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