Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Game 78: Giants at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Jordan Zimmermann faces Tim Lincecum tonight at Nationals Park.
It's a sizzling late afternoon in July in the nation's capital, and it'll be a little warmer than usual when Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound for the start of tonight's game against the Giants, with a rare 6:35 p.m. first pitch. The Nationals did this to give everyone a few extra minutes of sleep tonight before we reconvene early tomorrow morning for the really rare, 11:05 a.m. Independence Day game. (A sign in the clubhouse today said batting practice begins at 6 a.m. I think it was a joke, though I'm not positive about that.)

This series features some great pitching matchups, starting with tonight's showdown between Zimmermann (who actually boasts the best ERA in the Nats' rotation, better than All-Stars Stephen Strasburg or Gio Gonzalez) and Tim Lincecum. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner is having a baffling season, as evidenced by his 3-8 record and 5.60 ERA. But he is coming off a fantastic outing against the Dodgers -- seven scoreless innings -- so the old Timmy may be back.

I'll have some rehab updates on Drew Storen, Henry Rodriguez, Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady shortly, as well as the latest on Bryce Harper's chances to make the All-Star team. In the meantime, check back here for game updates later on...

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Partly cloudy, 95 degrees, Wind 5 mph in from CF
NATIONALS (45-32)
LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jesus Flores
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

GIANTS (45-35)
RF Gregor Blanco
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
1B Buster Posey
3B Pablo Sandoval
CF Angel Pagan
C Hector Sanchez
SS Brandon Crawford
RHP Tim Lincecum

UMPIRES
HP Scott Barry, 1B Jerry Meals, 2B Gary Darling (cc), 3B Paul Emmel

6:37 p.m. -- And we're underway on a 94-degree night in the nation's capital.

6:43 p.m. -- Jordan Zimmermann served up a leadoff single to Gregor Blanco, and then let him steal second base. But the right-hander battled to strand Blanco in scoring position, striking out Ryan Theriot and getting All-Stars Melky Cabrera and Buster Posey to ground out to first to end the inning.

7:07 p.m. -- And Zimmermann pitches out of another jam in the top of the second, getting around Pablo Sandoval's leadoff hustle double -- seriously, the Kung Fu Panda hustled his way to a double -- and keeping this game scoreless heading to the bottom of the second.

7:23 p.m. -- OK, which of this developments constitutes a bigger surprise right now: 1) Danny Espinosa roping an RBI double off the center-field wall while batting left-handed, or 2) A Nats pitcher roping an RBI double? Sadly, I think it's choice No. 1 by a landslide. Whatever the case, the Nats happily took both developments in the bottom of the second, with Espinosa's rocket scoring Ian Desmond and Zimmermann's hit into the right-field corner scoring Espinosa to give the Nats a 2-0 lead.

7:45 p.m. -- Make it 5-0 as the Nats lineup continues to mash Lincecum. Adam LaRoche added an RBI double to deep center in the bottom of the third, and moments later Ian Desmond destroyed a belt-high curveball to deeeeeep left field for his 14th homer of the season. Lincecum just isn't the same pitcher who won those Cy Young Awards and led the Giants to the World Series two years ago. It's kind of sad, actually. Not that the Nats feel any sympathy right now.

8:17 p.m. -- And that's it for Lincecum, who can't even get out of the fourth inning tonight. He wound up allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks and departing with the bases loaded for Morse. Nice spot for reliever George Kontos to have to enter. And Kontos didn't exactly help the cause. He gave up a two-run single to Morse (who continues to rake at the plate) and a sacrifice fly to LaRoche. That makes it 8-0, with all eight runs charged to Lincecum (the most he's ever allowed in the majors).

8:40 p.m. -- It's 8-2 now after five as the Giants take advantage of Ryan Zimmerman's throwing error and the first real blip of trouble by Jordan Zimmermann. Not that there's any real worry considering the large lead the Nats have amassed. More importantly, this game is now official, which could prove important with a storm making its way in from the western suburbs.

