Thursday, April 5, 2012

Game 1: Nats at Cubs

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Historic Wrigley Field hosts the Nationals for the first game of the season.
CHICAGO -- I suppose there are worse places to be on Opening Day than this. Man, what a setting, huh? It is, however, quite cold in the appropriately named Windy City. Gametime temperature will be 51 degrees, but there's a still breeze blowing straight in from center field, right off Lake Michigan.

There may not be anyone in attendance today happier to know that than Stephen Strasburg, who gets to take advantage of the weather -- not to mention a less-than-daunting Cubs lineup -- in his 2012 debut. It'll be interesting to see how far Davey Johnson lets his ace go. Strasburg threw as many as 84 pitches this spring, so he should be good to surpass 90 and maybe even approach 100.

Veteran Ryan Dempster will be on the mound for Chicago, facing a Nationals lineup that is without cleanup hitter Michael Morse and center fielder Rick Ankiel (both are set to begin rehab assignments with Class AA Harrisburg tonight in Bowie) but still boasts a red-hot Ryan Zimmerman (who looked fantastic this spring).

It's the greatest day of the year, and if you can't be here watching the game live, rest assured I'll have plenty of updates throughout right here...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at CHICAGO CUBS
Where: Wrigley Field
Gametime: 2:20 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, Ch. 50, WGN (outside DC area), MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Sunny, 51 degrees, Wind 16 mph in from CF
NATIONALS (0-0)
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
LF Mark DeRosa
CF Roger Bernadina
C Wilson Ramos
P Stephen Strasburg

CUBS (0-0)
RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Ian Stewart
1B Jeff Baker
CF Marlon Byrd
C Geovany Soto
P Ryan Dempster

UMPIRES
HP Dana DeMuth
1B Kerwin Danley
2B Doug Eddings
3B Paul Nauert
2:25 p.m. -- Ian Desmond comes out hacking and lines Ryan Dempster's very first pitch of the season to right field for a base hit. Baseball season is underway!

2:35 p.m. -- The good news: Desmond and Danny Espinosa did their job, singling and drawing a walk to set the table for the big boys. The bad news: The big boys couldn't get the job done. Ryan Zimmerman sent a deep fly ball to center that might have been a three-run homer on June 5. But on April 5 at Wrigley, that's a flyout. It did advance the runners, but Adam LaRoche struck out at a wicked changeup from Dempster, and Jayson Werth then sent a soft flyball to right to end the inning. The Nats are already 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

2:41 p.m. -- That didn't take long. Stephen Strasburg needed all of seven pitches (five strikes) to get through the bottom of the first. There was a little goof-up when he pointed at Starlin Castro's pop-up and got out of the way, only to watch the ball fall in for a single. Strasburg needed to just make that play himself. No one else had a chance to get there in time. But he used the wind to his advantage and got Alfonso Soriano to hit a long flyball to center to end the inning. Scoreless after one.

2:52 p.m. -- You know, Davey Johnson said earlier today that Strasburg can go 80-100 pitches. At this rate, he could start both ends of a doubleheader. Two innings in the books, and he's only thrown 14 pitches. Fourteen! That's seven batters faced, an average of two per hitter. Fastball has been sharp, 95-96 mph. Curveball totally fooled Marlon Byrd twice on a second-inning strikeout. It's early, but man he looks good.

3:06 p.m. -- Wait, was that the top of the third or a replay of the top of the first? Desmond and Espinosa both reach, then Zimmerman draws a walk to load the bases for the heart of the lineup. At which point LaRoche strikes out on a changeup and Werth flies out to right. Exact same thing that happened two innings earlier. The Nats are 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position already. Scoreless in the middle of the third.

3:13 p.m. -- Boy, Strasburg really had to labor there in the bottom of the third. I mean, it took him a whole 12 pitches to finish the inning. He's at 26 total (18 strikes) through three. Doesn't look like there's going to be much offense here today.

3:27 p.m. -- And just like that, the Cubs are on the board first, thanks to a wobbly bottom of the fourth from the Nats' perspective. Strasburg's command was a bit off, especially as he issued a two-out walk to Baker. Wilson Ramos also made a very poor decision to try to gun down Soriano at second on a little dribbler in front of the mound. Fortunately, Soriano then ran himself into an out trying to steal third. But Byrd's soft liner to left produced the first run of the day, putting the Cubs ahead 1-0 after four.

