NATIONALS THIRD BASEMAN ZIMMERMAN'S STREAK ENDS AT 30 GAMES, INTENTIONALLY WALKED IN SEVENTH INNING
THE RESULTS: Ryan Zimmerman's consecutive games hitting streak ended at 30, but Shairon Martis' win streak continued, as he gave up just one run in seven innings, as the Washington Nationals defeated the San Francisco Giants, 6-3, before 30,120 sun-kissed fans at AT&T Park.
Zimmerman fell just one short of the franchise-record of 31 games, set by Vladimir Guerrero in 1999. He finished 0-for-3, with two walks and a run. He was intentionally walked in the seventh when first base opened up as a result of a passed ball, and grounded into a fielder's choice in the ninth inning.
The Nats got big days from several hitters. Cristian Guzman went 3-for-5 with two runs, Nick Johnson was 4-for-5 with a run and two RBIs, and Elijah Dukes went 2-for-5 with three RBIs.
Martis fought his command most of the afternoon, but was effectively wild. He gave up just two hits, but walked four and struck out two. He threw 109 pitches--only 59 for strikes. He didn't give up a run until the seventh inning, the result of two walks, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly.
As per usual, the bullpen made things more interesting than it needed to be. Joe Beimel and Kip Wells both gave up single runs in the eighth and ninth innings respectively, after allowing the leadoff batters to hit for extra bases. But they kept the damage down and ultimately did their jobs, albeit nervously.
THE TAKEAWAY: Martis has to be the least likely 5-0 pitcher in the majors, but we'll take it at this point. His ERA after yesterday is 4.10, and his K/BB rate is 21/17 for the season.
Not Cy Young numbers, but he's a testament to the fact that if the starter can keep the team in it, the Nats have a chance out out-hit the other team for the win.
THE GOOD: Nick Johnson. Four hits in five trips. Two driven in. He likes hitting in the two-spot.
THE BAD: Ronnie Belliard. He started at second and went 0-for-4, lowering his averages to .163/.200/.233.
THE UGLY: Joe Beimel. Faced three batters, all right handed (well, Winn and Sandoval switch), gave up two hits and a run.
NEXT GAME: Off today, then a four game series with the Phillies starting Friday. John Lannan (2-3, 3.89) hosts Joe Blanton (1-3, 6.82) in the opener at 7:00 p.m. from Nationals Park.