Ryan Zimmerman shines across the diamond

BOSTON - For a fraction of a second late yesterday afternoon, it appeared like the Nationals would blow a two-run 10th^-inning lead. The Phillies had men at first and second with two outs and one run having already crossed the plate. Cesar Hernandez hit a sharp ground ball that surely looked to be heading to right field until Nats first baseman Ryan Zimmerman dove to his right and gloved the ball. He quickly popped up and tossed to closer Drew Storen, who hurried to cover the bag and just beat Hernandez for the game's final out.

Credit Storen with the save, but it was Zimmerman's play that saved the day for a Nats team that badly needed a win after an early three-game losing streak was already wearing on them.

Afterward, a modest Zimmerman described what he was thinking during the game's final play.

"Catch it," he said with a smirk. "I'm getting a better feel and sense about where I am on the field. Just as good a play by Drew to make sure he gets over there. It's a lot easier when the pitcher is where he's supposed to be. And ready to catch the ball, it's easier to make that throw. A good play by him."

Storen, who had given up back-to-back walks to start the 10th was a bit more animated with Zimmerman after receiving the toss from his first baseman to secure the Nats second victory.

"I can tell you the message was, 'Nice play,' " said Storen. "There were some adjectives in there probably. But, yeah, that was unbelievable. I got to see it on video - that's when I get to enjoy it because I'm just worried about getting over there at that point. But that's a really incredible play. This early in the season, for him to be making the adjustment that he has, it's pretty incredible and it's fun to watch."

Just six games into a new chapter in Zimmerman's career, it seems as though the 11-year veteran will be just fine at his new position. He won a Gold Glove at third base, where he was considered one of the game's best defensive players until shoulder issues gave way to throwing problems. Those hands and his athleticism are now a plus for him across the diamond where the Nats brass figures Zimmerman will eventually bring home some new hardware.

At the plate, Zimmerman has struggled, like most of his teammates. He's just 3-for-23 (.130) while occupying the cleanup spot in the order through the first six games. He was able to pick up one of those hits in yesterday's much-needed victory.

"That's part of the game," Zimmerman said. "At some point during the season, we're going to have another week like this where we kind of persevered. The thing is, we didn't play bad baseball, we didn't score a lot of runs and we didn't play like we should - and we still had a chance to win every single game. That shows you what we can do. I think we just take this game and hopefully roll with it."