The Washington Nationals pitchers lead the way as the club captured its fifth consecutive win. They sweep the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, outscoring them by 17 runs over four games.
On a hot afternoon in the nation’s capital, the Washington Nationals swept the Pittsburgh Pirates four games to none, culminating in a 3-1 win today.
Both starting pitchers were on their game. Jeremy Hellickson went 5.2 innings while striking out four and retiring 11 straight Pirates at one point in his start. For the Pirates, Trevor Williams went 5.1 strong innings before serving up decisive home runs to Trea Turner and Ryan Zimmerman.
Because Hellickson only threw 61 pitches, the bullpen was forced into a heavy workload. They responded wonderfully, ending in a Sean Doolittle five-out save.
Turner Continues To Hit
With his home run today, Turner continues to swing the bat well. In the previous week, three of his six hits have been for extra bases. He has also totaled six RBI’s and only one strikeout.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
Turner’s bat could not have come alive at a better time. With the Nationals scuffling after Anthony Rendon was put on the DL, he has emerged as a source of consistent production. Not only that, Turner has quietly had a great start to the season.
Turner’s .281 batting average is second on the team behind Howie Kendrick. His 1.1 WAR is third to only Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer. His WAR among shortstops ranks 6th in the MLB, but 1st in the National League.
Hellickson A Pleasant Surprise
Coming into this season, it’s not hard to imagine the Nationals had low expectations for Hellickson. Coming off of a season in which he amassed a 5.43 ERA, the Nationals just needed an inning eater. But Hellickson has done far more than that.
His effectiveness cannot be overstated. His 3.00 ERA and 3.73 FIP are both fantastic. His walk and home run rates are low, he strands baserunners, and hands over games to the bullpen without significant deficits.
Hellickson is starting due to the injury to Joe Ross and the ineffectiveness of Edwin Jackson last season and has exceeded expectations in just about every way. Sure, he’s no all-star. But what he’s done as a fifth starter is everything the Nats could have asked for, and then some.
Back In Control?
After this recent surge, the Nats sit four games back of Atlanta in the N.L. East. Despite struggles in April, the Nationals never dipped below first place in Fangraphs.com’s season outlook projections. They are projected for 90+ wins despite having a .500 record.
The upcoming two series are critical for the team. The Nationals will face the Phillies and basement-dwelling Padres. Winning those two series is a must before playing nine straight games against 2017 postseason teams.
Next: Turner Continues To Surge
Tomorrow, the Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 EDT at Nationals Park. The probable pitching matchup is the surging Nick Pivetta against Gio Gonzalez. With a win, the Nationals can climb above .500 for the first time since April 18th.