3:42 p.m. -- A quick, 1-2-3 fifth for Strasburg, but it's not going to matter if the Nats can't score.

3:46 p.m. -- Zimmerman should have two homers today. Instead, he's got two long flyouts. The wind is just brutal here. So is the Nats' lineup. One hit through six innings. LaRoche is 0-for-3 with three Ks. Nobody from the 4-through-9 spots has reached safely. Still 1-0 Cubs in the middle of the sixth.

3:53 p.m. -- Strasburg getting stronger as this game progresses. He's struck out four of the last six batters he's faced, and he's through the sixth inning at only 70 pitches. However, he's due up fourth in the top of the seventh. Henry Rodriguez is starting to warm in the pen. What do you do?

4:01 p.m. -- Well, Steve Lombardozzi was in the on-deck circle to hit for Strasburg, but his spot never came up. So as Bill Murray gets the crowd going during the seventh-inning stretch, Strasburg is back on the mound for the bottom of the inning. Still trails 1-0.

4:07 p.m. -- Can't ask for much more out of Strasburg than what he gave the Nats: 7 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 k, 82 pitches. But he's in line to take the loss right now. Nats down to their last six outs.

4:32 p.m. -- Wow, high drama in the top of the eighth. The Nats had two on and two out with LaRoche at the plate and Kerry Wood on the mound. LaRoche battled his way to a full count and then drew the walk, loading the bases for Werth. Werth fell behind 0-2 and then battled his way back, taking a very close 3-2 fastball for ball four and forcing in the tying run. With a chance to deliver against his former team, though, Mark DeRosa sent a soft grounder up the middle and couldn't quite beat the throw to first. So it's a new ballgame, tied 1-1, as Tyler Clippard enters for the bottom of the eighth. Pretty entertaining Opening Day, huh?

4:42 p.m. -- Clippard works his way around an Espinosa error to close out the eighth. It remains 1-1 going to the ninth as Carlos Marmol enters for the Cubs. Bernadina, Ramos and Tracy due up for the Nats.

4:51 p.m. -- Chad Tracy and Ian Desmond to the rescue! Tracy sends a two-out double off the wall in right-center. Then Desmond delivers his third hit of the day, a single to right that scored pinch-runner Brett Carroll. The Nats lead 2-1 and Brad Lidge is warming in the pen.

5:00 p.m. -- It's over. The Nats win a thriller, 2-1, as Lidge earns his first save, overcoming a one-out triple by Ian Stewart. What a way to start the season.

411 comments:

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MicheleS said...

The Cubs are the team of my Father (who suffered for 75 years) and the team of my youth. The Nats are my home town team now. And Since the Cubs are going no where this year - LETS GO NATS!!!

NatsJack in Florida said...

The adventure bgins. My calendar for today says 2:20 PM - Nats/Cubs - Beer. I'm ready.

ChicagoNatsGirl said...

I'm so happy to be a Nats fan in Chicago today and this weekend. I just wish I had business-appropriate Nats clothing to wear at work today. Maybe that's what I'll do in my second career--design MLB-themed suits for women. That'd be awesome. Go Nats!!!!

LoveDaNats said...

This IS the best day of the year! So looking forward to seeing my Nats whup up on the Cubbies. THIS is the year of the Nats Fan. OK, boys......live up to the hype!

sm13 said...

Wooohoooo a real game thread. Can't wait to watch the game with my daughter who is also celebrating her birthday. And we get to do it all over again next Thursday in Sec. 310. Go Nats!!

Jim Kurtzke said...

Great day to be on spring break. Will be watching tv at 2. Let the games begin

Occupy Wrigley Field said...

We're getting ready to leave our hotel now. Sitting up behind home plate, with that wind right in our faces. But opening day in Wrigley - it's all worth it, right?

Anyone else make the trip?

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

In the immortal words of MichelleS: "WOO-HOO."

