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Washington Nationals: Three Takeaways From Opening Day

By Drew Douglas

Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Blake Treinen (45) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after earning a save against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Blake Treinen (45) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after earning a save against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nats Have RISP Issues

One of the most widely criticized aspects of the Nationals’ 2016 season was their inability to get clutch hits with runners in scoring position.  These struggles have carried into 2017, with the Nats getting just two hits in 10 at bats with runners in scoring position.

The main culprits on Monday were Jayson Werth and Stephen Drew.  The two went a combined zero-for-four with two strikeouts and two double plays with runners in scoring position.  The only two hits with runners in scoring position came from Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman in the eighth inning.

Although Bryce Harper, Murphy, and Zimmerman played well overall, they almost cost the Nats the game in the first inning.  As mentioned before, Turner and Eaton led off with a double and a walk.  The Nats had a perfect run scoring opportunity right off the bat, with the heart of the lineup at the plate, and it went to waste.  Harper struck out with runners on first and second.

Following Harper’s strikeout, Turner and Eaton executed a perfect double steal, creating an even better run scoring opportunity.  With runners at second and third and the infield back, all Murphy had to do was put the ball in play to score a run, but he struck out as well.

After Murphy struck out, Zimmerman came up needing a hit to score a run, but he also struck out.  The Nats won today, but if they do not improve with runners in scoring position, it will begin to cost them some games.

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