Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Long ball carries Nats to win

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals won the second game of their three game series with the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. The New York Mets lost earlier in the day to the Boston Red Sox, so the Nationals were aware that a win would gain them some ground on the Mets in the NL East division race.

The Nationals were able to take advantage of the Mets loss by winning their game against the Marlins to put them five and a half games back of the division leading Mets.

It was 80’s night at Nationals Park. Perhaps knowing that the Mets had lost, or the fun and silly atmosphere at the park, or a combination of both, led the Nationals to play a good, relaxed game.

There were good defensive plays in the field. Wilson Ramos threw out Dee Gordon trying to steal second. Jordan Zimmermann made a great play on a comebacker to the mound to get an out on Martin Prado. The Nationals scored five runs, providing enough run support to Zimmermann for him to get the win.

Jordan was not dominating as a pitcher in this game. He only struck out four all evening. He allowed hits and got into minor spots of trouble. However, whenever he needed an out he got one. His performance tonight was workman like. Just another day at the office. He only allowed one run in seven innings. That one run was a upper deck home run to Justin Bour.

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