The bourbon and Maalox have been restocked.
The Best 25 Have Come North (including Kristina!)
The Neats foot oil has lubed up the mitt.
The radio is set for Charlie and Dave.
The sun is shining, and the wind is blowing in.
Jesus is in the mound.
What could be better?
Wild card, or bust.
86 victories.

Go You Freaking Nats Go!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark and every Nats Insider, let's have a great season.

Natsochist said...

Here's hoping this is the year when my Nats Insider handle starts to lose its meaning. In Sunshine's immortal words, GYFNG!

natsfan1a said...

Happy Opening Day, Insiders! It was a long winter, but we made it through. Here's to a season that's PFB, no, make that VFB. GO NATS!!

BadAir said...

Nats beat Marlins by one game for last playoff spot - why? Because Nats play Red Sox in only one series (Orioles in other) and Marlins play Red Sox twice.

Anonymous said...

Boy, pitching staff looks like a group of all stars and the lineup looks...unfinished. Let's hope for a 2-1 Nats win because they won't be busting scoreboards with crooked numbers this year. A lot of close ones ahead.

Pete said...

GIDDYUP!

NatsLady said...

MicheleS--Though living his whole life on the South Side, my grandpa rooted for the the Cubbies, but the rest of us were all White Sox fans. Go Nats!

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Here's hoping the offense can match our pitching this year! All stoked for a great year of Nats baseball, and planning to catch Opening Day at Hard Times with a plate full of wings and beer!

NatsLady said...

MarkZ-- I see three posts with active threads (this one, predictions and Lannan). Seems like this system works just fine. Off-topic but I'm glad we have the current interface.

Anonymous said...

Great to see a 0 on the top of the page. Can't wait for next Thursday as well.

Anonymous said...

Do you think anyone in the dugout will think twice about talking to Davey during the third inning of the game. That's the time when a guy might get Lannaned.

UnkyD said...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm......(licks his chops)....... :)

MicheleS said...

Cough.. Cough.. Sniffle.. working from home.. My Allergies have acted up. That was the line for the day. Have MLB Network on. Will put ESPN 980 so I can hear from Mark Z. Apparantly they are doing an opening day special from noon to 2.

Anonymous said...

Best 25 have gone north!!

Very excited. Looking forward to an exciting season of Nats baseball!!

dfh21

JayB said...

dfh21.....not the best 25 really. Harper is better right now Roger, Brett, Nady and likely Werth......DeRosa is better until he get hurt.

Steve Lombo is a very poor 3rd and Chad Tracy just plan sucks...but because Rizzo was so passive in building the bench...I guess they are the best we have.

Pitching.....Chadd D is better than several guys in the Bull Pen......I have the beer ready NJ....but it should have been a better opening day 25 than this.......you can not possible think this was a strong opening 25.

Anonymous said...

So who all is going to be at Duffy's today?

Anonymous said...

I keep hoping that JayB's posts will be like a hate fart in the wind. But then they keep coming up. Dammit!

Anonymous said...

Shoulda, woulda, coulda never won a championship. And, if ifs and buts were candies and nuts, then we'd all have a merry Chrstmas. Coaches from my sporting youth said stuff like that all of the time, JayB.

This is the 25 we've got. It's also the best 25 we've ever had, hands down. Could it have been better, should it have been, etc? Maybe, but who cares. It's go time. It's Go Nats time!!

dfh21

bdrube said...

@JayB - it's the strongest opening 25 the Nats have ever had BY FAR. To argue otherwise is just plain daffy.

MicheleS said...

JayB.. It's opening day. Have some hope at least 1 day a year.

NatsLady said...

Minor-league affiliates schedule for today:

Rochester @ Syracuse 2 pm
Harrisburg @ Bowie 7:05 pm
West Virginia @ Hagerstown 7:05

You can watch Syracuse and Hagerstown on MiLB.TV if you have a subscription. They also archive games. Hard to believe they blackout some minor-league games.

Minor League Schedule - Nationals affiliates

http://www.milb.com/milb/schedule/index.jsp?leagues=l120,l121,l110,l122,l113,l123,l124,l117,l118,l127,l126,l112,l128,l116,l111,l109

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I can probably still name the entire roster for the '69 Cubs, but that's what trauma does to a young mind. But I moved to SF and became a Giants fan in the post-Mays days.

