The Washington Nationals (13-14) needed their bats to come alive, and a future Hall of Famer rose to the occasion, leading them to a 5-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants (13-14) at Nationals Park. Ivan Rodriguez was two for four on the day, driving in two key runs in the bottom of the eight after making a stellar defensive play in the top half of the inning. As he has done his entire career, Rodriguez snuffed out a possible opponent's rally with his arm, this time nailing Darren Ford of the Giants as he tried to steal second. On the next pitch, Tyler Clippard struck out Pat Burrell and the threat was gone.
Jayson Werth added three hits in four at-bats, and veteran Alex Cora, filling in for injured third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, chipped in with two hits and a RBI in his four at bats.
Jason Zimmermann pitched six innings of two-run ball for Washington, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out four. The bullpen again was astounding, and Drew Storen finished out the ninth for his fifth save in five chances.
San Francisco Giants starter Matt Cain walked three and allowed seven hits in six innings, allowing Washington to tally single runs in the second, third and fourth innings. The Giants struggled for the third game in a row to muster any offense against the Washington pitching staff.
With the win, the Nats climbed over .500 for the season at home (now 8-7 at Nationals Park). Washington and San Francisco finish up their four game series tomorrow evening at 7:05 p.m., as Nats lefty Tom Gorzelanny will face Madison Bumgarner of the Giants.