Hey, so it turns out maybe Jordan Zimmermann can pitch in relief. And against the Cardinals, no less!

Granted, it's just one inning (so far). In the top of the seventh inning, Zimmermann took over from starter Ross Detwiler, with the Nationals and Cardinals tied 1-1 in Game 4 of their Division Series; if the Nats lose this one, they're finished.

With Zimmermann's appearance, Twitter lit up like a freaking Christmas tree in Times Square ...

Interesting move by Davey Johnson; Zimmermann 9.12 career ERA vs. Cards; pounded in Game 2; first MLB relief app; only 3 in minors.

— Bernie Miklasz (@miklasz) October 11, 2012

We're not picking on Bernie Miklasz; he's a friend of SB Nation and we love him. Bernie understands the concept of sample size. Those are just facts, and if Bernie hadn't cited them, we might have.

But it's about sample size. There was little reason to believe that Jordan Zimmermann couldn't enter a game in the seventh and pitch effectively. Or maybe even brilliantly, considering he wouldn't have to pace himself, knowing he'd be asked to throw just one or two innings.

Zimmermann struck out Pete Kozma.
Zimmermann struck out Kyle Lohse.
Zimmermann struck out Allen Craig.

Let's hope we get to see him again in the eighth. Meanwhile, this one's still tied: Cardinals 1, Nationals 1.