8:55 p.m. -- And here comes the rain in the top of the seventh. Fans are scurrying for cover.

8:57 p.m. -- And we're officially in a delay.

9:33 p.m. -- It hasn't been raining for a while now, but there is another line of storms coming. So that's why the tarp hasn't been removed from the infield. Just going to have to wait this out.

9:53 p.m. -- Since there's nothing else to report ... the Mets just beat the Phillies, 9-1. So the Mets will keep pace with the Nats, but the Phillies are now about to be 12 games back in the NL East. Stunning.

10:01 p.m. -- And we will resume at 10:20 p.m. Woo-hoo!

10:22 p.m. -- And we're back after a 1-hour, 25-minute rain delay that featured a total of probably 10 minutes of rain. Ryan Mattheus now pitching in the top of the seventh, the Nats still leading 8-2.

10:27 p.m. -- Mattheus induces a double-play grounder out of Ryan Theriot, so we head to the seventh-inning stretch.

10:47 p.m. -- It's now 8-3 as Mattheus gives up a run in the top of the eighth.

10:59 p.m. -- Make it 9-3 as Bryce Harper ropes his second double of the night, this one scoring Steve Lombardozzi. We go to the ninth.

11:05 p.m. -- Sweet mother of god, Davey Johnson is NOT making a pitching change with two outs in the ninth inning and his team up six runs, with Henry Rodriguez the guy coming in to pitch.

11:09 p.m. -- And that's yer ballgame. Nats win 9-3. See you back here in 11 hours and 56 minutes!

137 comments:

CN said...

Desmond is 7 for 9 lifetime against Lincecum...
Lincecum is 1-2 lifetime vs Nats w/ 4.14 ERA...
Zmann is 2-1 vs SF w/ 3.60 ERA...

Interestingly, Giants have a better offense this yr, while the Nats have better pitching.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Timmy's "fabulous" outing was against the anemic Dodgers. Let's see how he does today.

Grandstander said...

After it looked like he was finally putting it together, Espi has seriously cooled off, slashing .186/.222/.233 over the course of the road trip without drawing a single walk. Hopefully a few games at home and 4 days rest can cure what ails him.

baseballswami said...

So apparently the Phoolies players want to keep their team together and want to prove it to the organization. They could start by sweeping the Mets before they cool off again. Anyone watching mlb? They just showed the Solano brother smacking a double off the wall in Miller Park. It'll be interesting for the Solano family if Miami starts fighting us for the top spot. As for the Nats and the Giants -- go Jordan, go!!!!! GYFNG!!!!!

baseballswami said...

Grandstander - Espi is the achilles heel in the line up right now. Even the backup catcher has shown some pop. Maybe some Lombo at second and Moore in left?

Knoxville Nat said...

Looks like the "regular" LH hitting lineup tonight but I really would have liked to see Tyler Moore in LF and Lombo at second base. Would have been interesting to see Moore against Lincecum.

natsfan1a said...

Go, J-Zim! Go, NATS BATS!!

Anonymous said...

WOW 2 LEFT FIELDERS! VERY INTERESTING!

17 said...

With two LF in our defense (and no RF) it looks like we are really expecting SF to pull the ball on JZimm tonight.

hiramhover said...

It's a sizzling late July afternoon ...

Alas, it's this hot and only the 3d of July.

As for Timmeh: his peripherals are a lot better than his ERA--don't count him out.

Anonymous said...

I see the Nats have equalled the Road Victory Total for 2008all season of 25 wins on the Road next is 26 in 2009, then 28 wins in 2010.

Old Wino said...

Should be a great duel tonight. Keep the bats alive Nats!

MicheleS said...

GO NATS! !! GO JZ!!!!

Secret wasian man said...

Time to beat "Long haired freaky people)

Anonymous said...

Why do my post keep getting removed? Is something wrong? GYFNG!!!!!

Holden Baroque said...

