Nats rally for 3-2 win, lead series 1-0
Rookie Tyler Moore delivered a two run single in the top of the eighth inning to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen would lockdown the Cards to give the Nats a 1-0 series lead in the National League playoff series.
The Nats had runners at first and third when Danny Espinosa, who previously struck out three times, laid a sacrifice bunt to move Desmond to second. Kurt Suzuki could not deliver, whiffing at the plate. Moore then delivered the go ahead blooper single to right field and become the Nats game one hero.
Staff ace Gio Gonzalez struggled today, throwing 110 pitches in five innings. Gonzalez allowed two runs in the second inning without even allowing a hit. He allowed 4 walks in the two run second inning by the Cards. Overall, Gonzalez allowed just 1 hit, but walked 7, in 5 innings. The Nats jumped up to a 1-0 lead at the top of that inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Ian Desmond.
The Nats defense came through big in the seventh inning as reliever Craig Stammen loaded the bases with no outs. Ian Desmond went home to Suzuki on a grounder to record the first out. Next batter grounded to Ryan Zimmerman who started a 6-4-3 double play to escape the seventh without allowing a run. A solid outing for Ryan Matthues, who forced two grounders.
Clippard pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Drew Stores sat the Cards down in order to earn his first playoff save.
