Saturday, May 5, 2012

The last man delivers

Associated Press photo
Wilson Ramos celebrates his game-winning single in the bottom of the 11th.
As the Nationals' designated backup catcher for the night, Wilson Ramos knew he could lounge around in the dugout, pop sunflower seeds into his mouth and goof around with teammates. But as this game progressed, as the Nationals and Phillies kept trading blows with neither side able to deliver the knockout punch, Ramos began to realize his services might actually be needed at some point.

Sure enough, as the bottom of the 11th arrived, manager Davey Johnson got Ramos' attention at the other end of the dugout and held up five fingers. Translation: If reach the No. 5 spot in our lineup in this inning, you're hitting for the pitcher.

And just like that, Ramos transformed from his lazy-night-off mindset to emergency pinch-hitter mode.

"In that moment, I just take my batting gloves and [say]: 'OK, I'm the man,'" he said. "Go out and hit the ball hard."

Which is exactly what he did. With the bases loaded and two outs in a 3-hour, 42-minute marathon, Ramos fell behind in the count 0-2, then took a ball, then fouled two more pitches off before drilling a slider from Phillies reliever Michael Schwimer over shortstop Jimmy Rollins' head. Steve Lombardozzi came racing home and then took off to join the celebration near first base as Ramos was mobbed by teammates upon delivering the base hit that gave the Nationals' a 4-3 victory over their hated division rivals.

"The at-bat didn't start out too good," Johnson said. "But it ended good."

A crowd of 34,377, lured by a team-sponsored promotion to take back their park from the Phillies fans who in the past have invaded South Capitol Street, let out a roar previously heard only a handful of times in this facility. Having waited through nearly four hours of baseball, watching as the home team threatened to push across the go-ahead run but was unable to do it despite 23 men on base, those fans were rewarded with one of the more-satisfying of the Nationals' NL East-leading 17 victories.

"It speaks about the character of this team," shortstop Ian Desmond said. "We want to win. It was nice, obviously, to have the crowd behind us tonight. I'd give it 70-30 probably. But better than 20-80 the other way."

Truth be told, the Nationals couldn't have drawn up a much better script for the first game of a weekend series they've been hyping for months. With young stars Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper both in the lineup for a surprising club that has spent the last 24 days in first place, there was plenty of anticipation in the stands when the game began.

That anticipation only built up over the course of 11 innings, experiencing some early downs when Strasburg served up two home runs but bouncing back up when role players Chad Tracy and Jesus Flores produced the three RBI necessary to keep this game alive.

Not that the Nationals didn't have plenty of opportunities to put the Phillies away earlier. They stranded 14 men on base, including two in the sixth and three in the eighth.

All the squandered chances left players frustrated and perhaps at times even defeated. Their manager, though, looked at the situation in a different light.

"Actually, at this point I really like it, because we're threatening," Johnson said. "A lot of times this year we've been awful quiet with the bats. I knew it's coming, and it was nice to see quality at-bats from some guys that haven't been doing it."

Reinvigorated by five scoreless innings from five different relievers -- Tom Gorzelanny, Craig Stammen, Henry Rodriguez, Tyler Clippard and Ryan Perry -- the Nationals came up to bat in the 11th, determined to push that final, winning run across.

They managed to do it all with two outs, the rally jump-started by Lombardozzi's single to right. That brought Harper to the plate with a chance to win the game with one swing, and the crowd rose in anticipation of a magical moment. Instead, everyone had to settle for another quality at-bat out of the 19-year-old, who fell behind 0-2 and then battled his way to his third walk of the night.

Jayson Werth also drew a free pass from Schwimer, loading the bases for Ramos and setting the stage for the catcher.

"I was the last guy on the bench," Ramos said. "And, you know, I just was thinking: 'Try to get the runners in.'"

He did, setting off a mad celebration that players were still trying to process nearly an hour later.

"I was freaking out," Lombardozzi said. "I threw my helmet and got to Ramos as fast as possible. I was saying to myself: 'Did I hit home plate? I hope I did.'"

He sure did. And because of it, the Nationals gave themselves -- and their fans -- a heart-stopping victory, and perhaps even more reason to believe this is merely the first step toward even bigger things.

"Right now, it's just a game," Desmond said. "It's just one game. We've got to go out and play 'em hard tomorrow, and we've got to play the rest of the games for the rest of the season hard. And hopefully there's meaningful baseball between both of us teams towards the end of the year."

