Washington Nationals Defeat Twins 8-4: 3 Takeaways

Espinosa And Lobaton Shine

Normally, when you think of this Washington Nationals offense, Danny Espinosa and Jose Lobaton aren’t the first names that come to mind. After a rough start to the season and fans waiting for Trea Turner to be called up to the big leagues, the Nats’ shortstop had one of his best nights of the year.

Although Espinosa did make an error at shortstop last night, he had just his second multi-hit game of the season and his first since April 15 against the Phillies. In the first, Gibson hit him with a 0-2 fastball in the elbow to drive in the Nats’ second run of the game.

Two innings later, Espinosa singled to right with one out and ended up scoring on the triple by Lobaton. Once again, the Nats’ shortstop made contact on an 0-2 pitch (this one a slider) and was able to get on base. Even though his average is still at .196, maybe this is the game that gets Espinosa going on a hot streak.

As for Lobaton, he was back behind the plate for Gonzalez and he was able to contribute to the lineup after having only one hit in his first three games of the year. Both of the catcher’s hits resulted in a run coming in to score (single in the first and the triple in the third).

Even on a night when Wilson Ramos and his .314 batting average were out of the lineup, the Nationals still found a way to get contributions from the bottom of the order on a night when Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-7 with two walks and a day after the team only had two hits in a loss to the Marlins.

Next: Gonzalez Stays Consistent