Washington Nationals take two of three from Texas Rangers

At the conclusion of Sunday’s contest, the Washington Nationals wrapped up an inter league match up with the Texas Rangers, taking two of three games from the visiting Rangers. Washington, who had lost five of their last six games entering the series, dominated the first two games by 9-2 and 10-2 scores respectively before falling at the hands of Texas 2-0 in the series finale.

Washington won the first two games on the strength of five home runs and timely hitting which allowed the offense to greatly improve its batting average with runners in scoring position. In the series opener, the team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to run away with a 9-2 victory with Stephen Strasburg on the hill. Then, in the second game, it was all Nationals as the bats came alive to the tune of ten runs. Doug Fister recorded the victory with a strong six inning performance.

Finally, game three came around and Washington faced Rangers star right hander Yu Darvish. Darvish, who was scratched from his Tuesday start with next stiffness, didn’t look bothered by the injury and dazzled and dizzied Nationals hitters through eight innings of scoreless baseball. Darvish was excellent throughout, striking out 12 Washington hitters. To make matters worse, the Rangers received a solo home run from Leonys Martin and an insurance run in the eighth inning to secure their first victory of the series.

Washington has an off day before they finish their homestand against the division rival Philadelphia Phillies beginning Tuesday.