Zimmermann shuts down Braves (Nats win 6-1)

The Nationals managed only one run off Braves starter Shelby Miller over seven innings last Wednesday night. Tonight, they exploded for four runs in the opening frame off the right-hander. Denard Span started it off with a single to left. Danny Espinosa then pounded a double to the gap in left-center field, scoring Span all the way from first.

Some aggressive base running landed Espinosa on third on a ground out from Yunel Escobar. After Miller struck out Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos delivered a clutch RBI base knock up the middle.

Clint Robinson then battled Miller in an eight-pitch at-bat before drilling a hanging cruveball over the right field fence for a two-run homer.

Jordan Zimmermann pitched a scoreless first with one strikeout.

The Nationals are 21-5 when scoring in the first inning.

Update: Espinosa led off the third with a bloop single to left. Escobar dropped a bunt for a base hit. A deep fly ball to left from Harper let Espinosa tag and take third.

Two batters later, Ramos hit a grounder to Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Simmons fired home to A.J. Pierzynski, catching Espinosa in a rundown. Pierzynski chased Espinosa back toward third, but then threw errantly past Juan Uribe, allowing Espinosa to race to the plate safely.

Update II: Zimmermann is cruising through five scoreless innings tonight, scattering only four hits with four strikeouts and no walks. In fact, only 14 of Zimmermann's 67 pitches have been balls.

Miller left after five innings, tied for the second shortest outing of his season.

Update III: Zimmermann shut out the Braves over 7 2/3 innings, yielding just six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. Zimmermann threw 85 of 109 pitches for strikes.

The Nats added another run in the ninth when Escobar scored on Ramos' double play grounder.

Right-hander David Carpenter gave up a solo homer to Uribe in the bottom of the frame.

Update IV: Carpenter finished off the ninth as the Nationals beat the Braves 6-1.

The Nats lead the National League East by 3 1/2 games.