Saturday, September 29, 2012

Game 158: Nats at Cardinals

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals go for their first-ever NL East title tonight at Busch Stadium.
ST. LOUIS -- On Sept. 29, 2004, then-mayor Anthony Williams stood before a crowd at City Museum and announced Major League Baseball was returning to Washington, D.C. Though they didn't know yet what the soon-to-be-relocated Montreal Expos would be named, Williams and other officials wore red caps with a curly W logo on the front, the old Senators cap.

Exactly eight years later, a group of Washington Nationals wearing the same logo on their caps could have the opportunity to dog-pile in the middle of the diamond at Busch Stadium, celebrating their first-ever NL East crown and the first title of any kind for a D.C. baseball team since the 1933 Senators clinched tRHPhe AL pennant.

Two things must happen for that scene to play out: 1) The Nationals must defeat a hot Cardinals team that could be within one day of clinching its own postseason berth, and 2) The Braves must lose for the second consecutive night to the Mets. Both games will be taking place simultaneously, so there will be plenty of scoreboard watching from the Nats dugout.

The man on the mound trying to win this potential milestone game will be Jordan Zimmermann, a major piece of the organization's long-term building plan and certainly an appropriate pitcher to take the ball tonight. His teammates face a stiff challenge in Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.77 ERA), though the Nationals did rough up the right-hander for eight runs four weeks ago in D.C.

Buckle up, folks. This could be a night to remember. I'll have all the updates right here, so please check back...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 7:15 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 89
Weather: Clear, 67 degrees, Wind 4 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (95-62)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

CARDINALS (85-72)
CF Jon Jay
3B Matt Carpenter
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
C Yadier Molina
RF Carlos Beltran
2B Skip Schumaker
SS Pete Kozma
RHP Kyle Lohse

UMPIRES
HP Cory Blaser
1B Chris Guccione
2B Jeff Nelson (cc)
3B Bill Welke

7:16 p.m. -- We are underway on a gorgeous night in St. Louis. 63 degrees as Kyle Lohse delivers his first pitch to Jayson Werth.

7:35 p.m. -- Wow, what a top of the first. The short version: Michael Morse hit a grand slam to give the Nationals a 4-0 lead. The longer version: Morse's blast to right field was initially ruled a live ball off the top of the wall, and for the second time in two months Adam LaRoche and Co. got caught asleep on the bases. Davey Johnson came out to argue, though, and asked the umps to review the play, which they did. It quickly became obvious the ball cleared the fence and hit an advertisement behind the actual wall, so Morse was awarded the grand slam. Except the umpires made everybody return to their initial place on the bases and run around them to make sure they did everything in the proper sequence. Thus, Morse got to live out every kid's fantasy: He stood at home plate in a big-league ballpark, took a fake swing and then ran around the bases celebrating a grand slam. Unreal.

7:38 p.m. -- The only bad news: The Braves scored in the bottom of the first, so they already lead 1-0.

7:42 p.m. -- Jordan Zimmermann responds with a 14-pitch, 1-2-3 bottom of the first. Nice play by Ian Desmond on a sharp grounder up the middle.

8:00 p.m. -- Two scoreless innings now for Zimmermann, who looks sharp early. He did give up a one-out single to Yadier Molina in the bottom of the second, but no harm, no foul. This place is still buzzing about the bizarre Morse grand slam, everyone trying to figure out why exactly they made everybody re-run the bases. Still 4-0 Nats after two.

8:17 p.m. -- Things have calmed down considerably here, with Lohse settling into a groove and Zimmermann continuing to pitch well. The Braves still lead the Mets 1-0, now in the fourth.

8:35 p.m. -- Make it 2-0 Atlanta in the bottom of the fifth. Doesn't sound like the Mets have done much of anything at the plate against Mike Minor.

8:38 p.m. -- First real test of the night for Zimmermann, who had two on with nobody out in the bottom of the fourth. He responded by getting Molina to line out to third (with Zimmerman making a nice diving stab), getting Beltran to ground out to first and by striking out Schumaker. Still 4-0 after four.