JayB said...

The best they have every had....sure is by a good amount....does that mean they do not have to finish the job and be the best they could be?

Not to me....just a little more money and some aggressive contracts in December and we would be favored to win the division.

Anonymous said...

I'll be there!

NatsLady said...

Anon @12:17 whoever you are, have a great time.

NatsFanChris19 said...

Its been a long and exciting offseason. Ready to get it started!! GO NATS!!!

Feel Wood said...

bdrube said...
@JayB - it's the strongest opening 25 the Nats have ever had BY FAR. To argue otherwise is just plain daffy.


Not only that, but Morse and Ankiel will be back by the home opener next week, and Storen shortly thereafter. Kristina Akra-sized upgrades all.

Anonymous said...

If JayB thinks that fixing holes is such an easy thing, you have to wonder why he's never done anything about the massive holes in his own head.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

JayBe, true enough, but I don't care if they win the off-season. Every year, some team defies the predictions, and wins games they were not "supposed to."

I see no reason why these guys can't.

And yeah, I know I said 83.

Eric said...

Leave it to JayB to p*ss all over opening day. Dude If you want something to constantly complain about, become an O's fan.

Anonymous said...

Me, three!

Anonymous said...

Me, too!
April 05, 2012 12:17 PM

Anonymous said...

Let's ALL go!

UnkyD said...

"So who all is going to be at Duffy's today?"
.................
On the train, as we speak.....SeeYa!!!!

Mick said...

Opening Day is not a prelude to anything far reaching. Remember 2008, Nats start 3-0, ha ha, where did that get them. In 1969, Nats lost opener to Yankees and ended up 86-76, by contrast in 1971, Nats beat A's 8-0 and a young pitcher named Vida Blue got smacked around.Front page of Wash Sports section the next day reads: Bosman Hurls Nats into AL lead. Well, Blue proceeds to win 17 in a row and the Cy Young after that, and our Nats proceed to leave for Texas. Opening Day's are over rated to say the least.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Geez, I was going to walk over there, but I may change my mind at this point...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

But if Unk is going, that's at least one person I know... see ya there, unk. You know he doesn't open until 2 PM, right?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

What is it, the clouds? Lannan? Fear of success? Where is all this vinegar coming from?

Senator Clegghorn said...

Mick, surely you aren't suggesting the appeal of Opening Day is predicated on its predictive value?

IT'S A PARTY, SON! A PARTY!

MicheleS said...

A view of the Nats from the Chicago Tribune

Drew said...

This morning at Napoleon's tomb I ran into another guy in a Nats cap. Truly. (Big crowd -- not much elba room.)

If that chance meeting turns out to be a good omen for Opening Day, the conga line starts at the Arc de Triomphe!

GYFNG!

NCNatsie said...

Okay, I just got the email I've been dreading, so feel I must issue my disclaimer so anybody out there who knows me will know...Yes, my first name is Jay, and yes, my last name begins with a B, but I AM NOT THAT JAYB!

Happy Opening Day to all. Go NATS!

DWS said...

Thanks for the heads up MicheleS (ESPN 980), Marks up next. Happy Opening Day!

waddu eye no said...

electric kookaid trip:

stras will throw a 100 pitch complete game shut out, after bernie makes over the shoulder barehanded catch to save home run.

HRs from zim, espy and laroche. desi 3 for 4 with a walk and 2 stolen bases.

laroche makes unassisted DP.

werth shaves beard with one hand while hitting base clearing triple with other.

after castro stands on home plate to get hit by a strasburg pitch, joe west descends from the clouds (flying under power of his own hot air) and gives him first base. ramos throws him out trying to steal.


have fun at duffy's.

hot damn.

gyfng

SFNats said...

As a Nats fan living in California, I'd just like to thank MLB for opening the Nationals' season in the central time zone, so I won't feel like I'm drinking beer too early in the morning.

Now let's sweep the Cubs and get off to a hot start!

Mr. Doggett said...

