Patient approach, starting Zimmerman could be keys to Game 3
By Byron Kerr
The Nationals are now in a difficult situation down 2-0 in the National League Division series to the Giants with Game 3 on Monday afternoon.
The pitching matchup features right-hander Doug Fister against left-hander Madison Bumgarner.
Some callers to "Nats Insider" on Sunday morning on 106.7 The Fan have repeated a consistent theme that Ryan Zimmerman should get the start in Game 3 and replace Adam LaRoche at first base.
MASN's Bob Carpenter, appearing on the same show, liked the idea of getting Zimmerman in the lineup, but rather at third base and moving Anthony Rendon to second. That way, you have Asdrubal Cabrera as your first switch-hitter off the bench.
The question arises about Zimmerman's hamstring and his lateral agility at third base. It seems to be a sacrifice that is worth taking with the season on the line.
The team also must make sure it is as patient as possible against Bumgarner. Giants reliever Yusmeiro Petit was able to strike out seven hitters in extra innings with pitches that came in at 87-88 mph. Admittedly, the Nationals hitters may have been searching for one swing to end it, but in Game 3 they must make sure they are careful and force Bumgarner to have to throw more pitches in the strike zone than he would want per inning.
On June 10, Fister defeated Bumgarner in a hard-fought 2-1 victory at AT&T Park. In that game, Fister was able to shut out the Giants through seven innings. The Nationals now look to repeat that scenario to get on the board in this series.
As the Giants have shown, in only takes one run to turn a series.
MASN's Bob Carpenter, appearing on the same show, liked the idea of getting Zimmerman in the lineup, but rather at third base and moving Anthony Rendon to second. That way, you have Asdrubal Cabrera as your first switch-hitter off the bench.
The question arises about Zimmerman's hamstring and his lateral agility at third base. It seems to be a sacrifice that is worth taking with the season on the line.
The team also must make sure it is as patient as possible against Bumgarner. Giants reliever Yusmeiro Petit was able to strike out seven hitters in extra innings with pitches that came in at 87-88 mph. Admittedly, the Nationals hitters may have been searching for one swing to end it, but in Game 3 they must make sure they are careful and force Bumgarner to have to throw more pitches in the strike zone than he would want per inning.
On June 10, Fister defeated Bumgarner in a hard-fought 2-1 victory at AT&T Park. In that game, Fister was able to shut out the Giants through seven innings. The Nationals now look to repeat that scenario to get on the board in this series.
As the Giants have shown, in only takes one run to turn a series.
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