Zimmermann on loss to Marlins and trade for Papelbon

The Nationals fell 4-1 to the Marlins to open their series in Miami. Once again, Jordan Zimmermann pitched well, but had just one inning in which the opponent got a couple of runs on the board and it cost him. Of course, it doesn't help that he also once again didn't get much run support.

On July 22 versus the Mets, Zimmermann had one inning where the opponent scored multiple runs. It happened in the fourth. The Mets put together four hits, three singles and a two-run double from Kirk Nieuwenhuis and New York led 3-0. Zimmermann ended up finishing seven innings, only allowing those three runs and left with a no decision thanks to a three-run eighth inning comeback for the Nationals' 4-3 win.

Last night, the Marlins managed a pair of singles in the fifth and a sac fly to tie the game at 1-1. Then in the sixth, the Marlins notched a triple and two singles to generate two more runs and led 3-1. Prior to those rallies, Zimmermann had worked four scoreless innings.

"I had all three pitches working and they were swinging early," Zimmermann (8-6) told reporters. "A lot of first pitch contact and they got some quick outs and I was able to keep the pitch count down.

"And then (the) sixth inning rolls around and three pitches, three hits. I had my hands full. I was able to get out of there with only two runs, which was good, but I just need to make a few better pitches in the sixth."

Zimmermann said he might have been able to stay in past 76 pitches, but Marlins starter Jose Fernandez was tough, too.

"It happens," Zimmermann told the media. "We weren't able to get any runs across on Fernandez. He's a great pitcher. I knew I had to keep it close and probably throw a pretty good game. You're down 3-1, so you know you're probably gonna come out of the game. Try to score some runs there in the seventh inning, but weren't able to do it."

The biggest off-field news Tuesday was the trade for All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies. The Nationals also announced that they agreed to terms with Papelbon to keep him with the Nationals through 2016.

Zimmermann said Papelbon's track record speaks for itself.

"I know he's proven," Zimmermann said to reporters. "He's good. I'm happy to have him on our team, and it's him and Drew (Storen) in the backend of the bullpen. It makes it easier on the starters, that's for sure, to go six innings and hand it off to those guys. They're gonna lock it down most of the time. It's exciting."