8:57 p.m. -- Five scoreless innings for Zimmermann now. He's thrown 82 pitches, scattering four singles and a walk. He's really been quite sharp from the get-go. Still 4-0 as we move to the sixth.

9:11 p.m. -- Make it six scoreless for Zimmermann, who retired the side in the bottom of the sixth with ease. He's at 93 pitches (63 strikes) so we'll see if he's allowed back out for the seventh. The Braves, meanwhile, got out of a jam in the seventh, so they still lead the Mets 2-0 and are six outs away from preventing the Nats from clinching tonight.

9:22 p.m. -- A couple more baserunners for the Nats in the seventh, but still no runs since the Morse slam. So it's time to stretch in St. Louis, with Zimmermann back on the mound and the Nats still leading 4-0.

9:44 p.m. -- Keep the champagne on ice, folks. The Braves won 2-0. So the Nats can't clinch tonight.

9:47 p.m. -- On the bright side, the Nats still lead here. Barely. Zimmermann finally succumbed in the seventh, putting four straight men on base before Davey finally brought out the hook. Sean Burnett entered to face Jon Jay and surrendered a seeing-eye, RBI single, and suddenly this was a 4-3 game. Burnett clamped down, though, and got Matt Carpenter to fly out. Ryan Mattheus then entered and got Matt Holliday to fly out, ending a tense inning with the Nats clinging to a 4-3 lead as they move to the eighth.

9:54 p.m. -- The Nats still haven't scored since the first. Onto the eighth of a one-run game, and here's Tyler Clippard.

10:05 p.m. -- Wow, a big-time scoop by Desmond of Beltran's hot smash to short, starting a 6-4-3 double play to end the eighth and give Clippard reason to pump his fist. The Nats still lead 4-3 as Drew Storen warms for the ninth.

10:13 p.m. -- Here we go: Bottom of the ninth, still 4-3, Storen coming in.

10:24 p.m. -- Hold the phone. The Cardinals storm back to tie it in the bottom of the ninth on a pair of singles and a sac fly. We're going extra innings tonight.

10:42 p.m. -- Kurt Suzuki to the rescue! After Mike Matheny intentionally walked Danny Espinosa with two outs to leave two men on in the top of the 10th -- has he been watching the Nats lately? -- Suzuki responded by scorching a double off the wall in left-center. Just like that, the Nats are back up 6-4, and now Craig Stammen will enter with a chance for a save.

10:53 p.m. -- There's your ballgame. Nats win 6-4 in 10 as Stammen gets the save after Suzuki got the big hit. The magic number is down to 1. They'll go for the clinch tomorrow afternoon.

272 comments:

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natsfan1a said...

How awesome is this season? Go, Jordan! Go, NATS!!

waddu eye no said...

!!!!!!!!

Another_Sam said...

I tink tonight is the night.

Doc said...

Kyle Lohse is pitching a way over his career head.

Let's hope that his arm catches up with his head, like it did the last time we faced him!!

GoooooooooHarps!!!! GooooooNats!!!!

Michael Dempsey said...

If we do not clinch today we could clinch tomorrow which is the anniversary of the final game for the Senators: Sept. 30, 1971.

Short Stinks!

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

Exactly eight years later, a group of Washington Nationals wearing the same logo on their caps could have the opportunity to dog-pile in the middle of the diamond at Busch Stadium, celebrating their first-ever NL East crown and the first title of any kind for a D.C. baseball team since the 1933 Senators clinched the AL pennant.

You really need to quit assuming this is going to happen tonight, Mark. You know what they say about assuming things. It's much more likely that the Nationals will be coming home having to clinch on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday against the Phillies, at the very same time they're celebrating the legacy of a mascot famed for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. What could possibly go wrong?

SonnyG10 said...

Ok, Nats, let's knock down the magic number again tonight. GYFNG!!!

original Nats Fan said...

Cards are tough, but the Nats can win this one.
And go, Mets!

natsfan1a said...

He's not assuming it's going to happen tonight. He's saying it's possible for it to happen tonight, which is true with the magic number at 2.