83 comments:

Dr Trea (formerly #werthquake) said...

not gonna lie, i got so frusterated that i had to take a break around the middle of the game (5th/6th ish) then came back in the 8th. not beautiful by any means..except a walk off and beating the phillies...but a win nonetheless. but we MUST hit better, considering how we did against an emergency starter/AAA pitcher.

Scott from Burke said...

I was curious about the relationship between the two catchers considering they both are fighting to start and have pretty equal skill sets...you would think there would be a rivalry...the post-game celebration showed the two are close. Nice celebration...all they need to do is win one of the next two to take the series...take the next two and confidence will be sky high.

NatsLady said...

Wow, Heath Bell just blew another save.

And Mo says he will be back. Good for him! They should blot out that photo/video of him writhing in pain and never let it be seen again. He is a class act.

NatsNut said...

I was very proud of Nats fans tonight. My section did better than we ever have drowning out the "let's go Phillies" chants. And no bloodshed as far as I know.

Also, winning is good.

Scooter said...

Nice name, NatsNut.

Eugene in Oregon said...

Just finished watching the game (the MLB.tv replay, as I had a gig at my daughter's school earlier). Wonderful win, lots of excitement (positive and negative). Two (fairly obvious) thoughts: (1) Leaving 20+ runners on base isn't the way to win ballgames; the Nats were lucky in several senses, but especially in that a loss with so many left-on-base would have been devastating psychologically. (2) Lots of chatter on this site about what to do with Harper when Morse returns, what to do with the rotation when CMW returns, etc., but I think Davey's most immediate issue is what to do with Lombardozzi and Espinosa when Zimmerman returns. Davey's past praise of Espinosa notwithstanding, unless Espinosa really picks up his game over the rest of the Phillies series, can he really send Lombardozzi back to the bench and leave Espinosa in the line-up? Hard to imagine. In any event, grateful for the win despite the angst it produced.

natsfan1a said...

I heard that, too, NatsLady. Good for him if he is able to make it back.

Agreed, Scootitude.

Hoping for another curly w today, when we'll be at the part. I pledge to do my part on the Nats cheer side. :-)

NatsFirin'BBs said...

Last night, it was the lack of situational hitting that plagued the Nats. I think they had the bases loaded at least three times (once with less than 2 outs with nothing to show for it), and had 13 hits, 7 walks and a hit batter. They were only able to scratch across three runs with all those base runners, which is obviously a problem. Though when you look at the at bats, they are getting better. Guys are hitting the ball on the screws. They'll start to fall.

NatsFirin'BBs said...

Last night, it was the lack of situational hitting that plagued the Nats. I think they had the bases loaded at least three times (once with less than 2 outs with nothing to show for it), and had 13 hits, 7 walks and a hit batter. They were only able to scratch across three runs with all those base runners, which is obviously a problem. Though when you look at the at bats, they are getting better. Guys are hitting the ball on the screws. They'll start to fall.

NatsFirin'BBs said...

Excuse me, 4 runs.

sjm308 said...

Excited about today! Watched the crowd on TV and it looked energized. I am reading that today will be even bigger. I will not try and smuggle in the Maalox and bourbon and hopefully we will just get ahead early and cruise. Hrod has pitched in 3 straight, I have to think Burnett will actually close with Stammen going long if needed.

Did anyone get an explanation why the philthy's left that guy in for over 50 pitches? Not upset mind you but certainly they must have had other options.

Go Nats!!

sjm308 said...

should have read "not try TO smuggle etc etc

carolync said...

Another joyous occasion that cries out for the fireworks we used to have. That lame horn just doesn't convey a happy feeling. In fact, in our section it sounds like a prolonged Booo which is what we thought it was at first.

My understanding is that it is supposed to be something distinctive for Nats Park and show the connection with the Military/Navy Yard. It's time to rethink that idea. Bring back some type of fireworks, use virtual fireworks, release balloons, or use a small cannon. Must be something creative they could do.

Looking forward to today's game!

MicheleS said...

No bloodshed in my area. Only 1 instance where it got testy, but then the usher came down and sat behind the Phillies fan that was getting a little rowdy (Where's your ring was his chant).

Anyway.. I agree, McCatty needs to have a wire on him. Whatever he said to Henry worked. I was really hoping for a bourbon and Maalox at that point.

