On Thursday Breitbart Sports reported on the Nationals 3-0 start after allowing Miami only one run in 27 innings, but warned, “The Nationals’ great pitching will get more of a test when they go to Cincinnati to face another early season favorite…” Did they ever, as the Reds slammed six home runs in a 15-0 win that sent an early message for a possible NL Championship series. Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart (pictured) combined for four home runs, nine RBIs and six of nine from the plate.
Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart (pictured) combined for four home runs, nine RBIs and six of nine from the plate.
Lefty Dan Haren was brought in from the Angels for $13 million this season to give the Nationals a strong fourth starter, but Friday’s outing is a concern after a poor 2012 season for the 32-year-old Haren. While his control stayed excellent last year, and he walked noone Friday during the Reds “batting practice,” his ERA increased more than a run to 4.33 in 2012 due to 28 home runs allowed in 30 starts and he starts this season with a 13.50 ERA.
After nine strong seasons, his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) actually indicated that Haren was worse than a typical bullpen player, and that he should not have started for most teams last year.
Xavier Paul hit a pinch hit grand slam to help hand Washington their worst loss ever.
The Reds had hit three home runs in the previous game. For the AP account of the worst loss in Washington Nationals’ history, click here.
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