Nats Stop Slide, Head Home Happy
Livan Hernandez again showed himself to be the National's only true stopper as he pitched seven strong innings, giving up seven hits and two runs while striking out three. Livan reduced his ERA for the fifth straight game. It now stands at 3.61.
Brad Wilkerson hit three doubles to lead a still sputtering offense. The Nationals got nine hits off of Cardinals pitchers but had trouble bringing them home. Another ten runners were left on base. Chad Cordero saved the game, notching is 11th of the year out of 13th chances. His ERA is now a rediculous 0.78
That said, this game was not about doubles, clutch pitching or good defense. No, it was all about getting the "monkey" off of the team's back. They return to Washington with a win, and begin their homestand tomorrow afternoon against the Atlanta Braves.
Hope is back in the National's venacular. Cool