At only seven games into the 2015 season, the Washington Nationals seem to be showing signs of growing pains on both sides of the ball. Opening Day at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox didn’t go as planned for starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman and the 2-4 the Nationals thanks to one of the best names in baseball; Mookie Betts.
After making a highlight reel robbery on outfielder Bryce Harper in the top of the first inning, Mookie proceeded to take over the ballgame with a three-run moon shot over the Green Monster in the bottom of the second inning. The Red Sox seemed to be fired up for their home opener while the Nationals couldn’t seem to get even a spark started.
The bottom of the third inning felt like an eternity for Zimmerman and the Nationals, with one error coming after another until the scoreboard read eight to zip. Washington outfielder Michael Taylor has displayed great potential early on but mainly illustrated his lack of experience in Boston as the 24-year-old dropped a high-flying ball to left center after poor communication with Jayson Werth. A couple of pitches later both Taylor and Harper watched a hard-hit ball to deep right field drop in front of their eyes with the bases loaded. The poor out fielding seemed to be contagious as shortstop Ian Desmond fumbled the next line drive ball right to him with the bases occupied again.
Nats’ Manager Matt Williams pulled the plug on Zimmerman in the third inning after watching the entire Red Sox batting order either get on base or score a run. The pitcher sent the ball everywhere but the strike zone and with an eight-run lead by Boston, it was over before it really began for Washington.
Werth played in his first major league game since having a right shoulder operation Jan. 9. Only playing six innings, he went 0-3 with a strikeout and two groundouts. The beard is definitely back and the heavy-hitter will be seriously relied upon this season as one of the Washington’s top sluggers.
On the brighter side, Nationals fans should be excited for infielder Anthony Rendon to make a full comeback soon from a sprained MCL in his left knee which happened during spring training. Rendon has been “making milestones” according to Williams and was reportedly throwing from 100 feet and hitting off a tee this week without any issues while rehabbing in Viera.
Looking forward to today’s game, pitcher Stephen Strasburg eyes a chance at redemption on the first place Boston Red Sox and a chance to pick up his first curly W of the season. One thing is for sure… it’s a long season and it’s way too early to hit the panic button on this team with all the talent in their dugout.
That’s a great piece of writing and reporting. I hope to see more articles by Samey Charapp.