The Washington Nationals (14-16), who had recently weakened offensively, bet on an unusual lineup in their 12-4 win over Pittsburgh Pirates (17-13) and were rewarded. Superstar Bryce Harper ended a longer dry spell.
Harper (1-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB) hit the lead-off – for the first time since 2013 – and managed a 3-run-homerun in the fifth inning. For Harper, this was the first Long Ball since April 16.
“I think it starts every night in the manager’s office. Dave Martinez believes in our team. He believes in us as a group and we believe in him. He is one of the best managers I have experienced so far,” Harper praised his manager after the change in the lineup.
Matt Adams started in Left Field and beat right-handed Chad Kuhl in third place. He even got two home runs (3-4, 3 R, 3 RBI), while Infielder Wilmer beat Difo in ninth position and thus acted as second lead-off hitter. He also made a home run.
On the mound Max Scherzer convinced with two runs in 6 1/3 innings. He played a 2-Run-Homerun against Francisco Cervelli in the seventh inning, but did not let anything else burn (3 H, 2 BB, 8 SO).
“I was able to throw all four pitches. You go out and put zeros on the scoreboard. And if you give your offense a chance, good things happen,” Scherzer told reporters.
This article was published without previous view by the Major League Baseball.