Overall a great night!!!

GYFNG! Let's win today!!!!

MicheleS said...

Carol.. It's a submarine horn. I think it's called a Klaxon (Navy Nats can confirm). I actually love it. No fireworks because 1.. the neighbors don't like it and 2.. when you shoot off fireworks, make sure the Fire Chief doesn't get hit with debris (an unconfirmed report is that he got hit with something one time and was not happy)

sjm308 said...

Hate to post so many times but I am so excited about this team. Just read about Wang going 6 innings and really want insight into what people here think Davey will do. I know 6 men can't start, that has been hashed and re-hashed. Will they really move Detwiller to the pen? It's just crazy to have this kind of pitching.

My guess is that Wang will get at least two starts and if he is lights out (how can he be better then Detwiler?), then I am guessing they will keep Ross in the pen. I hate to mess with success but look at what Wang has done in the past. Again, its a long way from 2007 to 2012 but he has worked hard and he was one of the dominant pitchers in baseball at one time. Does anyone remember other teams having too many pitchers?

Go Nats and I will just be a reader now.

JayB said...

What a change from past years and that Stan Kasten induced low point for the franchise of drunken tour bus after tour bus rolling into the park.

The Philly fans that did come were just the local DC based guys. No drunken hooligans. No drunken women taking leaks in public to avoid Porta Potty lines (yes I saw that more than once on opening day).

We have arrived. With a lot of help from Nats front office who finally saw a problem and did something about it. That is....winning is important and having a home team feel to the park is more important than selling beer to already drunk out of town trouble makers.

Stan Kasten was sooooo wrong on that.

Mark was so wrong on that opening day two and yes I have not forgotten that he still maintains to this day that is was not that bad and something like 50% Philly fans.......

WRONG MARK...if you had bothered to get out of the press box that day and walk around the park.....90% drunken abusive Philly fans.

Still the worst day in Nats History and one that was self inflicted by a short sighted focus on money first that killed this teams potential fan base for years.

D'Gourds said...

If any MASN execs read this--please--get someone other than Johnny Holliday to sub for Bob Carpenter. He was TERRIBLE!

JayB said...

Sell that is interesting....I had not realized until just know how angry I was about that Stan K and that opening day. I am thinking that one issue has really keep me hard core negative on team ownership and front office....I have always posted when I see negatives more than positives but like this team....it is a new day finally!

AND yes....I am still really angry about the past self inflicted Lasting Millidge, Dukes, Lopez, Stan Kasten Radio invites on Philly Nats moves.

I am moving one from all that just like the team.

mick said...

I notice we play the O's six times this season. Who would have ever thought that these game snow are BIG TIME

mick said...

I cant type worth s----

mick said...

Only had 10 corona light's last night, lol

Steady Eddie said...

As an ST who suffered through the Opening Day 2010 disaster and saw three wins over the Phils here last year (Nix hit-and-catch and the twoAugust rain delay, walkoff wins) that were not pleasant experiences until the end, I have to hand it to Andy Feffer -- you did real good, guy! Banning those whole section-dominating, drunken bus loads of nasty thugs was the best decision you could make because it shows the Nats management now values building OUR fan base for the winning years ahead over the six pieces of silver in a few thousand extra tickets and beer sales.

And the fans mostly came through by showing up and drowning out the intruders, which was a pretty big deal for those who had experienced the past couple years of these experiences. Though outside of some great cheers when Harp came up, they didn't do the kind of rally-supporting "Let's go Nats" cheers that might have helped push that extra run across much earlier. The players do notice, looking at their quotes today.

Anyway, a huge step towards building a winning fan base, and well-deserved kudos to Nats management for turning that corner.

NatsJack in Florida said...

D'Gourds..... Amen, brother. I usually like to watch Friday night games at my favorite watering hole but last night I wanted the sound so I stayed home. I had to put the mute on he was so bad.

And JayB.... we are in total agreement on opening day 3 seasons ago but I hope you mean that 90% of the Philly fans were drunk because it was closer to a 50/50 split overall. And Mark is fully aware of how bad it was.

NatsJack in Florida said...

And a shout out to MicheleS.... I actually am proud to be described as "an ascerbic sycophant".

Anonymous said...

