Bullpen Shuts Out Rockies
Since Scherzer only went four innings last night, it was up to the bullpen to pick up one of the team’s aces and they did just that. The Washington Nationals used five pitchers last night out of the bullpen as they combined to give up three hits over the final five innings.
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First, Matt Belisle gave up one hit in the 1.1 innings he pitched. He did get help on a good sliding catch by Harper in the fifth. However, keep in mind that Belisle has only given up two earned runs and teams are hitting .229 against him since the All-Star Break (11 games).
After the one hit against Belisle (Ben Paulsen single), Sammy Solis came in and got Cristhian Adames to ground into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play.
Solis gave up a pair of one out singles in the seventh before handing the ball to Blake Treinen. It was Treinen’s turn to escape trouble as Nolan Arenado grounded into a 5-3 inning-ending double play. Over his last 14 outings, Treinen has a 0.73 ERA and opponents are hitting a mere .179.
Next: Werth, Harper Deliver As Nats Defeat Rockies
Over the final two innings, Shawn Kelley and Mark Melancon retired the last six Rockies of the game. Kelley struck out two batters in the eighth and Melancon only needed four pitches in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Even though Melancon had that hiccup against the Braves in a save on Saturday, he still brings stability to the ninth inning for the Washington Nationals. With Jonathan Papelbon now released and Oliver Perez struggling this season (4.45 ERA), look for those five relievers who pitched last night to be in crucial situations down the stretch for Dusty Baker.