Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 12-1 Win Vs. Reds

Check out our three takeaways from the Washington Nationals’ 12-1 win over the Reds yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon, the Washington Nationals used the long ball to rout the Cincinnati Reds 12-1 in the finale of their four games series.

Stephen Strasburg made his first start since coming off the Disabled list and was dominant. Strasburg had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning, when he was removed by manager Dusty Baker after throwing 109 pitches.

The Nationals bullpen had a chance to keep the combined no-hitter going, but Matt Belisle gave up a single in the eighth inning, that ended the bid.

The offense backed Strasburg with tons of runs, coming mostly from Danny Espinosa. The Nationals shortstop went 4-for-5 with two homeruns, including a grand slam, and 6 RBIs. Bryce Harper also added to the offensive rout with a homer of his own.

All of the Nationals starters except for Michael Taylor and Jayson Werth got on base at least once in the game, and the team scored in 6 out of the 8 innings they were up to bat.

With this win the Nationals kept their 5 game lead over the New York Mets, who wrapped up a very impressive four game sweep over the Chicago Cubs in New York this weekend.

Before Max Schezer and the Nationals take on Junior Guerra and the Brwers on the Fourth Of July at 11:05, check out my three takeaways from the win.

Next: Strasburg Flirts With History