Werth still looks like an old lady up there and swings like a rusty gate. His strike-out average is about what his batting average should be. Great game. There were a few errors but we won a game we needed to. These wins over the Phils will start to keep their fans north of the border.

Steady Eddie said...

JayB -- do yourself a favor and allow yourself to let it go. NO ONE can undo the past but we now have a management that gets it at least about this, that making season ticket holders feel unwelcome and threatened in their own park in games against their chief rivals is not a good thing, and a winning team in attitude as well as record.

We're in a good moment, man, and doing it right now without our three best hitters! All moments are transitory, so just let yourself enjoy this one, and hopefully it'll continue to be a very LONG moment.

sjm308 said...

OK - one more post
That opening day game is absolutely the worst experience as a fan I have ever experienced. Interesting that the best was Strasburg's first game. Guess that shows my bias. (Vasquez beating UNC almost single handed was my 2nd favorite "in-house" moment).
Like others, I shunned Philly games after that debacle. I also watched urination, vulgar slurs etc. and getting crushed did not help, I think the final was something like 11-1. That is now all in the past. No matter who wins today it will be an exciting game for me and I am glad I will be there.

Mick - we play the O's 6games each year and always have with interleague. I am wondering if that will change with the new formations.

NatsJack and D-gourd. Painfully, I must agree. I love Johnny and know him a little and this might be out of his wheelhouse. So many mistakes, I had to go to the radio even though that kind of ruins the moment with it being out of sync.

JayB - interesting psycho-analysis on a blog. Glad you are slowly coming around but do you have to get a dig in on Mark when ever you can? I am pretty sure Mark is a big boy and realizes that things were not great that day. Hate to go Zen on you but that anger you carry can't be helpful. Just enjoy the ride and keep the glass of Maalox and bourbon half full.

Go Nats!!

Steady Eddie said...

And MicheleS -- agree with you on the horn. While I did like the fireworks, the horn is cool too, and it's distinctive and it's OURS.

It's also a good way to recognize and honor not just e Navy down the street but uniformed men and women in the military more broadly, which is especially appropriate for a DC team.

JayB said...

In my Season ticket section it was 90% Philly Fans and 99% were rude and completely Drunk.

Mark still maintains as I guess you do Njack that the park was %50 - %50 that day......we can agree to disagree.........Showers of BOOOO's for Zimm and his gold glove, silver slugger pre game award was Stan Kasten Caused.....9 inning later.....this team's front office decided to denied it was a problem or that they had anything to do with it.....but that is the last I will post on that....ever I hope!

Steady Eddie said...

JayB -- Stan Kasten is gone and good riddance to him too!

Cheers for Andy Feffer!

NatsNut said...

agreed Steady E about Feffer hitting this one out of the...ok, he did a really great job. The whole campaign was just ballsy, sending a message not only to Philly but challenging the local fan base too. Of course, everything looks shiny this morning.

One down, two to go. See you at the ballpark.

MicheleS said...

JayB.. please let it go... We have a really good team and snipping at Mark just seems petty.

Enjoy the ride...

Barkeep I need my morning dose of Koolaid! I am heading off to the park now!!!!

GYFNG!!!!

JayB said...

fair enough....Harper's dive for the fool ball was right in my new seats lap....I am loving his guy. We have not had a player go all out all the time with talent....ever....he is the heart of the team already. Just what this team needs. No fear at the plate. Ice water in his veins and appropriate emotions on the field. Love Zimm but this is Bryce's team already.

NatsLady said...

According to Kilgore, Rizzo said you have to throw away the development curve when it comes to Harper. I hope I can find a transcript of that session, because I tried the C-Span link someone posted here and all I got was buffering.

Apparently Rizzo did a great job, including a dig at the movie "Moneyball"--which I was planning to watch as soon as it came up on Netflix, but maybe I should join our fearless GM in his boycott.

NatsNut said...

Dear Gio,
Please do well and go long tonight.
Thanks,
The Bullpen

Steady Eddie said...

I think we can all agree that whatever the % in our immediate areas (it was more like 75 or 80% Philly thugs in our section, at least half of them anything but civil), it was obnoxious, intolerable, and inexcusable.

And now it's history in every way.

Go get 'em, Gio, blow'em back to Broad Street!

GYFNG! Best 25 get and stay healthy!

natsfan1a said...

Johnny seems like a great guy, but I, too, winced at his PBP. In fact, I told my husband that I'd rather take my chances with FP on the call (not that I don't enjoy FP as a color guy, because I do).

