Monday, April 16, 2012

Game 11: Astros at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Stephen Strasburg makes his 2012 home debut tonight against the Astros.
Let's see, Stephen Strasburg has already turned in two stellar performances in his first two starts of the year, both on the road. Tonight, he makes his home debut against an Astros lineup that, while producing at a decent clip so far this season, features very few names that incite fear in opposing pitchers. Obviously, you never know what might happen on any given night at the ballpark. But the pieces are certainly in place for Strasburg to do something special.

One significant change to Davey Johnson's lineup tonight: Steve Lombardozzi is starting at second base, with Danny Espinosa taking what the manager called a "mental break." Though Espinosa has a .333 on-base percentage thanks to eight walks, he's batting only .194, and "I see him mentally pressing a little bit," Johnson said.

It's a big night for D.C. sports, with the Capitals hosting the Bruins in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series up the road at Verizon Center. Can't promise any hockey updates here, but I can promise plenty of updates and analysis of this ballgame...

HOUSTON ASTROS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WHFS (1580 AM), XM 188
Weather: Clear, 82 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (7-3)
SS Ian Desmond
2B Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
LF Xavier Nady
CF Rick Ankiel
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Stephen Strasburg

ASTROS (4-5)
CF Jordan Schafer
SS Jed Lowrie
LF J.D. Martinez
1B Carlos Lee
RF Travis Buck
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
2B Jose Altuve
RHP Kyle Weiland

UMPIRES
HP Jeff Nelson, 1B Bill Welke, 2B Chris Guccione, 3B Tim Tschida (cc)

7:08 p.m. -- And we're underway with a 94 mph strike from Stephen Strasburg to Jordan Schafer. There are maybe -- maybe -- 10,000 people here right now.

7:13 p.m. -- That was a nice and tidy top of the first for Strasburg. He needed only 15 pitches (10 strikes) to dispose of Schafer, Jed Lowrie and J.D. Martinez and he got both Lowrie and Martinez to offer up feeble check-swing attempts at curveballs. Fastball was consistently 97-98 mph. Impressive start to Strasburg's evening.

7:22 p.m. -- Steve Lombardozzi delivers a line-drive single to center, but that's it for the Nats in the bottom of the first. Ryan Zimmerman looked really poor flailing at a breaking ball from Kyle Weiland to strike out. Adam LaRoche then grounded out to second to end the inning with no runs on the board for either team.

7:31 p.m. -- Well, there won't be a no-hitter here tonight, so those of you who didn't show up don't have to worry about missing out on history. Chris Johnson sent a two-out single to left-center in the top of the second. Otherwise, Strasburg has really been in top form so far. Through two scoreless, he's thrown 35 pitches (22 strikes).

7:34 p.m. -- Whoa, we lost an umpire somewhere between the top and bottom of the second. There's nobody manning second base right now. Not sure which one has gone missing, but I'll let you know as soon as we find out.

7:37 p.m. -- Second base umpire Chris Guccione has indeed left the game due to an unspecified medical issue.

7:46 p.m. -- The Strasburg curveball is in rare form tonight. Just buckling knee after knee. All three of his strikeouts so far have come via Uncle Charlie, including a fabulous one that froze Schafer in the top of the third. 45 pitches (30 strikes) for the right-hander. Still scoreless here.

7:48 p.m. -- I'm sure you'll all be relieved to know that Guccione has re-assumed his position as tonight's second base umpire.

8:01 p.m. -- The good news: The Nats plated a run in the bottom of the third thanks to Ian Desmond's hustle double, then a beautifully placed bunt by Lombardozzi that resulted in Weiland throwing the ball into the right-field corner. The bad news: With an opportunity to add to their lead, the Nats couldn't get anything else going. LaRoche just missed a three-run homer, lofting a flyball to deep right-center. Jayson Werth then hit a routine flyball to center to end the third with the Nationals now up 1-0.

8:08 p.m. -- Boy does Strasburg's curveball look unhittable tonight. He recorded another strikeout on the pitch in the fourth. 55 pitches, 38 strikes through four.

