Matthew Kaminski, the Atlanta Braves organist, tweeted before Tuesday night's game against the Washington Nationals that he would bust out in the Super Mario Bros. theme song when certain Nationals players came to bat. It must have powered them up because the Nationals rolled over the Braves 9-2 in front of a Turner Field crowd.
The offensive potential of the 2011 Nationals showed itself once again after a six-game absence. The Nationals outhit the Braves 12 to five and four different Nationals were able to take the Braves pitching staff for a ride and hit home runs. Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run home run in the top of the fifth which completely put the game away. MIchael Morse, Danny Espinosa and Laynce Nix connected for solo home runs of their own. Both Zimmerman and Morse finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBIs.
Nationals starter Livan Hernandez put together a wonderful performance. The Cuban pitcher went seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits, walking three and striking out one.
Thank you, Mr. Kaminski.
The Nationals move to 63-70 on the season.