Miss Chatter might lead you to believe it was 2008.

Once again The Nationals faced John Smoltz on a significant start of his carrer (albeit in a Red Sox uniform), matching him with one of their stud rookies, and once again the rookie out pitched the future hall of famer. Jordan Zimmermann set out last night and cruised through a Red Sox line up that had done a number on this club the past two nights.

Zimmermann was brilliant, scattering 5 hits through 7 innings and allowing just one run to pick up his thrid win of the season. This time, though, what has been a silent offense of late came alive with plenty of run support for young Jordan.

Getting at Smoltz early, the Nats scored 4 in the first, off of the top of the order getting on and the bottom of the order stringing together hits to bring everyone in. After Johnson was hit by a pitch, Zimmerman doubled to be followed by a Dunn walk. Willingham would find a hole in the infield to score one, which was followed by RBI singles by both Bard and Harris, who both ended the night with 3 hits.

The Nats continued to put runs on the board, with Bard driving in another run in the 3rd, Guzman knocking in 2 in the 6th and Willie Harris belting a 2 run shot in the 7th. Over all, both Harris and Bard went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs a piece.

Young pitching continued to impress as Acta put recently called up Tyler Clippard in to close out what was no where near a close game. After making the switch to the bull pen, Clippard has been lights out in Syracuse, and showed a promising start last night. Working 2 innings to finish the game, Clippard worked a one hit 8th, and erred slightly in the ninth, serving up a home run to Rocco Baldell. He soon settled down with back to back K's to secure the win.

Over all, the win was a very impressive feat, with the Nationals firing on all cylinders.

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