Haren Shuts out Brewers
By Matthew Laux
The Washington Nationals have been looking for a glimmer of light all season. A game-winning hit here; a shut out there. But nothing has been strung together all season. After winning their second game in a row against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Nationals may have just found their stride in time to salvage their season. Sitting eleven and a half games behind the Division rival Atlanta Braves, Washington will look to complete a sweep of the “Brew crew” tomorrow and hope to use this momentum in the first of nine games remaining against the Braves.
Tonight, the Nationals received a gem from pitcher Dan Haren, who went seven strong innings, and key home runs from Wilson Ramos and Adam LaRoche. Harden’s struggles had been well documented throughout the first half of the season, but the former Arizona Diamondback seems to have made up for this after his 5th consecutive game with six plus strikeouts. LaRoche broke out of major slump hitting a solo shot late in the game while coincidentally using Jayson Werth’s bat. The Nats, however, suffered a major blow as Werth left in the sixth inning after apparently injuring his groin. Information is still being released but the injury is said to be minor and Werth hopes to resume play on Monday. Washington hopes to get the brooms out against the Brewers tomorrow beginning at 2:05.