"With two LF in our defense (and no RF) it looks like we are really expecting SF to pull the ball on JZimm tonight."

That's the San Francisco shift. "The only town in America where they cheer Khruschev and boo Willie Mays."

baseballswami said...

17 - they aren't going to pull the ball because they are not going to be able to make contact. Go Jordan!

Section 222 said...

Not going to make it out there tonight, but I really enjoyed watching The Freak last year, and beating him. The starter for us that night was Jason Marquis, and he pitched a 5 hit, complete game shutout! Maybe his best start ever in a Nationals uniform. Hoping that JZnn comes up big tonight.

Mark Zuckerman said...

OK, so obviously the Nats aren't playing with two left fielders tonight. Lombardozzi is in left with Morse in right.

And I realize my wording was a bit confusing when I referred to this being a sizzling late July afternoon in the nation's capital. Yes, it's only July 3. I meant it's a sizzling late afternoon in July.

Sigh, I think all these triple-digit temperature days have caused damage to my brain.

Holden Baroque said...

S'ok, Mark; just stay away from hyphens in adverbs for compound modifiers you'll be fine.

baseballswami said...

Every time I read some kind of interview with Bryce I shake my head. When asked what he would be doing if he was not a baseball player? Firefighter. So he is looking for all the easy jobs....

baseballswami said...

Jones just named to replace Kemp on the all star team. Now we vote Bryce in with absolutely no guilt.

RickH said...

Sofa ... "SF shift." Already in the running for post of the day.

Section 222 said...

Livo just caught a Corey Hart homerun in the bullpen in Milwaukee. Funny stuff.

natsfan1a said...

Dude always did field his position well. :-)

djinFl. said...

Now Brew-Crew 9 Marlins 2

Anonymous said...

Brewers keep winning and Greinke isn't going anywhere. They might actually have a better team than I previously thought. Solid lineup with an MVP candidate and the league leader in extra base hits to go along with a decent pitching staff. They could make a real run at the playoffs.

Section 222 said...

Aack. The Super PACs have invaded the MASN Nats broadcast. Is nothing sacred?

Section 222 said...

A "hustle" double by Sandoval. Yeah, and a lack of hustle by Morse certainly contributed. But FP won't point that out of course.

Eugene in Oregon said...

All set to watch the game, but had forgotten that Oregon is considered to be within San Francisco's 'sphere of influence' (at least by MLB.tv) and thus the game is blacked out. Oh well, at least the WJFK radio team is worth listening to...

JD said...

fear,

The Brewers are 5 games under .500 7 games out of 1st and 6 games out of a wild card. In which universe are they making a run?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JZim throwing some heat 92 on the 2 seam and 94 to 95 on the four seamer.

Faraz Shaikh said...

LOL sorry to hear that Eugene. That's messed up.

Anyways good job JZ.

Will said...

Steve, it really brings a whole new meaning to "throwing some heat". Zimm seems to be throwing the temperature.

Faraz Shaikh said...

OMG!!

Holden Baroque said...

The Brewers are 5 games under .500 7 games out of 1st and 6 games out of a wild card. In which universe are they making a run?

I always suggest winning as many as you've lost before you start talking playoffs, but in this case, it's not even the fourth of july yet, and that second wild card is going to change a lot of strategies for the next year or so.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JZim should make the All Star game as the 2nd best hitting pitcher (best is Strasburg).

Anonymous said...

JD-How original!!! Another know-it-all baseball fan who runs his mouth illustrating just how little he really does know. I said they "could" make a real run at the playoffs...and they "could." Didn't they make the playoffs last year??? Thought so. The Brewers are a decent team who will have the chance to beat up on the Astros and Cubs 19 times the rest of the year. Throw in 6 against the Rockies and Padres also. Do you honestly believe that a team that is now 5 1/2 games out of the wild card has no shot. You really are blind if that is the case.

Faraz Shaikh said...

