Dan Haren is used to a lack of run support, but tonight he took matters into his own hands, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings, leading the Angels to a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals and a three-game sweep. The Angels have won six of their last seven games, and have won all five of their interleague series this season. They are 11-4 against National League teams this year.
Haren retired the first 10 batters of the game before Brian Bixler reached on a bunt single with one out in the fourth inning. Haren allowed just one more hit, one walk, and hit a batter in his 7 1/3 innings, striking out six for his eighth win of the season. Jordan Walden pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 18th save of the season.
Jordan Zimmermann pitched a complete game for the Nationals, but got hung with the loss as he allowed one unearned run. In the fourth inning, Bobby Abreu walked to lead off the inning, then advanced to third on Ryan Zimmerman's throwing error. Abreu scored when Howie Kendrick grounded into a double play, the only run of the game.
The Angels have Thursday off before hosting the Dodgers on Friday in Anaheim.
For more news and information about the Angels, or on today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.