Steady Eddie said...

As someone who (along with my future wide) graduated from the high school bearing the name of the original Nats' greatest player, only four months before my much-loved expansion Senators final game, I have long been taught by baseball events to be cautious and recognize the potential for disappointment until the fat lady sings.

Nonetheless, I think, Feel Wood, that "you really need to quit" telling our esteemed host here what he should or shouldn't write.

He wrote "could have the opportunity", which is entirely true as it's conditional and not an assumption.

How many qualifiers do you want him to pile on here?

I'm going to take some circumspect enjoyment out of the potential of the evening in the midst of a thrilling roller coaster of a season, and if the magic number is greater than zero tomorrow morning, look forward hopefully to tomorrow's games.

Steady Eddie said...

Meanwhile, the Jays have held on to beat the Yanks, which I'm going to take as a good omen for the defeat tonight of long-dominant teams in the NL.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Kilgore calls this the Nats rubber stamp lineup. Time for Espinosa to get another shot of something!

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

Nonetheless, I think, Feel Wood, that "you really need to quit" telling our esteemed host here what he should or shouldn't write.

He wrote "could have the opportunity", which is entirely true as it's conditional and not an assumption.


He's been predicting potential clinch scenarios (incorrectly, I might add) every day for a week. I told him ONCE that he should quit doing that. Lighten up, Francis.

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

He's not assuming it's going to happen tonight. He's saying it's possible for it to happen tonight, which is true with the magic number at 2.

He's got the lede for his story written already, and has published it already. That's no better than the store that was already selling Nationals Division Champion T-shirts.

natsfan1a said...

Speaking of which, I don't mind saying that those things were pretty danged ugly, imho. I like the Natitude ones better. :-)

That's no better than the store that was already selling Nationals Division Champion T-shirts.

LoveDaNats said...

I understand, Feel Wood, to want something so bad you are afraid to hope for it for fear of being disappointed. I'm not saying that's how you're feeling but this last week of baseball has been about as tense as it gets. And we're not even in the playoffs yet! What a mess I will be. But, it " hurts so good" watching these games, ( even stinkers like last night).
Go boys! I'd love for them to clinch tonight but secretly hope its Tuesday at Nats park when I'm there. :)

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ryan Howard just dropped the weighted warm-up bat on his foot and broke it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

In more disappointing news, David Wright wont play tomorrow vs Kris Medlen.

natsfan1a said...

I should perhaps clarify that I only know that because I saw a story about it that included a picture of said shirt, which I did not attempt to purchase. :-)

Speaking of which, I don't mind saying that those things were pretty danged ugly, imho. I like the Natitude ones better. :-)

natsfan1a said...

Ouch. I think maybe if one looked up "snake-bit" in the dictionary, his picture would be there.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ryan Howard just dropped the weighted warm-up bat on his foot and broke it.
September 29, 2012 4:31 PM

natsfan1a said...

Oof, not me. I want it to happen sooner rather than later. I don't need to be there. (Hi, Davey!) kaithxbai. :-)

I'd love for them to clinch tonight but secretly hope its Tuesday at Nats park when I'm there. :)

Section 222 said...

If you're going to complain about writing the lede for a story in advance, you probably think it's wrong for him to write his Instant Analysis during the 8th and 9th innings so he can post it immediately after the last out. And who knows what you think about having a 10,000 word obituary of a notable person in the can so it can be published the day after he or she dies.

Lots of us have been enjoying talking about clinching scenarios for the few weeks. zregime first wrote "We got this" on Sept. 5. I said "the Phillies are toast" on Sept. 6. Neither bit of optimism has had the least bit of effect on what has actually transpired.

Our magic number is 2. I'm enjoying this, just like I've enjoyed this entire month of September baseball, the first time we've played meaningful baseball in that month since I started following this team in 2005

baseballswami said...

