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Gomes hit a game clinching two-run single and Jesus Flores hit a solo homerun as starter Jordan Zimmermann held the visiting Reds down.
The Washington Nationals know they have it. Manager Davey Johnson knows they have it. The Washington fans know they have it. But where is it?
The Nationals will be looking for their bats and more importantly hits with runners in scoring position in a Thursday series finale Rubber Match game against the Cincinnati Reds. Washington will be giving Jordan Zimmermann (7-10, 3.23 ERA) the ball against the Reds' Bronson Arroyo (7-9, 5.31 ERA). Zimmermann will be looking to regain a little of that pre-All Star break magic where he gave 11 consecutive quality starts. Since the All-Star Break he has not been the same and with the time for him being shut down growing close he is running out of time to finish the season strongly.
Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will be leading the offensive charge on Thursday. The All-Star gold glover has hit safely in 23 consecutive games. The Nats need to find their pop again as they failed multiple times Wednesday night to bring runs across the plate, including not being able to score the tying or walk-off run in the ninth inning with the bases loaded in a 2-1 loss.
First pitch is at 7:05 P.M. at Nationals Park.
Nationals Line-Up:
Ian Desmond – SS
Rick Ankiel – CF
Ryan Zimmerman – 3B
Michael Morse – 1B
Jayson Werth – RF
Danny Espinosa – 2B
Jonny Gomes – LF
Jesus Flores – C
Jordan Zimmermann – SP
Reds Vs. Nationals Final: Gomes Comes Back To Haunt Former Team In 3-1 Nationals Win
The Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park 3-1 on Thursday night taking the three game series between the two teams. The win comes in thanks to starter Jordan Zimmermann and former Cincinnati outfielder Jonny Gomes.
Zimmermann did his business in five innings, giving up six hits and no runs while walking two and striking out one. It was a fine performance, perhaps one of his last as the Nationals plan to shutdown the rising right-hander before the season ends. Offensively it was a low scoring affair, but with a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning Jonny Gomes stepped to the plate and singled in two runs to keep the Nats ahead permanently. Catcher Jesus Flores hit a solo homerun in the fifth and closer Drew Storen came into the game in the ninth to earn his 33rd save of the year.
The Nationals move to 58-63 on the season and are in fourth place in the NL East.
Aug 18 11:05p by Andrew Kinback