Jordan Zimmermann 2-Hits Padres in 6-0 Rout

The Nationals’ pitching staff is no secret. They’re deeper than the Marianas trench. They have five guys who can go out and dominate games and win on their own volition.  Jordan Zimmermann put the Nationals’ depth on display yesterday when he went out and rocked the Padres at home in San Diego. Petco Park is deep, certainly a pitcher’s dream and a hitter’s nightmare, and Zimmermann capitalized on every opportunity.

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The 6’2 righty took a perfect game into the sixth inning, but finished with 12 strikeouts and an impressive two hits allowed all game. He put his teammates in a position to win, and they did so with flying colors.

“I was throwing strikes and the guys got me some runs early,” he said. “My mentality changed to pour strikes into the zone and fill it up. Big ballpark, just let them hit the ball and I had a lot of strikeouts today which means my fastball was pretty good and I was able to locate it pretty good.”

This was the tenth time thus far this season that the Padres have been shutout, a league-leading attribute, and for the second time in their weekend series with the Nationals.

With Zimmermann throwing the way he was throwing, all it takes is a little help from your friends, and Jayson Werth and Danny Espinosa provided assistance with three hits a piece. This is great news regarding Espinosa considering his ability to connect has been his biggest limitation from seeing field time in the past, but he has continued to step up in spots as the Nationals battle injuries all over the diamond.

Ian Desmond sent another two-run shot deep in the second inning to send the Nationals up 3-0, his second two-run homer in as many days. Adam LaRoche contributed with an RBI single as well.

Keynotes from the game include Anthony Rendon sitting out his second straight after taking a line drive to the hand by Carlos Quentin on Friday night. Manager Matt Williams said the infielder is expected to return today.