Zimmerman delivers clutch hit in 8th
Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has had been steady all season, even after his career-high 30-game hit streak came to an end earlier this year, had a big two-run single that tied the game at three in the Nationals four-run eighth inning today.
The base knock came against Braves reliever Peter Moylan, who Zimmerman was 3-7 lifetime, including a walk-off homer in the first ever game at Nationals Park on March 30th last season.
Before Zimmerman even had a chance, the bottom of the Nationals lineup had to do their job and they came through in the clutch.
Pinch-hitter Ronnie Belliard singled on the ninth pitch of the at bat and Josh Bard, replacing Wil Nieves, drew a walk.
Lead-off batter Nyjer Morgan sacrificed them into scoring position before the Nick Johnson walked to load the bases
"We need those guys in the middle of the lineup in situations like this to step up," manager Manny Acta said. "A lot of credit goes to [Ronnie] Belliard and [Josh] Bard, they had two professional at bats in that inning and that started the whole rally."
"Zimm has faced Moylan about 8,000 times and he did a really good job of getting a pitch to hit and didn't try to do too much," catcher Josh Bard said.
"I was just glad to get a hit," Zimmerman said. "It's been a tough few games. I haven't been getting many hits and I've been kind of grinding. I wouldn't say I felt great at the plate, but to be able to battle and come through with a hit when we needed it is nice."
To read more on Adam Dunn's 300th career home run, check Kristen Hudak's story in Nationals BUZZ.
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