Nationals 5, Rays 3
The Nationals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday Night 5-2 in DC to take the series from the Rays and start a new winning streak. Gio Gonzalez (9-3) struggled a bit, the bullpen walked some guys, but the offense scored a few runs and Tyler Clippard was lights out for his 11th save to lead the Nats to victory.
Gonzalez pitched just 6 innings and gave up 7 hits, but only allowed 2 runs. It wasn't his best performance but he still picked up his 9th win as a clutch 6th inning hit by Danny Espinosa drove in 2 runs to put the Nats ahead. A pinch hit double in the 7th by Bernadina sealed the deal.
The key pitch in the game came in the 7th inning where (back from the DL) Ryan Mattheus picked up a HUGE bases loaded, 2 out, full count strikeout to escape a jam caused by Stammen and Mike Gonzalez walking 3 combined batters to load em' up.
And Tyler Clippard...can't say enough good things about him. Drew Storen better watch out! Storen or Clippard at closer, what a great problem to have...(unless they trade one)...
The Nats picked up two big wins in this series after losing 4 straight at home including a sweep by the Yankees. The team will be in Baltimore tomorrow night to face an O's team that has lost 3 straight and is falling out of first place (2.5 back of Yanks)...
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