Marlins are trying to come back, 9-11 for them. Make it 10-11.

Anyway, thanks to JZ Nats lead by 2-0.

Holden Baroque said...

JD-How original!!! Another know-it-all baseball fan who runs his mouth illustrating just how little he really does know.

Well, I'm convinced. Can't argue with logic like that.

You really can't, you know.

Faraz Shaikh said...

Which other team has five pitchers having at least one RBI?

Holden Baroque said...

OOOh, Ankiel would have been camped under that drive by LaRoche, and I'm pretty sure Harper would have had it. Give this team's D some credit.

Holden Baroque said...

ALL*STAR Ian*Desmond, ladies and gentlemen!!

Section 222 said...

Now that's some production from the middle of our lineup!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ownage!!!! Desi 9-11 against Timmy Slim Jim!

Holden Baroque said...

Wow, nice jump for Danny on that steal, full speed at two steps.

Holden Baroque said...

Well, it worked the first time, let's go again!

NatsFan05 said...

I think Danny wants to be a All Star too...

Holden Baroque said...

Bob: "He hit it so hard, it didn't have time to hook foul."

What??

UnkyD said...

It's good to have a .281 hitting SS, on a pace for 30 or so taters, to bat in the 6-hole....right? (He's an All-Star!)

May I be permitted a random "WOOOOHOOOOO!!!"?

Section 222 said...

I guess the Cubs "could" make a run too. As "could" the Rockies. The Brewers aren't in that category, but it's not like they've been unlucky. They made the playoffs last year with Fielder in the lineup, and Gallardo having a much better year. They don't seem too likely to challenge for the NL Central title, or the wild cards, but yes, it "could" happen.

Anyway, wasn't it the Brewers who suggested that Greinke could be traded?

Holden Baroque said...

Yeah, but there was only one wild card last year. If they get close to .500, and that's a big IF right now, but if, then can they really bail on the season?

UnkyD said...

Yeah... And I love giving the BP a workout, in the first of three...;-)

UnkyD said...

(mikey morse, hacks the gorse
BEAST MODE
BEAST MODE

mikey morse, hacks the gorse
BEAST MODE
BEAST MODE

mikey morse, hacks the gorse
BEAST MODE
BEAST MODE)

MicheleS said...

At wolf trap. Please post updates.

MicheleS said...

Darn it! I missed Gorse Hacking!

Holden Baroque said...

Which other team has five pitchers having at least one RBI?

Couldn't find one, FS. Several with four, though.

Holden Baroque said...

Michele, Mark is feeling sad for Tim Lincecum losing it. As a lifelong Giants fan, I gotta say, uhhh, no.

Lombo walked, Harper doubled, Zimm walked, Morse singed to center on 0-2, Nats lead 7-0, Zimm to third. LaRoche sac fly plenty deep to left, Zim scores, 8-0 Nats.

Holden Baroque said...

Did we notice Dontrelle Willis retired? Lincecum is a ways from that, still.

Desmond K's looking. 8-0 after 4.

Holden Baroque said...

Wow, that was a Ponce play. Zimm buries one on an easy throw to LaRoche. E-5.

Holden Baroque said...

And a pair of clean singles loads the base for the Giants with no outs, for Blanco.

Wakey-wakey!!

Holden Baroque said...

Broken bat single over Espinosa, 2 runs score, 8-2 now, still no outs.

Coach McCatty is more or less politely inquiring of Jordan WTF he thinks he's doing with this nice lead he's been given.

UnkyD said...

Zimm...? Zimm...? 'Sup...?!

Anonymous said...

I am starting to have flashbacks of the Cubs game last year.

NatsFan05 said...

Wow,

If JZim could ever get over the 5th inning blues, look out...

Holden Baroque said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Faraz Shaikh said...

Sofa, I found one so far. DBacks have five starting pitchers with exactly one rbi each.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/split_stats_team.cgi?full=1&params=defp%7Cas%20P%7Cari%7C2012%7Cbat%7CAB%7C

Will look for others.