8:15 p.m. -- Wilson Ramos with his first homer of the season, a solo shot to right-center. Nice display of power to the opposite field from the Nationals catcher, who has put his team on top 2-0 after four.

8:22 p.m. -- Strasburg is just making mincemeat of the Astros lineup tonight. He's through five scoreless innings now, having thrown only 61 pitches (44 strikes). He's only gone to a three-ball count twice.

8:51 p.m. -- Well, guess I spoke too soon, because Strasburg's night took a decidedly negative turn in the top of the sixth. He loaded the bases with nobody out, and though he came within one strike of escaping the jam altogether -- thanks in no small part to Rick Ankiel's 310-foot strike from center field to Ramos' mitt -- he couldn't complete it. Chris Johnson lined a two-run single to center, tying this game at 2. Worse, Strasburg needed a whopping 32 pitches to get through that inning. Now at 93 for the game, he's probably done.

9:09 p.m. -- Strasburg was indeed done after six, but how about the way his teammates picked him up and suddenly put him back in line for the win? They finally got a couple of big-time, clutch hits, first from Lombardozzi (who delivered his fourth hit of the night, a bloop double down the left-field line with the bases loaded) and then from Zimmerman (who singled up the middle to drive in two more runs). Just like that, the Nats lead 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth. Strasburg's final line: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 93 pitches, 61 strikes.

9:19 p.m. -- Tonight's official paid attendance: 16,245. Far and away the smallest crowd ever to watch Strasburg at Nationals Park.

9:30 p.m. -- Great job by Sean Burnett and Ryan Mattheus to pitch out of a jam in the top of the seventh. Three straight K's from those two relievers with two men on. We've reached the stretch, the Nats still leading 6-2.

9:42 p.m. -- Ryan Mattheus, hitting for himself with two outs and two on in the seventh? Why not? (He struck out, to the surprise of no one, but at least he'll get to pitch the eighth now.)

9:54 p.m. -- Things looked like they might spiral out of control in the top of the eighth, especially when Ankiel totally misplayed a line drive hit straight at him, taking several steps in before realizing his error and watching the ball sail over his head. But Tom Gorzelanny entered and recorded two key outs. It's now 6-3 as we go to the bottom of the eighth.

10:01 p.m. -- Crazy play to end the eighth, with Zimmerman trying to leapfrog catcher Jason Castro and elude the tag. It looked like he had done it, but plate umpire Jeff Nelson called him out, much to Zim's chagrin. On replay, it does appear Castro made the tag. Regardless, we go to the ninth, the Nats up 6-3 and Henry Rodriguez on for the save.

10:11 p.m. -- That's yer ballgame. Nats win 6-3, as H-Rod records his second save. Their record now 8-3, the Nationals remain in sole possession of first place in the NL East.

160 comments:

Nats1924 said...

This series will give us an idea how good we are. We should easily win two of three, possibly even sweep the 'stros.

Lets go Nats!!!!!!!

A DC Wonk said...

First?

Interesting stat of the day:

Nats lead the league in throwing strikeouts. And, with Strasburg going tonight . . . .

Steady Eddie said...

The worst thing I see in that opposing lineup is "umpires TBA".

Bowdenball said...

It's a four game series, Nats1924. But otherwise I agree with you. Great chance to get a leg up on the division here.

Young Pitchers said...

Espi rides pine tonight!

natsfan1a said...

That's why they play the games, I believe, but sure would be nice to take another series. Go, NATS!!

A DC Wonk said...

Nats1924 . . . I sure hope so.

We might recall two years ago, when the Nats were one game above .500, went to Houston who, I think had the worst record in all of baseball at the time, and lost 3-of-4. (Capps losing two of them). The Nats never did reach .500 again that year. For whatever reason, rightly or wrongly, I always saw that series as the turning point.

It's payback time.

GYFNG!

Steady Eddie said...

