District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: Roark rakes his way to victory

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Tanner Roark #57 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on April 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Tanner Roark #57 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on April 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Washington Nationals get just their second one-run win of the season in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates behind Tanner Roark.

For just the second time this season, the Washington Nationals won a game by just a single run. Tanner Roark stole the show with 7 innings of two-run ball, and even drove in a run of his own.

The ground-ball was the key to Roark’s success, as he induced nine groundouts including two double plays. After a rocky start, the right-hander seemed to be in a groove the rest of the night.

His two-seamer had it’s bite back, impressively catching Adam Frazier looking to end the fifth inning. Hopefully, we see more of the same from the newly shaved Roark.

More from District on Deck

Bullpen locks down the curly W

With Sean Doolittle having pitched three straight days, the Washington Nationals needed to find another way to finish off the game. The rest of the “law-firm” answered the call.

Ryan Madson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning on just eight pitches. He slowly continues to bring down his ERA after the infamous outing against the New York Mets. Just the outing he needed.

Finally, Brandon Kintzler locked down his first save of the season with three softly hit outs. He continues to get better after his early struggles. This was his 10th straight scoreless inning in a row since the 11th April.

Speed kills on the basepaths

Speed was a big factor in the Washington Nationals offensive game-plan, sound familiar? Michael Taylor hustled his way to first base on a potential double play. This forced a throwing error that let him get to second base, and came home to score on Wilmer Difo‘s single.

Trea Turner turned a would-be single for most players into a double in the third inning. Then in a highlight reel play, he tagged up from first base on a fly ball, and swum his way to second. He continues to torture fielders everywhere.

Next: Kintzler leads shaky pen

A nice start to the series and Max Scherzer will look to make it three wins in a row on Tuesday.

Home/Nationals News