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Reaction: Big First Inning Helps Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals Win 7th Straight

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) slides safely into home past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) slides safely into home past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) hits an RBI double against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 6 – 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) hits an RBI double against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 6 – 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Ramos Continues To Roll

Last night, Wilson Ramos went 1-for-4 with a big two-out double in the top of the fifth to keep the inning going. He would eventually come around to score on a two-run double to right by Max Scherzer.

With that double, he has now had a hit in each of his last five games. Ramos also now has ten hits in his last 19 at-bats with one home run and four RBI’s. Plus, he has hit a double in three consecutive games.

While it is a small sample size, Ramos has been one of the best offensive catchers in the National League up until this point. His 14 hits are tied with Yadier Molina for the most by any catcher in the National League and he has the batting average (.389). In addition, he is tied for fifth with five RBI’s and tied for second in doubles (three), trailing only Molina and Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers.

Next: Recap: Nats Beat Phillies 8-1 For 7th Straight Win

If Ramos can continue to stay productive at the plate, he should be near the top of those NL catcher rankings all season long. Plus, the success of guys like Ramos further enhances the depth that this lineup has and how teams will have difficult times navigating it throughout the season.

One more final note on Ramos is that he is having a good start hitting in Citizens Bank Ballpark. His three hits in this series are already halfway toward the total he had last year, when he was 6-for-27 (.222) with one home run and four RBI’s in 27 at-bats.

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