Bryce Harper: Four Runs, Zero Hits

The two-run shot extended the Nats lead to 4-0 as Harper’s career-high for home runs in a single season continues climbing. “It is incredible to go out there and see him”, Gonzalez said.

Minutes later, the Mets lost 6-5 to the Marlins in 11 innings, putting the Nationals just five games back in the NL East. The Mets looked like a sure bet to win the division in mid-August, but the Nationals have come roaring back with three straight wins. He also scored four runs off of those four walks, joining Larry Doby (1951), Joe Morgan (1973) and Rickey Henderson (1989) as the only major leaguers to score four runs in one game without a single hit since 1914.

Vizcaino was working his second inning after getting through Washington’s 3-4-5 hitters in the eighth.

“He is a rock in the lineup”, said Clint Robinson of the Nationals.

They’ve scored one run in 212/3 innings against Zimmermann in his past three starts against the Braves this season, and they needed a walk, a balk, a wild pitch and Hector Olivera’s groundout to get it. I feel like John Hart has taken a page from Philadelphia 76ers GM Sam Hinkie’s book on “hyper-tanking”.

For the people who still don’t like Harper because of his divisive personality and his antics on the field, remember he’s only 22 years old.

The fitting-hander from Wisconsin, a free agent after this yr, allowed two hits and one run in six innings with 5 strikeouts and 4 walks. Freddie Freeman (.285, 53 Rs, 15 HRs, 50 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. “It’s not going to be a series here or there”, Papelbon said of the playoff chase.

Nick Swisher walked to start the second inning and scored when newcomer Olivera grounded out to short.

The Nationals drew eight walks and had 18 hits, together with 5 doubles, whereas posting their highest run complete in a house recreation this yr. Rookie shortstop Trea Turner collected his first main league hit on an infield single within the seventh.

With his third-inning single, Pierzynski tied Hall of Famer Bill Dickey (1,969) for 10th place all-time in hits among catchers. As Meyerriecks writes, Williams has received a lot of criticism for his questionable handling of the bullpen in recent weeks, but he made some key decisions last night that ultimately helped lead the Nationals to a huge victory.

“Today, we just couldn’t pull it off, ” manager Mike Matheny said. RHP Aaron Barrett underwent successful Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Thursday.

The over is 6-0 in Gio Gonzalez’s last six starts and he’ll pitch tonight when the Nationals host the Braves at 7:05PM ET.