I keep thinking that, for once, I just want something to be easy. I want the Nats to dominate throughout the game so there is no stress. I want the Braves to be waay behind their entire game so there is no stress. But, then I think - that's just not how we roll. If there is not adrenaline and extreme nail-biting, then it's just not a Nats game. But, maybe, just for one golden night? Maybe? Nah - don't count on it. It's the hard way, every step of the way, for us I fear. Go Nats -- scratch and claw and grind and battle. Starting pitchers have been terrifying in September. Would love some nice Nats Bats!

waddu eye no said...

Wow. Must have been wearing steel toed sneakers to break a weighted bat.

Oh, wait. I get it

Gyfng

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I hope they win the East on a win -- and not two Braves losses. Go Nats.

baseballswami said...

natsfan1a - that Ryan Howard thing - is that today? Did that actually happen? Talk about snake bit. The guy could barely run at all this season as it is.

NatsNut said...

Oh fer goodness sakes, Feel Wood, now you're being silly.

Mark is a WRITER not a fan. So what if he has his lede already written? He's not predicting anything. From 10 days ago on, we ALL have been looking forward to the next day we could clinch fercryingoutloud. What the he** else is he gonna talk about?! The bullpen catcher?

Not to mention the fact that through tweets, in-game updates, previews, instant analyses, etc., he gives us about 10 stories a day. Just cuz you're a little tense doesn't mean Mark is doing his job wrong. Sheesh.

baseballswami said...

NatsFan SS -- I agree - I want no backing into it. That being said -- it just galls me that it's going to take more than 95 freaking wins to take the division. Some of these other teams have clinched with way fewer. Our division is a beast.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Yes, Mike Dempsey: may Bob Short rot in Baseball Hell where all the t.v.'s are tuned into Soccer and NBA games 24/7/eternity

NatsFanSinceStart said...

To Natsfan: I know what you mean. I was there two thursdays ago when we clinched the playoff berth -- that was some kinda fun. Clinching the division would be a multiple of 100 that.

waddu eye no said...

Mark -
Is shameless self promo allowed? If not , delete thus:

http://www.mutualinspirations.org/events/forman-s-triumph-amadeus/

See me sing a free post game opera

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

If you're going to complain about writing the lede for a story in advance, you probably think it's wrong for him to write his Instant Analysis during the 8th and 9th innings so he can post it immediately after the last out. And who knows what you think about having a 10,000 word obituary of a notable person in the can so it can be published the day after he or she dies.

I don't care if he writes it or even storyboards it in advance. He shouldn't be publishing it in advance. If nothing else, that's a sure guarantee that whatever he's written will likely prove irrelevant.

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

And on E-Jax, you're entitled to your opinion, but do you really think our rotation this year would have been as good with Lannan for the full year instead of E-Jax?

Take a look at Jackson's line for this season and compare it with Lannan's lines for his last couple of full seasons. Jackson's line is no better, so yes, I would say Lannan could easily have done what Jackson did.

If Rizzo thought that Lannan was as good as E-Jax, he could have had him in the bigs and saved the Lerners $11 million plus the cost of Lannan's bus tickets back and forth to Syracuse. I don't think their respective performances this year have changed his assessment.

Rizzo didn't sign Jackson because he was unsure of what Lannan could do. He signed him because he was unsure of Detwiler. I don't fault him for signing Jackson. It was a good move. But that doesn't mean that he automatically needs to keep him.

Joe Seamhead said...

Wow. I'm sure gonna be glad when it's not so snarly in here.
Bartender! Chill pills all around.
Back to the smoker. Pulled pork soon come. Just like the NL East title.
GYFNG,!!!

natsfan1a said...

I don't know. I was responding to Ghost, who posted it.

baseballswami said...

natsfan1a - that Ryan Howard thing - is that today? Did that actually happen? Talk about snake bit. The guy could barely run at all this season as it is.
September 29, 2012 4:43 PM

natsfan1a said...

Found it. Ryan Howard link. Again, ouch.

NatsLady said...

MLB ‏@MLB
Ryan Howard broke toe when he dropped pipe he swings in on deck circle. @Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he won't play again this year.

Doc said...

Thanks for the up-date on Ryan Howard, Steve M.!

Who switched the extra-weighted bat, must have been a Nats' fan???

natsfan1a said...

