Jordan Zimmermann takes command as Nats sweep Giants

It might not have been revenge for the Nationals, but this weekend's sweep of the Giants at least helped to heal up any remaining wounds from last October's stinging postseason loss. Jordan Zimmermann frustrated San Francisco so much that Giants manager Bruce Bochy and starter Ryan Vogelsong didn't stick around for the 3-1 outcome.

Home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi tossed Bochy and Vogelsong in the bottom of the fifth after both argued a questionable strike zone. Meanwhile, Zimmermann proceeded to take advantage, fanning eight while only surrendering three hits with one walk over seven strong innings. The Giants' lone run came on a solo homer from Brandon Crawford with two outs in the fourth.

"I thought he was really good," Nationals manager Matt Williams said about Zimmermann. "He gave up the homer to Crawford on the 3-0 pitch, but other than that he was in the strike zone. He got through seven. Pitched really well. Again, he was just competitive out there."

The first two hits Zimmermann gave up were in the game's opening frame, but he fought through, eventually stranding both runners to escape the jam.

"I've been having a really good curveball and fastball command has been there," Zimmermann said. "Tonight was one of those nights where I didn't have very many first pitch strikes and fell behind and I was battling for the most part. I was able to get some big outs when I needed to."

After a two-game rough patch that surprisingly occurred in Zimmermann's midwestern comfort zone, the right-hander has returned to his dominant form. Zimmermann is 2-1 in his last four outings, allowing just five earned runs while striking out 25 and walking only two across 29 2/3 innings.

"I just think he's got a feel for his breaking pitches that he didn't have necessarily early in the season," Williams said. "It probably helps that it's gotten warmer and more humid and he can grip the ball a little bit better. He's just found both his slider and his curveball. He's locating and throwing his breaking balls when he needs to."

The Nationals have now won 12 of their last 15, moving them 10 games over .500 (46-36) for the first time this year. Meanwhile, the defending champion Giants are headed in the opposite direction, having lost six straight.

"Anytime you sweep a team, it's special," Zimmermann said. "Obviously we're going to win series and that's our main goal. To take three from those guys and send 'em back home, it's big for our ballclub. We're playing well right now."