My son was given a baseball before he was born that was autographed by John Lannan and Josh Willingham. On the day he was born, John Lannan started, pitched a great game, and Josh Willingham hit a walk off HR to beat the Orioles. Weird. On the day my son experienced his first baseball game, John Lannan lost his job. Today, Opening Day 2012 MASN is coincidentally replaying that entire game from 5-23-10. Weird.

Ok I'm a huge nerd, but still....it's weird

NatsLady said...

Watching Mets-ATL, they are honoring Gary Carter.

Mick said...

I say, I say Senator Cleghorn, I am partying right now, LOL

Cwj said...

Am I dreaming, or is it really opening day?
Hard to believe it is finally here!!

Strasburg today will go: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO.
Nats win 4-0 :-)

GO NATS!!!

baseballswami said...

And now we have a new verb -- getting LannEn-ed - which is infinitely better than being Patterson-ed. Depending on who you ask. Woo- Hoo One hour to go until first pitch!!!!! I actually went into work very early this morning so that I could get off at 2. Seriously - my co-workers think I am absolutely nuts. I say -- Nats on tv and imaginary friends on the computer are the only way to go!!!

Diz said...

No kidding about Kristina Akra.

All she has to do is conduct an interview better than a shoe box and she'll be an upgrade over Taylor.

I guess MASN is pulling out all the stops this year.

Hope we hit Dempster better than the last couple of years. Last year we were 4 out of 25 against him and one of those hits was from Hariston. Avg - .160. The year before that? 6 of 48, Avg - .125

Yeesh!

NatsLady said...

The Mets have some odd underarm thing in their uni's. Also the pinstripes look weird on a person's ass. Things I now notice with a big-screen TV...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Strasburg will keep it close, the Nats will get to the Cubs' bullpen, and Clippard will vulture a save, in a park where Phil Regan made a living doing just that.

SFNats said...

Hanson has struck that guy out twice.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

vulture a WIN.
Geez, and I'm not even AT Duffy's (yet*).

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

the pinstripes look weird on a person's ass.

(note to self, cancel that tattoo appointment.)

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

WOW....just saw the new side line reporter on MASN...we got an upgrade! (Sorry Debbie....)

UnkyD said...

Beautiful day!!!!! I knew I'd be way early... Been having a nice walk. Went past Ben's Chili Bowl, but too much line. I'm a sucker for pulled pork, anyway, and Duffy's looks good (on the menu, anyway....)

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Wings, Unk. Best in DC, five years in a row.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Ok, saddling up now...

Section 222 said...

Hoping to head to Duffy's soon. Woo hoo!!

NatsLady said...

Of the four on the DL, I think I'm worried about in this order (least to most)

Ankiel - a minor injury, he'll be on and off the DL all season;

Wang - we know what it is and it will heal;

Morse - could linger, or he could re-injure it, the guy swings hard;

Storen - "elbow inflammation" - what caused it? Is it a symptom of something deeper? Was he overused last year, or did he throw too hard too soon this spring?

jd said...

Morse is the one we can't do without long term.

I think we can get from Lidge close to what we get from Storen and I don't think Det will hurt us too much either.

NatsLady said...

jd-- agree on the impact. Was just thinking about the likelihood of the players' return from rehab and staying healthy.

Erik said...

Lived on Southport and Addison in Wrigleyville for 8 years...truly a magical place for baseball. Still love my Cubbies and the memories from the Dusty Baker era. That being said...the Nats are my hometown team and now first in my heart. As Ernie used to say...What a day for a game-Let's Play Two!!!

SFNats said...

Agree. We need Morse back -- in full Beast Mode -- ASAP. Defensively, Bernadina can handle CF, and he's not much worse at the plate than Ankiel and has more upside if he could ever put it together.

I hope Storen's injury is just a passing thing. Sounds like he's feeling good after a couple bullpen sessions. But if it does turn into something lingering, at least the Nats have plenty of depth there to pick up the slack.

Diz said...

We'll know a lot more after Ank and MM start their rehab assignments today.

They both need some ABs if they are going to be ready by the 12th/10th respectively.

Would love to have our full lineup against the Reds come April 12th.

SFNats said...

Hey, they have the MASN feed on Extra Innings. I figured it would be the Cubs. I even get to watch the game with the home-town crew. Opening Day just keeps getting better!

