Ross Sharp in Return, Nats Explode in 10-1 Win Over Mariners
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Ross was at his best on Tuesday night, when even his worst might have done the job for the Washington Nationals.
Ross (2-0) allowed one run over a career high-tying eight innings in his return from the minors, Anthony Rendon homered twice and drove in five runs, and the Nationals completed a 10-1 rout over the Seattle Mariners.
"There's really nothing more that you can ask for as a starter," said Ross, who struggled in three April starts before being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on May 2. "It kind of just takes a good amount of pressure off my shoulders."
Bryce Harper added his 14th homer and Jayson Werth hit his seventh off Chris Bergman (1-2), who allowed all of the Nationals' runs and 14 of their 15 hits.
He was chased following an eight-run fourth, in which Rendon doubled before hitting his second homer of the game and seventh of the season.
"I don't know," Rendon said, trying to explain the Nationals' nine-hit, 11-batter inning. "I guess we were swinging at good pitches."
Ryan Zimmerman also had three hits.