Nats game blog: Nationals look to ride Ryan Zimmerman's hot bat

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 01, 2015, 4:29pm

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ST. LOUIS - Ryan Zimmerman nearly willed the Nationals to victory last night. The 11-year veteran blasted a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning before the Nats bullpen collapsed in the 8-5 loss.

Zimmerman has driven in runs in seven of his last eight games, batting .333 (10-for-30) with four homers, two doubles and 15 RBIs over the stretch.

Zimmerman Henley gray high five trot.jpg Since returning from the disabled list on July 28, Zimmerman is leading the Nats with eight homers, 10 doubles, 29 RBIs and a .587 slugging percentage.

Bryce Harper has reached base safely in 12 straight games, going 15-for-42 (.357) with one home run, five doubles, four RBIs, 10 walks and nine runs scored over the streak.

Harper leads the majors in slugging percentage (.626) and OPS (1.084). His .329 batting average and .458 on-base percentage are second-best in the big leagues.

Anthony Rendon brings a nine game hitting streak into tonight's contest. The 25-year-old is batting .400/.488/.600 with two homers, one double, seven RBIs and eight runs scored over the stretch.

Wilson Ramos owns an eight-game hitting streak, going 10-for-29 (.345) with three homers, one double and five RBIs.

Rookie right-hander Joe Ross is 1-3 with a 4.97 ERA in five road starts this season. This will be his first career start against the Cardinals.