DC Wonk -- exactly right re that 2010 Houston series, with the Lance Berkman check swing that wasn't but really was. Classic old Nats meltdown mentality. What Det showed the gumption to fight down -- mostly -- yesterday.

A DC Wonk said...

Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well

Anonymous said...

I like the comment, wind blowing out to left. Could a power surge be in the offing? JTinSC

A DC Wonk said...

steady Eddie replied:

DC Wonk -- exactly right re that 2010 Houston series, with the Lance Berkman check swing that wasn't but really was.

Uggh . . . gives me shudders. I remembered the Capps two meltdowns (which is why I was not sad to see him traded later), but had forgotten that Berkman check swing call until you reminded me. Ughhh

Classic old Nats meltdown mentality. What Det showed the gumption to fight down -- mostly -- yesterday.

Good point. These are the new Nats, not the old Nats.

All the more so that they should stamp and stomp out the past with taking at least 3-of-4 from the 'Strohs this series.

Anonymous said...

As for the Astros visiting...its these games that worry me. Hopefully the Nats won't take the strohs lightly and do what they need to do to take this series, at least 3 wins would be wonderful. JTinSC

A DC Wonk said...

I like the comment, wind blowing out to left. Could a power surge be in the offing?

Hmmm . . . and I'd say that would benefit RZim the most. And he sure needs it!

Nice catch.

Anonymous said...

Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well

Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect. He and LaRoche are the two best hitters right now.

Section 222 said...

Glad to hear that CSN isn't sending you over to that cold drafty building near Gallery Place, Mark.

I too would like to see Flores start a few more games. Ramos could use a rest after this series. I'd also give Bernadina the start in LF against this RHP, but then again, we haven't heard if he's hurting a bit after that play at the plate yesterday.

Glad to see Lombo get some ABs. If you can't rest folks against the Astros, they'll never get a day off.

See you out there folks. I'll be in Section 314/D.

Mickey Vernon said...

If Ramos continues to stand so far from the plate that he can't reach the outer half, we'll start seeing more of Flores, who has good hitting mechanics and is at least as good a receiver. Go Nats!

Section 222 said...

Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect.

Wish this were true, but Ramos started 3 of the 4 games against the Reds and 7 of 10 so far this season. If Davey were going to alternate them, tonight would have been a good time to start after the long game yesterday.

Anonymous said...

@cheistWTOP #Nat Tyler Clippard says he is fine. Normal stiffness. "I have thrown more innings than anyone the last 3 years. It isn't a surprise.""

Add another pitcher to Riggleman's DL list to go with Storen. Lots of sore arms in Blue Wahoo land I imagine.

Anonymous said...

Wish this were true, but Ramos started 3 of the 4 games against the Reds and 7 of 10 so far this season.

Pretty close to the same number of PA's and Johnson double switched Ramos out for Flores in one game. So call it 6 to 4. Again, I expect it will remain pretty close to even in order to keep Flores sharp.

Natsochist said...

Anyone want to offer odds of us being on the wrong side of a reverse lock for the first time tonight?

Gonat said...

A DC Wonk said...
Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well

April 16, 2012 5:00 PM
__________________________

Just my observation, that first inning with Stras and Flores in NY last week, they weren't on the same page.

Ramos handles the pitchers like an All Star. I remember on MLB Network how Jerry Hairston said he would be the top catcher in the NL. The coaching he got from Pudge last year is why Ramos improved so much.

NatSJack at the Tune Inn (warm ups) said...

Mickey Vernon......Wilson has to go to right with that pitch away. He failed miserably moving runners over against the Reds.

Until he proves he can go oppo, he'll struggle and will not see anything in his wheelhouse.

A DC Wonk said...

Well, then, Pudge needs to come back as a consultant to teach Flores!

NatsLady said...

So I'm reading the story on MLB.com about the Bobby Valentine vs. Youk flap, and Bobby says (digging himself even deeper), well, Youk didn't throw his helmet often like I saw on TV so I questioned his emotional investment in the games.

