Nats defeat Reds 7-1
The Washington Nationals rode the arms of Stephen Strasburg add Livan Hernandez to gain a 2-2 split with the Cincinnati Reds. Yesterday it was Strasburg. Today it was Livo.
Hernandez (7-6) pitched a 7 hit complete game to earn his 7th win of the season. Hernandez scattered 7 hits while striking out 5 batters. In total, Livo gave the Nationals a total of 102 pitched, 72 for strikes, as he lowered his season ERA to 3.12. Livo also did it with the bat, going 1 for 4 and driving in a run in the second inning.
Adam Dunn provided the power, hitting his 23rd home run, a two run blast that came in the third inning. Roger Bernadina hit his 7th home run in the 7th inning. The offensive story was the bottom of the Nationals lineup. Willie Harris and Adam Kennedy were a combined 4 for 6 with 2 walks and 3 runs scored. At the top of the lineup, Nyjer Morgan went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBi. He also stole three bases for the first time in his career, bringing his season total to 24 stolen bases.
The back to back wins against the reds were the first back to back road wins for the nationals since May. The win improves the Nats to 42-54. The Nats ended the game with a 10 hit offensive assault and did not commit a fielding error. Amazing.
