I didn't watch last night's Nats game. It's the first one this season I've missed, either live or recorded.
From other's recounts of the effort though, Livan Hernandez continues to mystify National League hitters. He went seven innings, allowing one earned run on six hits, one walk, and one strikeout.
He lowered his ERA to 0.87 for the season.
Hernandez was pretty terrible last season, going 9-12 with a 5.44 ERA for the Mets and Nats. Watching him pitch thus far this season, he really doens't look much different than last. His fastball isn't any faster and his curveball still floats to the plate at 64 MPH.
Yet, he's given up just three earned runs in four starts.
He only had four starts all last year where he gave up less than two earned runs in the appearance. And two of them came against the Nationals!
I'm sure someone can explain why Hernandez is having such good early season success.
Tyler Clippard and Matt Capps continue to excel as well. Each threw a scoreless frame. Clippard's ERA dipped to 0.57, and Capps' to 0.73. Capps is now nine-for-nine in save chances.
And that's pretty much been the Nats' recipe for success thus far: starter goes seven innings, Clippard and Capps close things out. It's a pretty dicey proposition to depend on just two guys to get the job done every time.
For now, though, Nats fans will take it.
NATS NOTES: Ryan Zimemrman didn't play, and reports said that he would not until the Nats reach Florida on Friday, if then. It's the sixth straight game he hasn't started. By the time Friday's game rolls around, if he starts, that would make eight days he's missed.
I know strains and pulls are tricky things to deal with early in the season, but it seems like the Nats could have just DL'd him and gotten him healthy instead of the daily questions and subterfuge.
Stephen Strasburg earned his third win of the season for Harrisburg yesterday. He went five innings, and did not give up a hit, walk or run. The only batter to reach was safe after running out a third strike that got away from catcher Sean Rooney.
Drew Storen went two innings for his fourth save. He gave up two hits and no walks, securing the 1-0 win for Harrisburg.
Roger Bernadina was recalled due to Willie Harris' continued discomfort in his right knee. Jesse English was sent down to make room on the roster.
Roger Bernadina was recalled due to Willie Harris' continued discomfort in his right knee. Jesse English was sent down to make room on the roster.
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