Tyler Clippard recorded his 15th save of the season despite allowing two home runs in the top of the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals defeated the New York Mets 4-3 Wednesday night at Nationals Park.
Washington entered the 9th with a 4-1 lead after Steve Lombardozzi drove in two runs with a double off the right-center field wall in the bottom of the seventh inning. However, Clippard allowed solo shots to David Wright and Jason Bay before striking out Jordany Valdespin to end the game.
The Nationals took a 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning on Adam LaRoche's two-run, opposite-field home run to left center field. New York cut the lead in half in the top of the seventh when Andres Torres singled to drive in Lucas Duda before Torres was cut down trying to reach second base.
Jordan Zimmermann improved his record to 7-6 with another quality start. The right-hander pitched six shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out four without walking anyone. Zimmermann has pitched at least six innings in all 19 of his starts this season.
The Nationals will go for the sweep of the three-game series Thursday afternoon. Gio Gonzalez is slated to face R.A. Dickey. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m.
For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.