The Washington Nationals trimmed their magic number down to five in the National League East on Monday afternoon, winning the series finale over the Milwaukee Brewers by a score of 12-2. The Nats rode a six-run fourth inning and yet another strong performance on the mound from Jordan Zimmermann to their 93rd victory this season.
With the score tied at 1-1 in the fourth inning, Zimmermann came to the plate with two runners on and two outs. He lined a single into center field to plate a run, giving Washington a lead they would not relinquish. Jayson Werth followed with a two-run double, and after Bryce Harper drew a walk, Ryan Zimmerman belted a three-run homer to make the score 7-1.
Zimmerman pitched 6-2/3 innings of one-run ball on Monday, giving up just four hits and two walks. He struck out seven as he recorded his 12th win of the season and lowered his ERA to 2.90. Brewers starter Marco Estrada was not as fortunate, lasting just four innings while giving up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks.
The Nationals, now 93-60 this season, will head to Philadelphia for a big three-game series with the Phillies.
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