Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Ian Desmond Shines In Nats’ Loss To Marlins

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Desmond Provides Lone Nats Runs

When looking at some of the reasons for the Nats’ disappointing 2015 season, Ian Desmond’s struggles in the first half of the season come to mind. However, give the Nats’ shortstop credit for finishing what could be his last few months in DC on a good note. In the second half of the season, Desmond is hitting .274 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI’s to go with a .339 on-base percentage. His 11 homers are tied with Ryan Zimmerman for the second most on the team since the break (three behind Bryce Harper).

Desmond got his good night started in the bottom of the second. With a 1-0 count and Jayson Werth on first, he took a knuckle curve from Cosart and hit it over the fence in left center for a two-run homer. That was the first runs that the Nats have scored against Cosart this season.

Then, in the bottom of the eighth, Desmond worked the count full against Mike Dunn and took a 3-2 cutter into center field for a two-run single. Give Desmond credit for battling in the at-bat and not trying to do too much at the plate. While it’s still a disappointing year for Desmond, he has six RBI’s in his last five games and is two home runs away from his fourth consecutive 20 home run season.

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