Olsen, Nats defeat Braves, win 5th series
DISCUSS IT IN HALF STREET FORUM
The Nationals used a pitching gem by Scott Olsen and home runs by Adam Dunn [6] and Pudge Rodgriguez to defeat the Atlanta Braves 3-2. Scott Olsen has been the start starting pitcher for the Nationals over the last three weeks. Tonight was no different. Olsen tossed 7.1 solid innings, allowing 2 runs on just 2 hits. Olsen actually took a no hitter into the 8th before allowing a single to Atlanta catcher David Ross. Despite the outstanding performance by Olsen, he did not get a decision, leaving the game with runners in scoring position. Tyler Clippard allowed a 2 run single by Jason Heyward to tie the game and record his first blown save. Clippard got the win to improve his record to 4-0. His ERA is now 0.42.
Clippard got out of a 9th inning jam with a double play ground ball, after walking two batters. It then went to the Nats bottom of the ninth and it started out with a walk by 2B Adam Kennedy. Ryan Zimmerman followed that up with a double off the far right field wall that would put runners on second and third. Christian Guzman was then intentionally walked to load the bases with zero outs. Willie Harris came off the bench and singled in the winning run to lift the Nats to the 3-2 win and their fifth series win this season. Clippard took the win out of the bullpen and improved to 4-0, and despite his struggles, did not give up an earned run, lowering his ERA to 0.42.
Washington's original 2 runs came from home runs, one by Ivan Rodriguez, his 1st, and the other by Adam Dunn, his 6th of the season. Both Dunn and Zimmerman each had 2 hits on the night.
As for Olsen, over his last 3 starts, he has pitched 20.1 innings, allowed just 2 runs and struck out 20 batters. That's an ERA of 0.90. Even more so than Livan Hernandez, who has also had some terrific outings, it is hard to argue that over the last three weeks, Scott Olsen has been the Nationals most consistent starter.
Nats Status: 15-13, 2.5 games back
Next Up: Florida Marlins, tomorrow, 7PM
