Bullpen implodes for Nats after Gorzelanny’s injury

The Washington Nationals saw its once dangerous bullpen implode on Sunday afternoon after starter Tom Gorzelanny left in the 3rd inning with an ankle injury. The Nats lost 9-8 to the Atlanta Braves in a rubber match between the two NL East foes. All four relievers used for Washington allowed at least one run. Gorzelanny scored on a Roger Bernadina triple, but twisted his right ankle in a collision at home plate with All-Star catcher Brian McCann. Manager Davey Johnson believes Gorzy will make his next start (Friday) because the Nats don’t play on Thursday after finishing a series against the Houston Astros. While the lefty was pitching though, he wasn’t as effective as he’d been over his previous few starts since returning from an elbow injury. He couldn’t locate the strike zone (nearly half of his pitches were balls) and didn’t have his best stuff either. Overall, Gorzy walked three batters and allowed two runs in his two innings. The play that Gorzelanny got hurt on tied the game ...