NatsLady said...

Lannan in Syracuse, introduced with the rest of the team, shook hands with the manager, etc. Professional. Harper jumping around--a bundle of energy, got a nice cheer from the fans.

MicheleS said...

Have WGN on.. Bill Murray just ran the bases before he throws out the first pitch... Hilarious.

NatsLady said...

Gio read the Nats lineup, then gave a big cheer and wave. Not exactly an introvert.

baseballswami said...

Game on!!!!!

Wally said...

Woo hoo, here we go. It seems like a long time coming. Murray is always good for a laugh.

Big fan of Kristina here. Given the discussion last year by some of our ladies, we of the 'male persuasion' may need to have a conversation about her soon, but not on Opening Day.

MicheleS said...

Wow the wind is Howling in...

NaterialGuy said...

yes! Desmond

waddu eye no said...

and we're off!

NatsLady said...

Cold in Syracuse. Harper wearing a hoodie.

SFNats said...

Gio is a really fun guy. We loved him in Oakland. My wife was very sad to see him go, but at least he came to her 2nd favorite team :)

Wally said...

Surprised that I don't know this, but have they said why Garza isn't getting the OD start?

A DC Wonk said...

WTF?! Ian swinging on the first pitch again?! He'll never be a lead-off batter! ;-)

(snark mode off ;-)

blovy8 said...

Desmond with a 1.000 obp, already my predictions stink!

MicheleS said...

OMG.. It is the end of the world. Ian gets a hit and Danny walks. Everyone prepare for the Mayans to come!!!

NaterialGuy said...

"They way I walk is just the way I walk"

MicheleS said...

Stupid Wind, RZ's ball would have been out if it wasn't howling

Will said...

Adam LaRoche*mumble*%$!@%$!*mumble*

NaterialGuy said...

Well the top of the line-up did their job

SFNats said...

And Werth pops out. Can't blame that one on the wind. But a nice inning by the 1-3 hitters.

Diz said...

Werth *mumble*%$!@%$!*mumble*

baseballswami said...

Well, Desi and Danny did their jobs... Note to the hitters - it's not going out today.

SFNats said...

Some miscommunication in the infield.

MicheleS said...

UGH. That was bad. Is that a Hit?

SFNats said...

Wow! Sori put a charge in that one, but it's just a loud out.

Alan_A said...

Without the wind, Nats lead 3-2

NaterialGuy said...

The wind taketh and the wind giveth.

blovy8 said...

Without the wind, that's not where the pitchers throw the ball, Strasburg is challenging these guys.

SFNats said...

Looks like they scored that infield weirdness a hit.

Alan_A said...

Right you are, Blovy - point taken.

MicheleS said...

Hmm.. they didn't black out WGN.

Gumbo in Gotham said...

Hooray for Opening Day! Wish I was either at the game or at least at home watching, but since I'm at the office I sure am grateful for the updates.

Go Nats!

SFNats said...

Yes, very good point. Stras was daring them to hit it in the air.

gonats said...

as i have been saying all along, why is Laroche on this team? Yes, he can field, so what?

SFNats said...

Nats go quietly in the 2nd.

Anonymous said...

The home plate umpire is quite hilarious.

Diz said...

Man on 2nd and 3rd less than 2 outs....if this team is going to be a contender, that has to be put in play.

ALR, that was a dagger in the first. We are already going to be struggling for runs without that garbage.

Ugh...painful.

SFNats said...

Werth! Helluva catch.

MicheleS said...

Nice Catch Jayson!

jd said...

Wow,

Do the Cubs have a party to go to?

NatsLady said...

Nice play by Werth. Saved a hit right there.

Wally said...

Nice catch by Werth

MicheleS said...

Oh My.. this is going to be good...Strassie is just dealing!

Tcostant said...

I hate when the Nats can't get that run in, when a guy is on third with less than 2 outs. It happens to much.\ to the Nats.

SFNats said...

2 Innings. 14 pitches. 10 strikes 1 K 1 "hit"

Yep. Stras is dealing.

Diz said...

Pretty amazing - Stras has faced 7 batters, gotten 6 outs and has only thrown 14 pitches.