I like diet Dr. Pepper, NatsLady. :-)

Steady Eddie said...

Joe, I've been taking various "stuff" for a bad back -- caused by lugging 19 cases of wine and beer to, and hours of dancing at my daughter's wedding last Saturday -- so I've been fairly successful at feeling no pain.

But if you could send over some of that pulled pork, I do have some Dominion Ale left in the fridge I could share.... ;-)


Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Michael Dempsey said...

"If we do not clinch today we could clinch tomorrow which is the anniversary of the final game for the Senators: Sept. 30, 1971.

Short Stinks!"

Addendum:

Short STILL Stinks

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

The Perrier is on ice. Six words:

Let's Go Nats!

Let's Go Mets!

And (More Words): GYFNG!!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Ryan Howard is either the dumbest player in baseball (a competition with multiple worthy candidates), or the unluckiest.

Kevin said...

Did anyone else notice that former Nat Shawn Hill got the win for the Blue Jays over the Yankees today?

natsfan1a said...

Did not see that. Did see something about him pitching in a WBC qualifier last week. Atta way, Shawn.

natsfan1a said...

Story about Hill's going from WBC game to bigs.

m20832 said...

Let's Gitterdunn Boys of October!

GYFNG!!!

natsfan1a said...

Of course Svrluga, who, uh, really admired Hill's sinker, would be right on top of it. :-)

Barry Svrluga ‏@barrysvrluga

Old-time Nats fans: star-crossed RHP Shawn Hill -- he of 2 TJ surgeries and countless mysterious ailments -- won a major league game today.

Anonymous said...

Kevin said...
Did anyone else notice that former Nat Shawn Hill got the win for the Blue Jays over the Yankees today?

September 29, 2012 5:28 PM

-----------------------------------------------

WOW!

peric said...

Kilgore calls this the Nats rubber stamp lineup. Time for Espinosa to get another shot of something!

I should check and see if Natsfarm Brian Oliver weighed in on Rendon playing 2nd in the AZ fall league.

I wonder ... perhaps Danny would prefer to play shortstop? And has made that known through the appropriate channels? Perhaps that's why?

Shawn Hill? Former Nats assistant GM there ... he seems to covet the Nats talent reservoir at times.

peric said...

But that doesn't mean that he automatically needs to keep him.

Actually, they could use another left-hander. I think Drew mentioned David Price. Have to admit if Rizzo is going for someone this offseason I would think he'd be the guy. Three lefties against the Phillies and the Brave ... three power pitcher potential Cy Young lefties.

But, I guess we'll see.

peric said...

Addendum:

Short STILL Stinks


He's deceased but his evil spectre haunts Angelos.
And Angelos definitely still stinks.

NatsNut said...

Yay for Shawn Hill! I wonder if he remembers us from NJ.

;)

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ryan Howard looks old before his time.

mick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mick said...

I know this has been brought up here before and both Phil Wood and Cue-ball head (I love Mike, just having fun)have discussed this from both a sentimental standpoint and a public relations one.

The Nationals need to invite on the house, all the old timers who are still alive ( I have heard about 6 to 8 from 1933 and one from 1925) who attended the last Nats World Series games. Have them on the filed prior to the game and announce them over the PA by name, tell them that you boys or gals of many summer ago have finally come home, have them sit behind the Nats dugout. That would truly be a "Night to Remember" and there would not be a dry in Nats Park

Section 222 said...

Shawn Hill is also Canadian. That might be why the Blue Jays were interested in him, as opposed to Nats envy.

We can dream about adding David Price to the rotation, but he won't be a free agent until 2016. I doubt any of us would be willing to give up what the Rays would undoubtedly ask for to give up such a valuable player. Probably more than the A's did for Gio.

mick said...

peric I curse Bob Short for all time, and when I move on, hopefully many, many years from now, I will boot him in his ass, lol

mick said...

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...
Michael Dempsey said...

"If we do not clinch today we could clinch tomorrow which is the anniversary of the final game for the Senators: Sept. 30, 1971.


Now that would be fitting as I just got chills!!!

