Still no support for Zimmermann; Lannan bounces back

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

April 18, 2012, 4:36pm

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Jordan Zimmermann has allowed one run through six innings. Is it possible for the offense to put two runs on the board and get this guy a win? Zimmermann has been sharp tonight in cool conditions, giving up just four hits and needing only 78 pitches to get through his six frames. But yet again, he's getting no offensive support, and trails 1-0 as we head to the bottom of the sixth. In the 20 innings that Zimmermann has been on the mound this season, the Nats have scored one run. That's it. They have just one hit through five off Astros starter Lucas Harrell, and even when they look close to getting on the scoreboard, the Astros won't let it happen. Houston center fielder Jordan Schafer robbed Ian Desmond of extra bases on a deep fly to center in the fifth, and if Desmond's ball had fallen, Jesus Flores would have coasted to the plate to tie the game. Meanwhile, up in Syracuse, John Lannan got back on track after two rough starts in Triple-A. Lannan went six innings against Pawtucket, allowing just one run on six hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Syracuse and Pawtucket are heading to the 10th tied 1-1.