Rounding the Bases



Ryan Zimmerman did that twice Sunday night as the Nationals beat up on the Dodgers 7 - 1. After three injury-plagued seasons, the Washington mainstay is back. Batting over .300 and now with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs on the season, he's a strong favorite to be named National League Comeback Player of the Year. Still just 32, his recent play is more a sign that the 13-year veteran is healthy than a swan song.
Having a talented supporting cast certainly helps: teammate Stephen Strasburg ran his consecutive inning scoreless streak to 35 before L.A. broke through in the 2nd inning. Adam Lind set a franchise record with his fourth pinch hit homer of the season. Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Howie Kendrick are also .300 hitters. And Zimmerman's most talented teammate is closer to returning. Bryce Harper had an impressive batting practice before the game, his first time in the cage since his leg injury. That gives plenty of hope to DC fans that he'll be ready for the post-season when the experts think the Nats and Dodgers will see each other again.


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