Adam LaRoche scores the winning run over the Mets. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)

Before last night’s game even started, there were plenty of changes in the Nationals’ clubhouse. Danny Espinosa–who was playing through a left rotator cuff tear–was finally placed on the disabled list which opened the door for top prospect Anthony Rendon to be called up. Right-hander Henry Rodriguez and left-hander Zach Duke were designated for assignment while left-hander Ian Krol was called up from Class AA Harrisburg in an attempt to straighten out the bullpen. To complete the moves, outfielder Jayson Werth was activated off of the disabled list after missing over a month from a strained hamstring.

Despite the flurry of changes, the Nationals hammered out a win and pulled back to .500 before the night was over. Jordan Zimmermann delivered another dominant performance pitching eight innings giving up no earned runs and four strikeouts. Tyler Clippard pitched the ninth with no earned runs and one strikeout.

After being held to only one run until the ninth inning, the Nationals put a rally together against Mets’ closer Bobby Parnell.

After Ryan Zimmerman doubled, he advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored the tying run on Adam LaRoche‘s single to right. Ian Desmond doubled, and Roger Bernadina was intentionally walked which brought Steve Lombardozzi to the plate.

Filling in at second base for the ailing Espinosa, Lombardozzi smacked a sac fly to left field, allowing Adam LaRoche to score the winning run and caused the dog pile celebration on the field.

“I was out of breath. I think I blacked out a little there.”

Pushing across the winning run to top off the 3-2 walk-off win effectively gave the Nationals their first walk-off win of the season and allowed them to break a lopsided stat: until the walk-off, the team was 0-21 when trailing after six innings.

Now after checking off their first walk-off of the season, perhaps it’s the spark that will get them back on track.

Tonight the Nationals face the New York Mets for game 2 of the series with Dan Haren on the mound facing right-hander Dillon Gee. The Nats currently trail the Mets 2-1 in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

Other notes:

• Stephen Strasburg to the DL.
  
• Ross Detwiler had a bullpen session today.
• Gio Gonzalez may avoid a suspension from MLB for being linked to the Biogenesis clinic.
• Davey Johnson finally shaved the rally goatee.
• Ian Desmond has a few things to say about fan loyalty.

Looking ahead:

The Nationals wrap up the series with the Mets tomorrow before welcoming the Minnesota Twins in to town for a three-game series.