It's not always pleasant hitting behind the reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper in the Washington Nationals lineup and Ryan Zimmerman found out exactly why Sunday.
The 31-year-old veteran went 1-for-7 against the Cubs, setting a new major-league record for runners left on base with 14.
"Unfortunately, I couldn’t come through," Zimmerman told reporters. "If I had to do it all over again that’s the spot I want to be in. Give it to me 10 more times and I’ll take it every single time."
Zimmerman broke the previous record (12) by one player in a game, which was done four times, according to Baseball Almanac.
PLAYER | LOB | DATE |
---|---|---|
Trot Nixon | 12 | June 12 2003 |
David Ortiz | 12 | May 14 2009 |
Glenn Beckert | 12 | Sept 16 1972 |
Todd Helton | 12 | Apr 11 1998 |
Zimmerman wasn't the only Nationals player to enter the record books on Sunday, as Harper also did so by earning six walks in the contest.
The two-time Silver Slugger is struggling thus far in the 2016 season. He’s hitting .236/.293/.340 with one home run and 12 RBIs in 116 plate appearances.