THIS is what he's going by??????????? So RZim spikes his helmet and throws his bat and Bobby V will be impressed? Also, er, Bobby, what you see on TV are called highlights. Those are, er, selective, and selected for their dramatic value. You want drama, go to the opera--or watch a soap opera. I'll go by the baseball results, thank you very much.

What's the over/under on how long he lasts in Boston?

Go NATS!!!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Anyone want to offer odds of us being on the wrong side of a reverse lock for the first time tonight?

Hmmmm. Weiland is 0-4 in 7 starts, including last year. That would be the setup, wouldn't it? Hope you're knocking on wood. But don't knock FeelWood, we like him.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I see the FLagship station is being daralick of its duty again. I can't believe they choose to broadcast a Wizards game that means nothing compared to the first place Nats. I can understand WTOP, at least the Caps are in the playoff, But the Wizards, and the Word Playoffs don't go together.

A DC Wonk said...

FWIW, I thought RZim's helmet spike was, in part, a protest against the ump (who had completely missed the prior pitch -- it should have been 1-1 instad of 0-2) -- and that if he had turned around he'd have gotten thrown out. In other words, RZim did the most he could without getting thrown out.

NatsLady said...

I'm all for Pudge coming back as a catchers coach--if he will. He'd be great, and you want him while his player knowledge is current. I don't think a team will pick him up for a chance at those 3,000 hits unless they are desperate.

RickH said...

DC Wonk ... That's how I saw it too.

Steady Eddie said...

I third that about RZim's helmet spike. I also took his swinging at the next pitch as his statement to Diaz that he (Zim) had no capacity to be selective about what he swung at if almost anything could be a strike. (Obviously he wanted to hit it if he could, but it was his way of saying "you've robbed me of this AB just like you robbed Det of two strikeouts."

It was his only way to ventilate without getting fined or ejected.

A DC Wonk said...

Headed out to the game now. (I work only about 15-20 blocks away) Looking forward.

GYFNG!

UnkyD said...

Anon:
"Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect. He and LaRoche are the two best hitters right now."
............................
Don't start with me! What about Desi?! (sheesh...)

UnkyD said...

And Jayson?!?! BOY!!!

erocks33 said...

I can sort of understand 106.7 not airing the Nats due to some contractual agreement with the Wizards (not saying its the right decision, but I can see it if it's in the contract).

But why oh why is it also NOT airing on 1500 AM?! I can't pick up 1580 out here in Vienna. What up with that??

natsfan1a said...

erocks, I don't really follow hockey but I believe the radio situation may have something to do with the playoffs.

Just sayin' said...

Can't take the Astros lightly. Schaefer, Martinez and Altuve are all decent hitters and are off to good starts, and Carlos Lee can always be dangerous.

Alan_A said...

You know, I have no problem with the Nats renting out the stadium to Joel Osteen, but I could have lives without the promotional interview as part of Clint's show. I believe in the Church of Baseball. Let's not mix faiths.

Alan_A said...

That's, "I could have lived.". "I could have lives" is another faith entirely.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

They must have a contract with 106.7 too (talking about the nats). With the Wizards being pathetic as a sponsor I much would rather spend my money on the Nats.

1500 is easy to understand, they are the flagship station of the Caps, and they are in the playoffs, and are playing tonight. That one makes sense.

The Wizards make no sense. They are eliminated from playoff competition.

A DC Wonk said...

I'm here at the park. It's empty here!

Wendell said...

Tomorrow is $2 Tuesday: 2 tickets for $2 each. The seats are in sections in the $30-$40 range. It's a promotion to fill seats during the week & showcase some of the middle range seats. $1 Monday is similar and includes $1 parking among other features.

Gonat said...

2 blown calls on ball 2 and ball 3 to the 2nd batter. Both were strikes on Pitch Track

UnkyD said...

Wonderful. No radio, and "playback error, on At Bat...

Enjoy the game, peeps.....:(

SFNats said...

So Stras has 3 Ks and a pop out in the first inning.

Gonat said...

