Nats Sweep DoubleHeader
By Matthew Laux
The Washington Nationals proved, Tuesday, they are here to compete in the final 12 games of the 2013 season, as they won an emotional double-header. Coming off of the Navy Yard shootings, the Nats scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth of the opening contest to stun the visiting Atlanta Braves. Atlanta reliever Craig Kimbrel blew the two-run ninth inning lead as a Denard Span drove in the game-winning run on a grounder through the legs of Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
In the nightcap, Washington’s rookie pitcher Tanner Roark (7-0) threw a gem as he struck out six batters, and retired the last 13 hitters he faced. The offense provided all the runs needed on a Ryan Zimmerman home run as well as RBI’s from Steve Lombardozzi, Adam LaRoche, and Ian Desmond.
The Nats pushed the Cincinnati Reds wild card lead to just four games before watching the Reds dominate the Astros 10-0. Hope still remains, however, as the Nationals must play flawless baseball to gain ground on the Reds.