Atilano out duels Lincecum, Nats win 7-3
DISCUSS IT IN HALF STREET FORUM
Who would have thought it? Not I.
However, last night the thought became a reality. Washington nationals pitcher Luis Atilano (4-1) out dueled back to back Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum (5-1), in San Francisco to lead the nationals to a 73 win over the Giants. Lincecum lasted 4.2 innings before allowing 6 runs, 6 hits, and 5 walks and being chased form the game, now his 6 consecutive start without earning a win. Meanwhile, Atilano provided the Nationals 5.1 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits to earn the win.
The Nationals jumped on Lincecum in the third inning, with two RBI singles, one from Adam Kennedy, one from Ian Desmond, and an RBI double by Josh Willingham. Desmond went 2-4 and drove in 3 runs for the Nats, while Willingham was 2-2 and drove in 2 runs. Nationals added three more two innings later on an RBI sacrifice for Adam Dunn and a 2 run single by Desmond. That inning chased Lincecum.
Rookie Drew Storen gave up an unearned run and pitched 1.1 innings of relief. He has an ERA of 1.69. Tyler Clippard pitched the final two scoreless innings, striking out two batters and lowering his ERA to 1.99.
The Nationals jump back over .500 at 24-23 and sit in last place in the NL East, but just 3 games out of first. Nats wrap up the three game Giants series today at 3:45 and send Craig Stammen to the mound. Stammen is in need of a solid, start, not having a quality start since May 7th. He has allowed 4 runs in 3 consecutive games and his ERA has risen to 5.96.