Re. the submarine horn, which I have grown to like, I dredged up an explanatory post from NNF (below).

Navy Nats Fan said...

This post is in response to the many "submarine horn" comments on the Series Preview post, but I am cross-posting it here since that thread is probably close to petering out.

The "submarine horn" is most commonly referred to as a Klaxon by those of us who have served on submarines. Its actual name is the Diving Alarm and it is sounded twice when submerging the submarine (The Chief of the Watch announces "Dive, Dive," sounds two blasts on the Diving Alarm, and then repeats "Dive, Dive"). The other time it is sounded is during an Emergency Surfacing procedure, when the submarine releases high pressure air into the ballast tanks, expelling the water (ballast), and causing the submarine to rapidly ascend to the surface. In this case, it is sounded three times. I believe this is the event the Nats PR staff is trying to evoke. You may remember the USS DALLAS executing an emergency surface in Hunt for Red October (Tim Curry saying the submarine was being scared out of the water). Here's a short video showing what it looks like at the end.

The name Klaxon is from the company that made the horns for early automobiles and submarines. The wikipedia article suggests that the name originally came from the ancient Greek word "klazo" which means "shriek." Here's a video of an actual Klaxon being sounded.

For those looking to install ringtones, the best .wav file I could find is located here, but it's only two blasts vice three.

I have a klaxon I bought off Ebay, installed it in my garage, and use it for a dinner bell when our kids are playing outside. Perhaps I'll start sounding it for home runs and victories when I'm watching the game at home.

I love the Nats.

My neighbors love me.
June 17, 2011 4:32 PM

NatsLady said...

And, by the way, what a beautiful evening, weather-wise. Might have to wait out a rain delay this afternoon (60% chance).

JayB said...

Marks a bit boy....he can take it....he knows how much I supported him and helped to keep him on the job in the dark days......

JayB said...

big boy

NatsLady said...

FP can be annoying at times, but the other day he gave an excellent demonstration of what "framing the pitch" means and how a catcher can make a close call go your way. It's a sort of glove-flip and he showed all four possibilities. Wrong way is to drag or slide the ball into the strike zone, making it clear to the umpire it was a ball.

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

"Another joyous occasion that cries out for the fireworks we used to have. That lame horn just doesn't convey a happy feeling. In fact, in our section it sounds like a prolonged Booo which is what we thought it was at first."

I disagree completely. I love the horn. It is great in the ballpark, but also can be heard loud and clear on the TV and radio broadcasts. It lives on in every replay. The fireworks were okay in the ballpark, but you could not see them on TV or hear them on the radio. Once shot off, they were gone like a fart in the wind, as Jayson Werth might say.

As for Johnny Holliday, he's fine on the pregame/postgame shows, but as a play-by-play guy he's old and tired. I can only imagine how bad it must have been in an 11-inning game last night. Glad I was at the ballpark. I'll be out there again today and tomorrow's game is on ESPN, so hopefully that means I'll miss Holliday this time around. Will Carpenter be back Tuesday?

natsfan1a said...

Yes, he's due back on Tuesday (at daughter's graduation this weekend).

NCNatsie said...

I read in Kilgore this morning that Lombo is our emergency catcher. Not Harper, a catcher all his life???

natsfan1a said...

Philadelphia Inquirer gamer. Browsed through the comments and there's some interesting stuff. Evidently the Phillies FO and Manuel are conspiring not to use Papelbon and to defraud ticket holders. Seriously? Here I thought our FO was the only one who did that. ;-)

Joe Seamhead said...

My wife and I went to the game last night and it was so nice to have a huge majority of the fans be rooting for the Nationals. It was a pleasant change of pace from the past few years when our "friends" from the north came down and ruined the experience for so many of our fan base, to the point to where many said that they would no longer attend Phillie games.We never bought into avoiding the Phils games, rather we always said that it was our park, dammit. So, I take my hat off to Mr. Feffer's efforts and feel like he deserves a round of applause from the Nat's faithful.
I also just read the game blog from last night and have to say there are a handful of posters that seem to go out of their way to spoil an otherwise wonderful venue that is being provided for us. The bratiness and personal digs are perceived by this Grumpy Old Man of Baseball as being just plain classless, or put another way, very South Philly like.
Just another Joe Seamhead editorial.

baseballswami said...

