Dominant performance from Jordan Zimmermann in 2-0 Nationals win

The explosive Blue Jays offense entered the first game of today's split doubleheader leading the majors with 268 runs scored. Against Nationals starter Jordan Zimmerman, they scored none. Zimmerman blanked Toronto for eight innings as the Nats shut out the Blue Jays 2-0.

"Really good," Nationals manager Matt Williams said of Zimmermann's performance. "He was in command from the first pitch, you know, throwing it where he wanted to. Early on, he was keeping his pitch count down which allowed him to go deeper too. I don't know where he ended up? 105 (pitches). That's really good for eight innings."

The key was Zimmermann's effectiveness against the top of the Blue Jays order. Toronto's dangerous leadoff man Jose Reyes never reached base. Josh Donaldson, the reigning American League Player of the Week and major league runs scored leader, only managed a single in four at-bats.

"The biggest thing was keep Reyes off the bases," Zimmermann said. "Those guys in the middle aren't going to hurt you if Reyes isn't on base, and I was able to do that tonight. I felt good from the beginning."

Beyond helping the Nats end their three-game losing streak, Zimmermann's ability to pitch eight strong innings really saved the staff of relievers that have been taxed recently.

"If we get in a situation like we have been where the bullpen has been used pretty heavy, you know when he goes out there, he's gonna give you opportunity to rest those guys as much as possible and can go deep in a game," Williams said. "It's nice to have him on our club because he can provide that for us. He got a big base hit to start an inning, scored a run. He does a lot of things on the field that helps him win games."

Zimmermann's base hit in the fifth off Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey led to the Nats' first run. After Yunel Escobar walked, Ian Desmond dropped a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners into scoring position for Bryce Harper.

Harper immediately took advantage by banging an RBI single back up the middle, bringing Zimmermann home. For Harper, it was his 44th RBI, tying Miami's Giancarlo Stanton for the major league lead. Ryan Zimmerman followed with a sacrifice fly, plating Escobar, and that was all the offense Zimmermann needed.

"I mean Jordan, he's unbelievable," Harper said. "I think the Blue Jays are a great hitting team. They hit for a lot of power and do things the right way up there at the plate, so tough team to face. But having Jordan out there, it's a guy you want on the mound every single night, and he's very good. So all the credit to him."

Drew Stroren closed out the ninth to preserve the shutout and gain his National League-best 17th save.