Game 12: Astros at Nats, April 17, 2012

Gio Gonzalez tossed his first HOV-3 of 2012.
Getty Images/Greg Fiume

Gio Gonzalez had an impressive performance and earned his first win as a Nat, and Brad Lidge saved it for him.  The Nats spun another shutout in 2012 and beat the Astros 1-0.  For their efforts, the club improved to an astounding 9-3 and guaranteed that, once again, they would not lose a series.

Second Inning: It has been reported that the Nats’ starters are very competitive with one another.  If that is true, then Gonzalez did his best to keep up with Edwin Jackson.  After Jackson pitched the first HOV-3 by a starter three days prior, Gonzalez threw his own.  He sat down Chris Johnson, Travis Buck, and Chris Snyder to keep pace.

Game 9: Reds at Nats, April 14, 2012

Edwin Jackson recorded the first HOV-3 by a starter.
AP/Susan Walsh

Edwin Jackson tossed the first complete game of the young season and earned his first win.  The Nats ran their record to 7-2 and won their third straight series.  Jackson sent nine more batters down K Street.  Just another day in Nats Town.

Third Inning: Jackson sent his counterpart, Homer Bailey, and ex-Nat Willie Harris down K Street to get his first HOV-2 of the night.

Sixth Inning: Apparently Bailey didn’t get to enjoy the view quite enough because he decided to stroll down K Street on his very next at-bat.

Game 4: Nats at Mets, April 9, 2012

Edwin Jackson starts his season with two HOV-2s.
Getty Images/Jim McIsaac

After winning their series against the Chicago Cubs, the Nats moved on to New York to face off with the Mets.  Alas, the Mets struck first and won the series opener 4-3, dropping the Nats to 2-2.  Edwin Jackson got the start, but Henry Rodriguez took the loss when the Mets’ Daniel Murphy hit a walk-off single.  Ex-Nat and tattoo enthusiast Jon Rauch picked up the win.

First Inning: Jackson started strongly by earning an HOV-2 in the first inning of his Nats’ debut when he struck out Ike Davis and Jason Bay.

Second Inning: Jackson sent Kirk Nieuwenhuis down K Street.