Edwin Jackson Tosses Gem, Nationals Roll to 4-1 Win over Reds

Technically speaking, Edwin Jackson's complete game gem against the Reds on Saturday was a better performance than when he threw his no-hitter with the Diamondbacks.

In his no-hitter, Jackson walked eight batters and threw 149 pitches. The "game score" for that game was an 85.

Saturday, Jackson's "game score" was 87.

Jackson needed just 92 pitches to get through nine innings in the contest, allowing just one run on two hits and one walk while striking out nine.

Ironically, Jackson summed up how he felt about his performance like this: "I felt all right. It's not necessarily the best I've felt but it's all mental."

Really, Mr. Jackson?

Not the best you've ever felt?

Well, I'm quite curious to see what happens when you actually feel like you pitched well.

Regardless, Jackson's performance continues a trend of great pitching for the Nationals.

After Saturday's game, the Nationals team owns a combined ERA of 1.82. Opponents are hitting just .170 against the staff, while effectively limiting baserunners (0.95 WHIP).

The win gave the Nationals their fifth straight, putting them atop the NL East with a 7-2 record.

If the Nationals' pitchers keep up a level of production even remotely close to their current level, Washington will be a tough team to beat in 2012.