UnkyD, Strasburg throwing 98 with ease. Lots of fastballs in the 1st. Umpiring on batter 2 was typical and on the 3-2 count was actually stuck out as he didn't check his swing on a BALL 4. 2 K's in the 1st.

Gonat said...

Lombo with a solid line drive hit through the middle.

Mississippi Snopes said...

For what it's worth, Charlie and Dave are available tonight on the Internet on the MLB Gameday Audio site. For $15 a year for the radio broadcast of every MLB game, it's a good deal.

Anonymous said...

Zim is still a sucker for the low outside pitch and every pitcher in the NL knows it.

Anonymous said...

Anybody got the score? And a free radio/video stream link of the game?

Gonat said...

Ryan Zimmerman with 2 swing and misses on breaking pitches to strikeout. Ryan seems to have carried yesterday's frustration forward.

NatsLady said...

No score. Bottom of the second coming up.

Gonat said...

Ramos hit a liner to RF, just right at the RF

UnkyD said...

Thanks, Gonat! Got At Bat on the iPhone, now... Dunno what the prob was...

Did I hear that Blue already had a word for Stras? Are our Zombies getting lippy? Or is there some kind of target on their backs....?

UnkyD said...

(I hear you, Schaefer..... 78 mph curve. You're right, it's not fair...

Hahaha!

Gonat said...

2nd time thru the order, Strasburg introduces his changeup with the fastball and curveball.

Leadoff single, no problem.

Gonat said...

Desmond with a ripped single that he challenges with speed out of the box into a double.

You have to love this kids hustle.

SFNats said...

Another blow to the Desmond haters.

RickH said...

Lombo!!!'

Gonat said...

Lombo with a suprise bunt that is perfect. Turns into a single and an error and the 1st run of the game.

SFNats said...

That's what speed does for you. Beautiful!

Gonat said...

LaRoche just missed one to right-CF

RickH said...

UnkyD,

I was getting a playback error on AtBat at the beginning of the game too. Glad to know it wasnt just my phone.

SFNats said...

Just hit it off the end. Man, that was close.

Gonat said...

SFNats said...
Another blow to the Desmond haters.

April 16, 2012 7:50 PM
___________________________

Some of them are still here, their tongues are just tied.

SFNats said...

Well, 1-0. That's probably all Stras needs.

fpcsteve said...

Lombardozzi makes the most of his chances. In March it was "the best 25 go north." Maybe we should be to the point of saying "the best 8 (position players) play." The "other Steve" makes things happen.

MicheleS said...

OPPO for Wilson!

Joe Seamhead said...

RAMOS!

Gonat said...

fpcsteve, nice to see good fundamentals and Lombo has shown that. I don't think Davey will make the change 2 days in a row for Espi. It will be interesting. Maybe LF?

By the way, nice HR by Ramos. Someone was worried about his elevation on balls.

SFNats said...

Well, they said Ramos was pretty peeved about the loss yesterday, so there you go.

Joe Seamhead said...

This will be the break out series for our bats.Can you feel it?

SFNats said...

With the Astros pitching, I sure hope so!

RickH said...

Caps up 1-0 after 1.

NatsJack at Nats Park said...

I'm sorry. Was it NatsJack at the Tune Inn that said Wilson had to go oppo?

Golly gee..it sure was.

Joe Seamhead said...

Good one, Jack.

Anonymous said...

Lombardozzi is now 3 for 3. FP says "Lombo making the most of his time in the sun, maybe he plays LF, maybe 3rd base."

SFNats said...

Wish you'd called a HR, but Zim, too.

SFNats said...

FOR Zim, even.

Andrew said...

NatsJack, good call on Wilson Ramos.

fpcsteve said...

Joe Seamhead: Yes, I do feel it. Next: Lombardozzi is the man (tonight anyway). Finally, Gonat, I think DJ may play the hot hand tomorrow. What do you think? BTW, is Lombardozzi a switch-hitter?

jeffwx said...

