Jordan Zimmermann leads Nats to win, Ramos injured

The Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds tonight 2-1 behind a strong starting performance by Jordan Zimmermann.  Zimmermann tossed 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits, allowing 1 run, and fanning 9 Reds' batters.  Zimmermann improved to 2-3 on the season and lowered his impressive ERA to 2.14.

Washington got home runs from Danny Espinosa, his 3rd home run and second in consecutive games, and Wilson Ramos, who also hit his third home run.  However, the game was also costly for the already beat up Nationals.  Wilson Ramos injured his right knee when it buckled.  It does not look promising as he was helped off the field.  After the game, Nats manager Davey Johnson said "I don't know how bad it is, but I have a feeling he tore something in there."  Not a good statement.

The Nats are already down with Jayson Werth, who had surgery on his broken wrist and will likely miss twelve weeks.  The Nast hjave also been without power hitter Mike Morse since the beginning of the season. One thing is pretty clear given the injury situation.  Look for a move soon from the Nationals, possibly a big trade.

The Nationals win keeps the atop the National League East with a 21-12 record, just .5 games ahead of second place Atlanta.