JZ escapes without further damage.

JaneB said...

I think Lincecum must be injured. No way he just forgets how to pitch.

I remember the days when my stomach hurt most of the time I watched our games. I like these days better.

Holden Baroque said...

I was looking here, did I miss that?

NatsFan05 said...

Go Milwaukee! 13-12 win...I like it!

Anonymous said...

Heath Bell serves up the walk-off 2-Run HR to Aramis Ramirez...with a 1 run lead. Every little bit helps.

Faraz Shaikh said...

brilliant, brewers walk-off 13-12 and make livan a winner.

Holden Baroque said...

YES! Livo.

NatsFan05 said...

Viva La Liva!

Holden Baroque said...

I think Lincecum must be injured. No way he just forgets how to pitch.
I remember the days when my stomach hurt most of the time I watched our games. I like these days better.


Jane, agreed on both counts.

Holden Baroque said...

La Liva??

NatsFan05 said...

ok..livo, but just didn't fit.

Holden Baroque said...

"Vivo Livo"

?

UnkyD said...

6 innings, 93 pitches, 70 for strikes... Attaboy!!!

How's his stuff looking, Sofa?

Faraz Shaikh said...

sofa, it should be the same. I do see all five guys from Arizona on that list with at least one RBIs.

Mets are also, so are the reds and houston and brewers. I think I am gonna stop. Apparently we are not in such an exclusive club as I thought we would be.

Holden Baroque said...

He is announcing his presence with authority, Unky.

Holden Baroque said...

Brandon Belt at first for the Giants. Shouldn't we have that guy?

Faraz Shaikh said...

Very surprised to see Bochy take out his best hitters.

MicheleS said...

Umm
Update please? ??

Holden Baroque said...

Michele, Mark is doing updates above.

Holden Baroque said...

FS, 11:00 start tomorrow, which is 8 am Pacific Time. Bochy is playing now for tomorrow.

And who is going to Duffy's tomorrow?

Faraz Shaikh said...

Raining now.

Would be a great way to get our first complete game I guess.

MicheleS said...

Thanks. I figured that eith all the runs mark eas put pf the press box

Holden Baroque said...

Not raining here in Shaw, but it's raining at the ballpark pretty good, with more on the way.

Holden Baroque said...

and here comes the tarp.

Faraz Shaikh said...

oops second cg. how could I forget two-hitter by ejax and I was even there.

Holden Baroque said...

So, as long as we're on indefinite rain delay--

Duffy's. DC. Near the Green Line. Who's there tomorrow, 11:00 start?

UnkyD said...

Duffy's sounds Great!!! But I'll be on East Rutherford, plating a poolside gig... The best part? As per local tradition, I get to read The Declaration, after the second set!!!

MicheleS said...

Its raining @Wolf trap

Section 222 said...

I am starting to have flashbacks of the Cubs game last year.

The difference is that in that game the pitcher was Livo. In this one, we've got JZnn on the bump.

natsfan1a said...

I did, and posted in a prior thread. Always did enjoy watching him, except when he was beating us.

Firm Possession, My Gorsehacken Sofa said...

Did we notice Dontrelle Willis retired? Lincecum is a ways from that, still.

natsfan1a said...

No can do. I'm at the park tomorrow.

Duffy's. DC. Near the Green Line. Who's there tomorrow, 11:00 start?

natsfan1a said...

I was actually feeling bad for Timmy, too (although also enjoying the runs, of course).

Jim Zurer said...

Off topic, the Giants third baseman (just in the game), Emmanuel Burris, played high school baseball in the District at Wilson High School.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Burriss

Faraz Shaikh said...

what's the deadline for us to sign Giolito?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Rain delays stink. Early early day tomorrow. Time to put in all the reserves and send EJax back home.

CN said...

Giolito needs to agree by 7/13 (next Friday) midnight

Faraz Shaikh said...

thanks CN.

JaneB said...