So I go to buy a 2 buck tix on line for tomorrow but the processing fee is 200% of the price.
Anyone interested in going and sharing the proc fee.
Otherwise, can you buy at the gate ?

Gonat said...

fpcsteve, I made that comment after the bunt hit. I really like the 3rd hit. I stick with what I said before, I don't think he sits Espi 2 days in a row but like I said, maybe LF and it seems FP agrees with me.

Go Teddy said...

Oh no - not the wave! Cost Strasburg a hit!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Boy, I sure hope that's Emancipation Day fireworks I'm hearing...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Ankiel!
Get back on third, punk!

jeffwx said...

WOW...He Amazin
Best arm ever in th OF

SFNats said...

Not gonna test Ankiel's arm. Smart move by the 'Stros.

Gonat said...

Ankiel throws a frozen rope from CF to Ramos and the runner doesn't test his arm.

sm13 said...

FP says move the mound to short center and Ankiel will throw strikes - great line

jeffwx said...

Clutch hittin..
I'll still keep my bobblehead

Anonymous said...

Credit to Johnson on Strasburg. He went down to get that ball. That was a really nice pitch.

SFNats said...

Yeah, that was off the top of his shoes. It was a nice hit.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Can someone introduce Strasburg to Stammen's concentration guru?

jeffwx said...

Somebody offered me two beers for my bobble head at the trash bar on the black top. Another sign that I'm not an Alcoholic,,,just a Nataholic. Need to go NA.

SFNats said...

Time for some Nattitude

jeffwx said...

Yeah...Nat pitchers must have an ERA under 2. to have a winning record..
M&M where are you.

UnkyD said...

How 'bout a BIG INNING, boys?!?!?! Let's bat around!!!

jeffwx said...

Natitude...funny that they serve Nati-Bow in Baltimore

Gonat said...

Desmond with a nice walk. Impressive.

RickH said...

News flash! Desmond walks!!!

sm13 said...

Even after getting "shelled" for 2 runs tonight, I still think Strasburg starts are special.

RickH said...

4 for 4!!!

sm13 said...

Lombo saves the curly W for Stras!

Gonat said...

LOMBARDOZZI!!!! I change my mind. He starts for sure somewhere tomorrow.

Just wonderin' said...

Danny Pipp?

Gonat said...

Strasburg goes from K Street to W Street

Joe Seamhead said...

Wow! Lombo is going to make for a tough decision for Davey pretty soon.

sm13 said...

Ryan catches Lombo fever....

rogieshan said...

No backdrop issue whatsoever for Lombardozzi!

fpcsteve said...

Nope, the "other Steve" starts at 2B tomorrow. Of course, a WaPo article said RZ was due for a day off. Tonight should scare the love of hits into him. But I'm sticking with the "other Steve" at 2B.

Grandstander said...

Free wings!!!!!!!

sm13 said...

Carp quoted Davey saying he'll give Ryan his day off on the road because people in DC come to see Ryan play.

UnkyD said...

I'll take it!

fpcsteve said...

Wow, the love of hits came to RZ sooner than I imagined. Will they let SS finish?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

sm13, I like that.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

FPSteve, Shark pinch hit for him already.

Gonat said...

fpcsteve, Bernadina pinch hit for him. Stras done at that point

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

gonat, you owe me a coke!

UnkyD said...

Are they hitting the gap out there, or is Nady not fast enough?

rogieshan said...

Really sweet to have a super-utility player who is capable of pushing the regulars.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Ian wouldn't stick one in his pocket with a 4 run lead late for his old buddy, would he? Naaaah.

Anonymous said...

UnkyD, both.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I think it's a little of both, Unky D

Gonat said...

Burnett getting Schaefer to K was a huge point in the game. That was no outs, 3-2 pitch with 2 on.

sm13 said...

This bullpen is PFB...

jeffwx said...

Nats could use more hitters in the lineup.
Lombo in Left following in the footsteps of Soriono from 2b to LF. gotta like the new 1-2 leadoff combo. If you can put Tyler Moore out there, you can put anyone there.

jeffwx said...

good point about hittin in the cold, FP.
Could be some wet weather coming up. Looking forward to breathing again (pollen's been bad for me)

sm13 said...