Theophilus T. S. said...

Ryan Howard is gettin' paid until he qualifies for social security (2018 or something like that).
Don't cry for him, Argentina.

MicheleS said...

Ok tonight 2 rows behind nats dugout. I am sitting ride behind KristinaAkra

natsfan1a said...

Have fun, MicheleS!

Anonymous said...

It was Mr. Howard, in the on deck circle, with the lead pipe.

natsfan1a said...

LOL, Tom. I suppose that Col. Mustard (a flamethrower) was on the mound. :-)

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Mick no way I will kick Bob Short's rear when I die.nor will you I assume as I will make it heaven and know no way Short will be there.

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

We can dream about adding David Price to the rotation, but he won't be a free agent until 2016. I doubt any of us would be willing to give up what the Rays would undoubtedly ask for to give up such a valuable player.

Give them Rendon, Detwiler and a couple of lower prospects. That should be plenty.

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

MicheleS said...

Ok tonight 2 rows behind nats dugout. I am sitting ride behind KristinaAkra


Then you'll be the one not yelling "down in front."

MicheleS said...

Wearing gio blue t shirt

JaneB said...

Phew! Got my GYFNG in under the wire.

And I'll be looking for you MichelleS! What a perfectly timed trip!

NatsNut said...

Okay folks. Hold on tight cuz here we go.

NatsNut said...

Oh yea. GYFNG!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Get harper in

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ok morse no double play

Swift Eagle said...

Sure looked like a tater...

Swift Eagle said...

Hit the Energizer sign...Grand Slam

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Hr

Swift Eagle said...

What ever happened to the yellow lines on top of the fences...It's so hard to see a HR with these new fences...

Swift Eagle said...

HAHA!!! Hilarious

JaneB said...

Oh, I hope this makes Edwin feel better!

Swift Eagle said...

Now I've seen everything

Swift Eagle said...

Apparently the Nats had to play shadow ball to get credit for the Grand Slam!

Eugene in Oregon said...

Mr. Morse should have gone back to the left-handed batter's box and then tried to get credit (half credit?) for a switch-hit home run.

Swift Eagle said...

Haha...if he really had to "rewind" back to home plate, shouldn't Morse have been running backwards?

Steady Eddie said...

Usually Cards fans are better tempered than to boo at such a juncture but it's understandable under those bizarre circumstances. If I was a Cards fan there I' be saying WTF?

But it looks like a lot of empty seats for a big game like this at this point in the season.

bluejeener said...

Still laughing my ass off at the charades home run. There is some kind of karmic message there, but it eludes me.

MicheleS said...

That grand slam was ridiculous!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I am old man with bad eyes and saw the ricochet and called it a homer way early . Just figured umps would hose us.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

96 Runs for Harper

Steady Eddie said...

Swift -- that would be funny but you fon't want to mess with umps who are so confused.

Did they even make the HR sign? Or did the Beast have to do his little pantomime first?

Crazy.

But of course we'll all VERY happily take that any game!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Might have been most pathetic swing of season by Suzuki

Drew said...

Bryce Harper's historic season, continued: With his first inning single, he caught Hall of Famers Al Kaline and George Davis in base hits. He could catch another Hall of Famer tonight.

Hits in year 19 season:

1. Buddy Lewis, 175, for 1936 Nats
2. Bob Kennedy, 150, for 1940 Chisox
3. Robin Yount, 149, for 1975 Brewers
4. Mel Ott, 140, for 1928 Giants
5. Bryce Harper, 139, for 2012 Nats
(Tie) Al Kaline, 139, for 1954 Tigers
George Davis, 139, for 1890 Cleveland Spiders

Swift Eagle said...

You're right Eddie, don;t want to confuse the umps..

They made the HR sign when Morse returned to the batters box, and the other runners returned to their bases...

Anonymous said...

Lohse at 48 pitches in 2 innings.

NatsLady said...

Who said David Wright wasn't playing? I see him on Gameday.

Swift Eagle said...