My bitterness from "that day" stems from the fact that I couldn't even get tickets. My son and I thought we would make it an event - barbecued, settled in front of the tv, only to hear Zim getting booed as he got his awards. Last year we went to the Lannan/Nix-catch 1-0 game, which was awesome, but the PH fans had shirts reading "Citizen's Bank South" -- ticked me off royally. I know we all have to let it go - but it just makes me seethe. I also know that the real way to handle it is to win, which we have - a lot, but that doesn't seem to have sunk in yet. Watching last night did a lot to help - I can't attend this weekend, and I was a little nervous, but last night was pretty cool to watch and hear.I hope the rest of the weekend goes well also. Johnny Holiday is a college football guy who plays Ed McMahon to Ray Knight's Johnny Carson - he is a straight man. He is not a baseball pbp guy. For all you who don't like Carp - you will be happy to see him. Ray Knight usually fills in but all he can do is praise Davey Johnson,who is the world's greatest living human being, according to him. Even if you like the manager, the man-crush thing is over the top.

NatsLady said...

I was one who had sworn off Philly games after a fight broke out in my section when Zim hit a walk-off after their Jayson Werth had homered in the top of the ninth. But I did attend the game where Desi sat 'em down, and it was sweet, real sweet. Even sweeter now to be in first place, invited to be on national TV (and that was before Harper came up)--and to have our park back.

NatsLady said...

Oh, and to be in first place when the sun rises on May 6, 2012.

natsfan1a said...

Agreed re. in-game comments, Joe S.

My POD from the Phillies gamer linked to above. Perhaps one can get a two-for-one exam at Philly medical clinics? There would be a few anatomical challenges in this case, though. Things that make you go....hmmm...

Posted 8:13 AM, 05/05/2012
Get these umpires to an obstetrician fast for eye exams.
— Disco Dave

Faraz Shaikh said...

I am sure this question has been asked before but what is the record number of 1-run games through a team's first 26 games and % of wins and walk-offs from it?

NatsLady said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LoveDaNats said...

I vowed never to attend another Phillies game after the opening day debacle. I am going today with 7 other Nats-loving friends and family (ok, my daughter's boyfriend is from Philly but has agreed to be a Nats fan today).
I can't wait to hear a roar from a crowd of Nats fans. Hope it drowns out every Philly chant. There will probably be more Philly fans today just because it's Saturday but I hope there are no altercations. Let's stay classy, Natitude Park!

NatsLady said...

1a, LOL.

Two players hitting below the Mendoza line:

Danny Espinosa (.198)
Albert Pujols (.194)

Not comparin' just sayin'.

natsfan1a said...

Hubby and I are getting ready to head out to the park, armed only with Natitude. Should we not make it back, I've left instructions for my Nats memorabilia and gear to go to my Chicago baseball buddy/closet Nats fan, 1c. I love y'all, but she's family. :-)

Go, GIO! Go, NATS!!

natsfan1a said...

Oh, wait. She's 1b, as the original co-Nats fan (my hubby wasn't totally on board at first). I get sooo confused. :-)

natsfan1a said...

Oh, and we're in 224. Hope there are plenty of Nats fans there as well.

Joe Seamhead said...

natsfan1a- come over here right now and clean up the coffee that I just chocked on. Too funny!

natsfan1a said...

btw, I'm wearing a white tee with silver curly w's and hubby is wearing a Teddy Cinco de Mayo tee. Say "hi" if you see us. :-)

lol, Joe Seamhead. I would, but I'm heading out to the game now.

natsfan1a said...

btw, I'm wearing a white tee with silver curly w's and hubby is wearing a Teddy Cinco de Mayo tee. Say "hi" if you see us. :-)

lol, Joe Seamhead. I would, but I'm heading out to the game now.

natsfan1a said...

Oops, no more coffee for me. Later.

m20832 said...

Two Great notes about last night: Nats Win! Nats Win! Nats Win!
And that Fat Bast**d West wasn't umpiring!

Go Gio! GYFNG!!!

Holden Baroque said...

"In that moment, I just take my batting gloves and [say]: 'OK, I'm the man,'" he said. "Go out and hit the ball hard."

You da man, Wilson!

Holden Baroque said...

On the way, with Currently Strawberry Blonde Cubs Fan Wife ("No bloody A, B, C, or D." - Montgomery Scott), to Sec 315.

