Desmond's hit helps Nats sweep doubleheader
WASHINGTON -- The Washington Nationals have exactly 100 games left in the regular season. And despite falling short of the pre-season hype with a record of 31-31, shortstop Ian Desmond feels the defending National League East champs can turn things around.
"We are taking steps in the right direction," said Desmond, who had the game-winning hit in the seventh inning as the Nationals beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Sunday night. "It was a good game all around. Pitching and defense has to be there for us to win. We have a lot of games left."
Washington won 7-0 earlier in the day against the Twins in a day-night doubleheader and heads to Colorado for a series that begins on Tuesday.
"It is not easy to take a doubleheader. It was a long day," said Desmond, whose RBI double in the seventh made a loser of reliever Anthony Swarzak (1-2).
It was not a good day for the Twins, who fell to 27-33 and lost for the fourth time in five outings.
"It was a frustrating loss for us," said Ron Gardenire, the Twins' manager. "We had a lead and we ended up giving it up. It was a very frustrating game for us."
One bright spot was catcher Chris Herrmann, who had three of the eight Minnesota hits and drove in two.
Washington tied the game at 4 in the sixth on a triple by former Twin Denard Span. The hit scored rookie Anthony Rendon, who led off with a single against Swarzak.
Tyler Clippard (5-1) got the win for Washington with a scoreless seventh. Drew Storen pitched the eighth for the Nationals, and closer Rafael Soriano pitched the ninth for his 16th save even though he gave up a walk and a single and left the possible tying run at third. Soriano retired Josh Willingham for the final out on a foul pop after a single by Joe Mauer put runners on the corners with two outs.
Washington starter Nathan Karns went just three innings in his third big-league start and threw 74 pitches and gave up four runs, five hits and three walks.
"I fell behind (in the count) and they took advantage," he said. "I put (the bullpen) in a hole. We dug ourselves out of it. I have to go back to (better) pitch location and execution."
Washington's Roger Bernadina reached base his first four times to the plate, with two singles and two walks, before he fanned in the eighth.
The game was the second of the day between the teams and was a makeup from a rainout Friday. In the opener, Jordan Zimmermann threw seven innings of two-hit ball.
Pedro Florimon, the No. 8 hitter for the Twins, hit a two-run homer to right to give Minnesota a 4-1 lead in the third against Karns.
After the game Washington manager Davey Johnson announced reserve OF/IB Tyler Moore will be sent to Triple-A Syracuse for more playing time.
"I think it is going to be good for me," said Moore, who is hitting .158 in 95 at-bats after he hit .263 with 10 homers in 156 at-bats last year as a rookie.
Said Johnson: "It is a tough situation for a young player with his talent. We want to get him some regular playing time."
The game was delayed by rain for 12 minutes in the last of the fifth. Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks was replaced after the rain delay due to a left hamstring strain. Clete Thomas entered the game.
NOTES: Both teams are off Monday and both begin a road series Tuesday. Twins RHP P.J. Walters (2-1, 3.44) is slated to start Tuesday at Philadelphia against LHP Cole Hamels (2-9, 4.56). Walters has made three starts this year and has allowed 25 hits in 18 innings. ... Nationals RHP Dan Haren (4-7, 5.45) is scheduled to start Tuesday at Colorado against RHP Jhoulys Chancin (3-3, 4.59). ... Mauer got the start at first base in the late game Sunday after he sat out the first game. He started at catcher Friday. ... Span was back in center for the Nationals in the second game Sunday. He fouled a ball off his foot Saturday. Rookie Jeff Kobernus started in center in the first game Sunday and had his first two big-league hits, the first of which was a dribbler to third.