That's called efficiency.

NatsJack in Florida said...

OK...checking AtBat Lite and going on 20 innings for 4 games and nobody has scored.

NatsLady said...

Harper with a double on his first AB.

Wally said...

This is crazy, ID just took 4 pitches

LoveDaNats said...

Desmond is doing what he's supposed to do. Of course, the error helps.

GoNats said...

yayaya desi

A DC Wonk said...

Ian -- now two at bats, and a season 1.000 OBA! ;-)

SFNats said...

2 walks for Danny today.

Wally said...

Espy too.

C'mon Zim. Just keep them moving

MicheleS said...

That's it.. I am building a nuclear fall out shelter because this just can't be happening. Both of them on base to start the game. WTF!

Diz said...

Arggghhh.....C'mon ALR!!!

Wally said...

Nice call by FP there (on sending the runners).

LAROCHE! Get 'er done.

Anonymous said...

Time to prove yourself Adam...

LoveDaNats said...

ALR. A bit rusty.

Anonymous said...

Laroche is #%$^^&$& terrible!!! God he sucks!!!

Anonymous said...

Ugh. Or not. Twice today already he's done that.

Diz said...

5 LOB in 2 ABs....nice!

Will said...

Adam LaRoche. You're absolutely killing me.

Dempster just walked Espinosa and Zimmerman, and you're swinging at every pitch?? FFS

Diz said...

All with less than 2 outs too!

Wally said...

10 LOB by ALR and JayW

SFNats said...

Werth his that one solid, but nothing doing. Once again, 1-3 hitters getting the job done and no one picking them up.

blovy8 said...

not going to score until the sixth

LoveDaNats said...

I'm beginning to feel a little deja vu.

NatsLady said...

Guys, you are wasting Despinosa's getting on base! How often you expect that to happen????

Charlie and Dave and work for me. Later.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, veteran guys, really , just thanks for that - twice.

Anonymous said...

Get used to this guys, and say a big thank you to Mr. Rizzo for improving the offense!!! So pathetic. Laroche and Werthless...I have seen enough already. Bring up Harper...TONIGHT!!!

Anonymous said...

After one game, Ladouches WAR is -1 for those of you into advanced metrics.

Mick said...

5 stranded runners. I will at least say Werth has hit the ball hard. LaRouche swings like a sissy and a LOSER!!!!

josh f said...

LaRoche looks horrendous out there...

MicheleS said...

Sunshine.. Can you pass the bourbon and the Maalox?

I am watching WGN, I want to here what they think of Stras

blovy8 said...

that's still terrible situational hitting from Werth, ALR probably needed more ST atbats against major league pitching by the looks of it.

Anonymous said...

Laroche sucks. He is awful. I called this earlier on here and was criticized. Now what do you think. As soon as Morse is healthy we should platoon Laroche and DeRosa.

Anonymous said...

DC Wonk,

ID's average is not 1.000, one of those was an error, he's batting a solid 0.500

kevinx said...

LaRoche, you are killing me.

SFNats said...

But ID's OBP is 1.000.

Mick said...

As soon as Morse is back, get LaRouche the hell out of here

Anonymous said...

So, when both Desi and Danny get on base, twice in the same inning of the same game, it gets blown. I miss Michael Morse. I'd much rather see him hitting after Zimmy than ALR.

Tcostant said...

Ditto what I said at 2:54pm. I hate when the Nats can't get that run in, when a guy is on third with less than 2 outs...

Dave said...

Damn wind. Nats would've been on the board by now if it were calm.

Will said...

Either of Werth's hits would have scored Desmond from 3rd on a sac fly. Unfortunately, LaRoche is incapable of putting the ball in play, so Werth's drives were useless.

Mick said...

You cant have runners at 2nd and 3rd, one out and your cleanup and 5th batter can not deliver!

Will said...

And by "Werth's hits" I mean fly outs.

Exposremains said...

I know he's a lefty but why do you put a guy that barely played in ST as your clean up hitter.

Mick said...

this whiskey is goooood, lol

SFNats said...

Stras still dealing. That was a nice hit by DeJesus, but otherwise SS is cruising.