Interesting idea, Jeffwx. I like the idea of giving Lombo time in left. He's replacing X or deRosa,soit's nott a defensive downgrade. I wouldn't want to sit Danny for an extended time - he needs to break out and he's not going to do that unless he plays regularly.

jeffwx said...

yeah...good OBP kind of lineup with Lombo and Espi in there.

sm13 said...

Wow, Matheus left in to hit. Davey is fully committed to not over working the bullpen.

SCNatsFan said...

I told you all that Lombo needed to play every day at Syracuse. Why doesn't anyone listen to me?

fpcsteve said...

I'm pretty sure Lombardozzi is going to get his 300 AB's. Sorry to be slow on the pitching change. I can only follow the game on the computer by MLB Gamecast (from Nebraska).

Cwj said...

A good solid outing by Strasburg. I was really hoping for 7 innings, but his pitch count got pretty high in the 6th.
Still though, yet another good outing by the ace of the staff.
He should be 3-0, by the way :-)

Anonymous said...

I don't believe what I just saw. Ank? Really?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

So, tomorrow it's Gio's turn to go deep and save the bullpen. Of course, if he doesn't actually DO that, it might be a problem. But sufficient unto the game is the second-guessing thereof.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Is it me, or does it seem like centerfielders generally, for both teams, have been having trouble here seeing the ball this season?

SFNats said...

Thank you X-Man!

UnkyD said...

Fast enough, that time?

sm13 said...

Forget my earlier comment, X is a fine defensive leftfielder.

RickH said...

Was someone questioning Nady's speed? Great catch!

Anonymous said...

Who is pitching the ninth?

Gonat said...

PAY TO PLAY said...
Zim has struggled before with the bat. He once joked that he could be the designated fielder. He was killing the ball in ST and will do so again in a hot streak this week.

Zim will come out of it. A 3 for 4 will bump that BA up quickly from .179 to .233. His OBP is still decent at .313 and he leads the team in runs scored at 9 right now.

That is very good run production for a #3 hitter. Can you imagine what happens when Zim starts knocking in runs?

April 16, 2012 9:58 AM
____________________________

Good call. A 2 for 4 night. Got Zim over .200

NatsJack at Nats Park said...

The one and only Nasty Boy in baseball. HENRY PFB RODRIGUEZ!!!

sm13 said...

Now that is how to umpire. He saw the whole play, got it right, and explained it to Davey and Ryan. Joe West would have tossed them both for daring to ask for an explanation.

I love Bo Porter's aggressive 3rd base coaching.

Just sayin' said...

Just happy Zimmerman didn't end up with a broken wrist...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

That was a good play all around, wasn't it?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Pretty Fricken Bueno.

Now go get 'em tomorrow.

sm13 said...

Henry!! Well done first place Nats. Hard to believe we needed a win to stay in front of the Mets.

UnkyD said...

Woot!

sm13 said...

We're gonna need to get Kristina a poncho.

SFNats said...

Beautiful. Now it's Gio's turn.

hmmm... said...

sm13 said...
We're gonna need to get Kristina a poncho.


no way, man

Gonat said...

Davey has Espi back in at 2nd tomorrow. Doesn't say anything about LF

Gonat said...

Phillies all over Lincecum in the 1st. 4 runs in

Gonat said...

Scratch that, Davey says Nady, Werth, DeRosa in the OF but maybe he rethinks that overnight.

Wally said...

Nady, Derosa and Werth tomorrow in OF, per Davey

natsfan1a said...

Yay, Nats win again. I could get used to this. :-)

jeffwx said...

Davey is sly like a fox (silver).
He says one thing, thinks another and will do something else.
Keep the other team guessing.

FS said...

demote Burriss now. What a foolish hitter!

Erik said...

21-7 start... .500 rest of the way and we are in the playoffs!!! 88-74...and ready to make history!!!

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