The Washington Nationals put the hurt on the New York Mets at Citi Field Wednesday night. The Nationals shut out the Mets 2-0 in what is becoming a big series for the Nationals. While they might not be going to the playoffs, the Nationals are now playing for respectability and forward progress. They achieved this by winning their 70th game of the season, a win total the franchise has not reached since 2007. They are now on a four-game winning streak, and have pulled even with the Mets in third place in the NL East.
Nationals rookie starter Brad Peacock made his first MLB start and he bloomed. The 23-year old relied on fly outs and a unique curveball to hold the Mets down. He pitched five innings, had a no-hitter for three, gave up no runs, two hits and three walks while striking out two. In the fourth inning he showed incredible resilience after he loaded the bases, but was able to get out of the jam. He earned his first MLB win with his family in the crowd.
Peacock was supported by the Nationals who were able to get RBI singles from Michael Morse and Jayson Werth in the third inning. In the ninth closer Drew Storen earned his 37th save of the season and his third in the last three days as he closed out all of the games in the Nats sweep. Center fielder Rick Ankiel had a fantastic run saving catch to end the game.
Game Four of the series will be Thursday at 1:10 P.M. The Nats will try to go for the sweep.
The Nationals are now 70-77 on the season and in a tie for third place in the NL East with the Mets.