The Dude Abides said...

Like every team today is just killing the ball except the Nats. Right?

When you've decided you don't like someone, whether it's the Lerners, Rizzo , or Johnson, you're going to spew evil just like a Republican discussing the President.

SweetBlues said...

Chad Tracy.

SFNats said...

Bottom of the order has nothing for Dempster.

Jim Webster said...

LaRoche has looked like a pitcher in his first NL game, just swinging aimlessly.

Mick said...

True Dave, we would be on board, but so would the Cubs, It should be 3-1 Nats based on the wind blowing in from the Michigan River

MicheleS said...

It's the first game of the season, and it doesn't look like anyone is crushing the ball (just looked at game day and there is only 2 runs on the board for 5 games). I am thinking its just Darn cold out

hmmm... said...

anybody thrown out of duffy's yet?

MicheleS said...

AND that is why you have ALR. That could have been an ugly wild throw, but he picked it

Anonymous said...

Dang, Desi.

Natsochist said...

Man, Desi with a CANNON. I didn't know he had it in him - holy cow.

Anonymous said...

We really could have used that Harper double today.....

Mick said...

at least LaRouche can field, that was a nice pick up from Desmond's low throw. If LaRouche does not start hitting he will be known as LaDouche, lol

SFNats said...

Yep. Good play by Desi and LaRoche. That should have been an infield hit.

Gumbo in Gotham said...

LaRoche is frustrating. Must remember that it is just the first three innings of the first game. Glad to see Ian and Danny getting on board.

Definitely miss Beast Mode.

baseballswami said...

Who is it that we were worried about? Despinosa?

Mick said...

Ramos.... what the hell was that????

blovy8 said...

not smart, take the sure out

MicheleS said...

Brain fart by Ramos

blovy8 said...

oh sure, NOW you take pitches

SweetBlues said...

Nice job by the Shark.

Mick said...

Thank you Ryan, for bailing out Ramos

LoveDaNats said...

Zim! what a pick!

MicheleS said...

Ladies and Gentlemen.. Your 2012 Gold Glove winner at 3B

TimDz said...

Not watching the game (the curse of having to work for a living), but from the updates, it seems that the Nats are at least getting folks on base against Dempster. As for SS, he has appeared to cruise through three innings.
If we can get into their bullpen early, things can change quickly. For all the grousing about Desi and Espi, they ARE doing their jobs of getting on base.
Its just the first game...people need to relax.

Dixiemag said...

Looks like Strasburg is going to lose this game 1-0. Just like last year, the Nat's hitters can't support a well-pitched game. LaRoche looks lost at the plate.

blovy8 said...

ok, everyone at once, why didn't we trade for byrd?

now back to reality

Exposremains said...

Please not one of those games where the Nats miss a chance early and then the other team scores and thats it.

SFNats said...

Nice play by Zim to end the inning.

Mick said...

OK, Nats, let's hit the G-DAMN baseball now!!!!!

Mick said...

I have a good feeling that we will score 3 runs in the 5th

Anonymous said...

Exposremains -- ding, ding - you win the prize!

Ben said...

Does anyone know who is pitching game 5 of the Season? I have tickets to see the Nats play the Mets on Tuesday at Citi Field. I know that since they have off tomorrow, Stras might pitch on 4 days of rest. Is it gonna be Stras or Ross?

Anonymous said...

I can't believe Laroche is still here. He is awful. Hes already stranded five men with only one out. I am already boooooooored as hecll with this team. going to cut grass.

Erik said...

Good thing the Cubs can't hit, because Strasburg is throwing meatballs up there right now. I know he is working on pitching to contact to conserve pitches, but on this team you have to be perfect to have a chance to win. Can Harper be here by Saturday???

TimDz said...

(insert sarcastic tone here):
You're probably right...They should just forgo the LAST FIVE INNINGS...It's hopeless...
_______________

Dixiemag said...
Looks like Strasburg is going to lose this game 1-0. Just like last year, the Nat's hitters can't support a well-pitched game. LaRoche looks lost at the plate.

Mick said...

so much for 3 runs

MicheleS said...

Are we already over 200 comments. Got to love dempsters reaction to the broken bats

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