Pitching with a lead, Jordan needs to keep throwing strikes and make them earn it..StL is a good hitting team and will score some runs, just can't give them free base runners...He looks promising so far

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Still scared to death of the Cards hitting.

Swift Eagle said...

You're right MNF, StL can hit...but I know you hate walks even more! Lol

Jordan has to throw strikes, and understand that good hitters will smack some of them...

NatsLady said...

Part Barfs, part politics. Don't click if it offends you.

tomahawk-chop-massachusetts

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/more/09/29/tomahawk-chop-massachusetts.ap/index.html?eref=twitter_feed

Swift Eagle said...

Thanks for the link Nats Lady...Maybe it's just me, but I've always thought that if you are against The Chop (or the Wave), then just don't participate...

I mean, imagine all the poor sharks who are offended when Roger Bernadina enters a game at Nats Park...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Nats Lady they said no Wright tomorrow.

Walks before hits my pet peeve for sure.

Walk 8 or 9 batters biggest crime

ehay2k said...

Missed last night's game an no way was I going back to read the game thread. Had this game on DVR and still can't get over the HR pantomime by Morse. Never seen anything like that before.

GYFNG!

I have a sparkling beverage in the fridge, just in case...

Unknown said...

Did FP just say J Zim is one of the fastest guys on the team? He met have meant pitchers

Holden Baroque said...

And if they clinch tonight or tomorrow, that Phillies series won't be a problem because the Phillies are eliminated and the Nats have already clinched.

I think I read that somewhere, in some prediction...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Keep going Jordan.

A DC Wonk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Holden Baroque said...

Znn was a wide receiver in college, I think, and then again, they aren't overloaded with burners, exactly, so maybe 6th fastest guy on the Nats isn't that big a deal.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Sec, yes JZim was a wide receiver.

A DC Wonk said...

Late to the party, but, Feel Wood, I think you are 100% "off base" on the above.

I think it's essentially obligatory that, when the magic number reaches two at the start of a day (where both teams -- i.e., the Nats and Braves are playing), that writers point out that "today could be the day they clinch."

Because, after all, it is the first day all season where one can make that statement, which happens to be 100% true.

And, for that reason, any good reporter should point that out, no?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Nats need add-on runs!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Lead off man on . again.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

We sre getting balls over the middle of the plate and not bothering to swing.

we are wasting lead off hits

Holden Baroque said...

All right, if we're still weighing in, I gotta go contrarian here, and side with FeelWood. He was half in jest, for one thing; for another, Mark's a big boy, he can take a light-hearted shot like that, I'm sure, and sleep fine tonight; and, how to say this ... you have to consider the source.

Exposremains said...

Bob could really do a better job at hiding how much he loves his Cards. You'd think all of their players are HOF.

NatsLady said...

Some love for Alfonso Soriano. Interesting situation for the Cubbies.

alfonso-sorianos-resurgence-gives-cubs-a-quandary

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/sports/baseball/alfonso-sorianos-resurgence-gives-cubs-a-quandary.html?_r=1&

Steady Eddie said...

I don't mind the rookie HP ump giving Lohse his corners -- except that he's blatantly squeezing JZimm on even better pitches.

Yet he's still got 47 strikes on 72 pitches.

NatsLady said...

Analysis of Edwin Jackson's prospects.

free-agent-stock-watch-edwin-jackson

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/09/free-agent-stock-watch-edwin-jackson.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Steady Eddie said...

Nice to see Lohse K on 3 foul bunts when JZimm laid down such a slick SB in his last AB.

ehay2k said...

Oh Espi, please lay off those too-high heaters! He looks to me to be pressing again.

NatsNut said...

Steady, that sentence had more acronyms than a federal agency. LOL Funny that we all know what it means too.

Unknown said...

Oh Danny! Will u ever lay off the hi heat?

Another_Sam said...

IMHO LOL 2

ehay2k said...

Coke coming my way from Scott!

Unknown said...

Lol. I was on dvr 10 min behind. I do owe a coke or beer though

NatsNut said...

