be in the first inning, it is time for them to take that success into the other eight innings in the ballgame.

Next: Nats Middle Relief Implodes