This is just nuts. The umps should call it and let everyone come back tomorrow. It. Old be official, and the Giants are down so far they aren't likely to come back. Do they get some kind of extra pay for less than 12 hours turn around, or something? They just need to say goodnight.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_03_miamlb_milmlb_1&mode=box#gid=2012_07_03_miamlb_milmlb_1&mode=video

Enjoy the Brewers walkoff against Heath Bell. Philthies lost 11-1, and unfortunately the 2nd place Mets were the winner.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Just call the game.

Faraz Shaikh said...

agree, JaneB.

Faraz Shaikh said...

this is beyond stupid.

Section 222 said...

So much for getting this game over early because of the early start tomorrow morning.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

http://vimeo.com/45129212

A very nicely edited Bryce video

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Game back on in a couple of minutes.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JZim's book closes with a 1 earnie in the books, and that's how you do it people.

Why in the world is Michael Morse still in this game? Another Davey head scratcher.

NatsLady said...

Chris Sale pitching a shutout against Texas. He has a little run support, 17-0. :)

NatsLady said...

Nice video, thanks, Ghost.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JZim threw no walks. Pitched to contact when the bases were empty and got his K's when he needed them. Ended with 7 K's. ERA down to 2.70

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady said...
Nice video, thanks, Ghost.

July 03, 2012 10:31 PM


I know Boras is working on a video montage of Bryce for potential endorsement deals and advertisers. Can't wait for that to be completed.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Nice night by Danny. He just moved above Mendoza with that hit batting LH. Progress! Credit to Davey on working with him.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Watching Morse out there with a wet track doesn't make me happy.

Davey, HELLO???? Great time to put in Ankiel and Bernadina.

NatsLady said...

ESPN Stats & Info ‏@ESPNStatsInfo
With the loss, the #Phillies fall to 36-46; their first time being 10 games under .500 since July 22, 2002. Phils have lost 6 straight.


Selling yet?

NatsFan05 said...

I like the Desi, Danny line up. I think Danny is more relaxed in the 7th hole and can has really done a nice job job from the left side tonight 3 for 4 with 2 SBs.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady said...
ESPN Stats & Info ‏@ESPNStatsInfo
With the loss, the #Phillies fall to 36-46; their first time being 10 games under .500 since July 22, 2002. Phils have lost 6 straight.

Selling yet?

July 03, 2012 10:48 PM


Ruben Amaro says he's not ready to make trades. Seems like many GMs aren't ready to throw in the towel.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The DeRosa haters are now hiding.

Holden Baroque said...

It's 8-3; most of the haters are hiding.

Holden Baroque said...

Excuse me, 9-3.

Eugene in Oregon said...

Seat belts fastened, everybody?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Soul, that's a definite possibility but I think many of them don't have night time internet access in their homes from the storm damage.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Eugene, 6 run lead. 1 out to get. I'm not worried about Henry in this situation. This is LOW LOW LEVERAGE

JaneB said...

I need to be eased back into this every bit as much as Henry does. Oh my. I hope he is good.

Holden Baroque said...

It has been a sporadic series of check-ins, Ghost, that's true.

Here's hoping everybody is physically OK and families are all good.

Holden Baroque said...

Woooooooo Hooooooooooo
TM Michele

JaneB said...

Ok. That was ok. And the win was good. See you at the park in the morning!

NatsFan05 said...

Wow, we got good Henry tonight! Nice!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

This was a great team win. The Nats needed to show they could beat a 1st Place team.

Eugene in Oregon said...

100 MPHRod -- Well done!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Team is now 9-7 in JZim starts. He threw 75% strikes tonight. No walks. Also came through with another clutch hit.

NatsFan05 said...

I think I'll borrow "WOOOOHOOOO" for this win!

WOOOOHOOO!

MicheleS said...

Thanks for picking me up! WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

Phone battery died just as Henry came on. I considered it a sign. At least Good Henry vame tonight!

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