The Washington Nationals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-2 Sunday afternoon behind strong days at the plate from several different players in the lineup.
Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth, and Wilson Ramos each left the yard Sunday en route to a blowout win over the Cardinals. The offense had a field day against the St. Louis bullpen, scoring at least two runs against each reliever they faced.
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The Cardinals sent 24-year old Michael Wacha (2-6, 4.99) to the hill for Sunday’s affair. He pitched admirably, giving up three runs on four hits, a walk, and six strikeouts in six innings. However, it was his bullpen that ultimately failed him. Jonathan Broxton was only able to record one out but was charged with three runs. Dean Kiekhefer and Tyler Lyons combined for less than two innings of work but allowed the Nats to push across four more.
Every starting position player other than Ben Revere had at least one hit. Rendon and Ramos each scored a pair of runs and Bryce Harper drove in his 34th RBI of the year. Jayson Werth had the biggest hit of the day, however, crushing a pinch-hit grand slam to straightaway center field in the seventh inning that sealed the win for Washington.
Ryan Zimmerman almost joined the home run party but settled for a double off the wall in right field, his tenth of the season. Even Danny Espinosa reached base twice and scored a run. The offense showed what it is truly capable of, and the results are intimidating.
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When players like Zimmerman, Rendon, and Ramos are on, this offense can be one of the best in the league. Pitchers already fear the likes of Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, but the rest of the lineup has yet to establish a league-wide reputation.
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Zimmerman is older and poses as an injury risk, but at his best he can be one of the most dangerous hitters on the team. Rendon had a stellar series against St. Louis and his performance is appearing to trend in the right direction. If he is able to regain his power stroke from 2014, the league better take notice. Ramos drove in four runs Sunday to increase his RBI total to 25, third highest on the team. The Nats’ catcher may finally be having a career year, and just in time for free agency. If he can sustain it the rest of the year, then Ramos could make the case for the best no. 7 hitter in the majors.