Ceci Ferrara
July 28, 2014
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
After getting shutout on Saturday, the Nationals bested the Reds 4-2 on Sunday to win the series 2-1. The victory is their sixth since the All-Star break, and gives them a marginal first place division lead. The Braves, who have won three straight, trail by a game.
Right-hander Doug Fister pitched seven shutout innings for Washington, including five strikeouts. He allowed just three singles and walk, with Cincinnati failing to advance any of the runners. Despite his impressive performance, Fister refused to take full credit for the win.
“Everybody was playing defense,” the pitcher said, citing great plays made by teammates Anthony Rendon and Adam LaRoche. “Everybody was just giving everything they had. That’s what we are doing here. That’s why we are playing well together and having some success.”
They also provided run support; something that was lacking in their 1-0 loss Saturday. The Nats scored the majority of their runs in the fifth. After Danny Espinsoa walked home, LaRoche hit an RBI single to give the Nats a 3-0 lead. They added another in the top of the ninth and appeared to have turned the tables on Cincinnati.
But the Reds avoided a shutout when Devin Mesoraco doubled in the ninth to score Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce. With no outs, Cincinnati appeared to be staging an improbable comeback. But Rafael Soriano, who leads the league in saves, did not disappoint. He retired the side, earning his 25th save of the season.
“We were fortunate to take two of the three here, because they pitched pretty well as well,” manager Matt Williams said. “Our starters go deep in games. There has been a hiccup or two along the way, but they have pitched pretty well. They give us a chance every day to do what we did today….They give us the opportunity to do that every time they go out. That’s comforting for everybody.”
The Nats will finish their nine-game road trip with a three-game series against Miami beginning Monday night. Though the Marlins are playing below .500 (51-53, .490), they have heated up since the break, winning their last four. As the season begins to wind down and the playoff picture becomes more focused, no victory can be taken for granted.
Redskins
Though the hot and humid weather may have us believe otherwise, fall is right around the corner. And with the changing of the leaves and cooler temperatures comes something else—football.
With a new coach and a revived Robert Griffin III, the Redskins are ready to bounce back from their disappointing 3-13 season.
“My strength, I believe, is dealing with players, motivating players, keeping players excited to come to work and plan and not letting them get too high or too low, but keeping them even keel and letting them understand that, honestly, as a head coach, I have their best interest at heart,” new head coach Jay Gruden said. “My only thing is to provide them with every resource that they can get better and win games and compete every week.”
Fans have been able to get a look at the new team dynamic since training camps opened to the public last week. That will continue through August 11th with practices closed on game days. The organization will recognize their fans this upcoming Saturday, August 2nd with their annual fan appreciation day. Tickets are required.
Washington’s first preseason game will be August 7th against the New England Patriots.