I'm ready Willie Gandébol!

GYFNG! Gwai Fung!

Scott from Burke said...

fp said stras was the best hitting pitcher and then iterated guys in th eclubhouse will get after him..so the quote becomes about him AND he lets everyone know he is buddies with the players..it's all about self-promotion..he is bad..not terrible, but bad...i was hating johnny holliday but i thought he really picked it up at the end of the game..he was arguing strategies (walking Nady) at one point saying "I wouldn't do this (then to fp) would you?" that's good stuff..dont say it after the fact..the last 3 innings holliday woke up and deilivered

Gonat said...

Love the Ramoose photo! With Espi getting some hits and Ankiel, maybe this team is ready to get going offensively!

Gonat said...

NatsNutitude said...
agreed Steady E about Feffer hitting this one out of the...ok, he did a really great job. The whole campaign was just ballsy, sending a message not only to Philly but challenging the local fan base too. Of course, everything looks shiny this morning.

One down, two to go. See you at the ballpark.

May 05, 2012 8:28 AM
____________________________

Today is the big test to see if the "Nats" have taken back the park.

The key as I see it is no big groups. Only scattered tickets. I kept an eye on StubHub. They could get at but not much more than groupings of 4 to 5 tickets together.

Heading down there in a few minutes. Is it true the hockey brains scheduled their game at the same time?

Scott from Burke said...

that's a little company called the National Broadcasting Company..if they tell the nhl to play at 2am...

Exposremains said...

I don't think the Dodgers have attendance problem but I wonder if Kasten will invite Giants Fans to come on down to LA.

Anonymous said...

Hey NatitudeLady.....I'll compare....Espinosa is smokin' Pujols!!!! Espinosa will surge over .200! Wow, Harper looks good. GO NATIONALS!!

Nats 128 said...

I'm doing my part today taking the neighborhood kids and my youngest son. In Sect 129 Row KK by Nats dugout and yes, after wearing my Wilson Ramos jersey last night, today it is Jayson Werth.

Very happy for Wilson Ramos and his family! What a great ending!

Nats 128 said...

Strange coincidence, Johnny Holliday was subbing for Carp last year when Wilson Ramos hit his walk-off HR and its worth a listen to. Last night, Johnny gets to call this huge walk-off single!

Crank up the volume!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEgcx614gyU

NatsLady said...

NCNatsie--I saw that too about Lombo being the emergency catcher. Probably if Harper crouched back there and got injured there Davey/Rizzo would be sued for malpractice.

Lombo is supposed to be the "utility" guy, so I'd guess he takes a few catching reps for practice. (Jayson has also caught, if I recall.)

baseballswami said...

Today the entire Philadelphia universe is whining about how the umpires stole the game from them. Hello? Were you not looking when we lost a run - Ruiz took his foot off the plate? It was an unusual situation that both teams had to play in. Get over yourself. As for today - Go Nats!!! Lom-bar-do-zzi!!!!!! Love the understated contributions. Love Harper and all the other Nats, too, but this guy pleases me as a fan.

Scott from Burke said...

in the post game presser davey was asked about when he gets his 'real team' (ie post injury) and he said "this is my real team" GREAT ANSWER

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

After last night, the Wilson Ramos autograph signing in Potomac just big a little more popular!

Clutch performer!!!!

Exposremains said...

lots of bad call yesterday but i think they evened out

Scott from Burke said...

about 8 years ago or so there wa a very brief umpire strike and all the umps resigned or something..mlb accepted about 10 resignations..i owuld love to see the same thing happen today..get some young eyes up tot he show...the tim welke call a few days ago was obscene

Joe Seamhead said...

Wow, going back to last year, your Washington Nationals have beaten the Phillies ten out of the last twelve times they've played them. Pretty satisfying for this Grumpy Old Man!

NatsLady said...

Just got around to reading the game post and comments. Gonat, thanks for your report on Klip. I was a little preoccupied during his inning. SO glad to hear the changeup is working again!

BTW, fun going to a game and assessing the cuteness factor of our young players with two 9 year old girls...Anyone over 24 is ANCIENT to them, but they are gaga over Bryce.

NatsLady said...

Worried that he didn't finish college, though and that he's playing baseball instead of in school That's one I don't dare explain.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Traffic isn't bad.

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