I 'm listening to Charlie and Dave and I cracked up when Morse went back to mime his home run because Charlie instantly made the call as if it just happened again. I just watched the video replay and I'm cracking up all over again because Bob did the exact same thing.

Swift Eagle said...

Abe Lincoln called, wants Muijica to give back the beard...

Swift Eagle said...

Lead off hit by J Bay in the 8th...

Swift Eagle said...

Braves turn 2, Oh well...

Drew said...

Harper's 140th hit ties Mel Ott for fourth best by a 19-year-old.

NatsLady said...

Bout time for Kimbrell to take a BS+Loss. C'mon Mets.

Swift Eagle said...

That looked like it hit the ball person in foul territory...Should have been a GR Double

Swift Eagle said...

Ah, Maybe not

ehay2k said...

Did someone put the the strike zone in the dryer? It sure looks like it has shrunk.

Melissa Rabey said...

Have no idea why Davey's letting Zimmermann stay in. After giving up the double to Kozma, it seems like bringing in Burnett would have been wiser.

[tries not to bite nails]

NatsLady said...

What was Davey waiting for? Mades it hard on Burnett.

Swift Eagle said...

Atl TV guys just said "If Stl gets it to the Nats bullpen, funny things will happen"....

Melissa Rabey said...

Aiiiiiiiieeeeee.

Do not panic do not panic do not panic . . .

Unknown said...

Damn it. We gotta hit middle innings better. Like a rerun

NatsNut said...

Oh gawd.

mick said...

I really do not have a problem with Zim staying in... my problem is with the GARBAGE in blue calling balls and strikes, once again another punk umpire with little man's disease trying to dictate a well played game, I am so sick of it!

On the Nats end, I think Espi and Desi can give better efforts at bat, especially Espi

Swift Eagle said...

Kimbrel just hit Wright and the umpire with the same pitch!

NatsLady said...

Not understanding this. Collings put Ike Davis in????

mick said...

we need to take care of our own business, who cares what Braves do

JaneB said...

My stomach hurts.

NatsLady said...

And Davis strikes out. What a surprise.

Swift Eagle said...

Over in Atl

Swift Eagle said...

Nats can still clinch a tie tonight

NatsLady said...

End of story in NY. Our turn. Good job Matthues. We NEED some insurance runs!!!!

mick said...

no problem with Burnett or Matthues or with Davey leaving in Zim.... Umpire is TERRIBLE!!

Espi and Desi need to contribute some offense

Unknown said...

Ok...which commercial is the worst? Miracle hair, Scott's turf (hate that guy) or WB Mason (creepy)

Exposremains said...

Kimbrel is good but he also gets a huge strike zone.

Swift Eagle said...

I sure hope playing all these cupcakes late in the year hurts Atl...

They got Miami without Stanton, Mets without Dickey.... It felt like Dickey pitched EVERY Nats game this year...

NatsNut said...

I couldn't watch. I had to walk away and go wash my face and brush my teeth. Whew.

mick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ehay2k said...

Two called strikes on Duda showed to be away.

In our game, strike zone has changed the other way. Crazy HR reversal, then stop in the Nats dugout tomtalk about it before they call it. Then the rewind to get the bases loaded and the pantomime swing. Geez! Now we know where the replacement NFL reps went.

JaneB said...

Mitchell Boggs walks a little like Drew does.

mick said...

speaking of garbage behind the plate, you should see the called strike on Adam Jones in O's game.... maybe one of the worse calls this season... Jones was about to deck the clown.

JaneB said...

The political commercial are the worst, IMO, Scott.

mick said...

ehay2k lol, the clown that called a TD is behind the plate tonight in ST Louis

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

The problem starts in the 8th. Clipboard.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Panic? Why?

MicheleS said...

Just so you know they are starting the wave here

Swift Eagle said...

Haha...They're as regular as the mail....

mick said...

Scott Margenau said...
Ok...which commercial is the worst? Miracle hair, Scott's turf (hate that guy) or WB Mason (creepy)

so I am not the only one, lol fr some reason I think of Penn State when I see the WB Mason commercial

Jane Elizabeth said...

A win tonight clinches the division title for the Nats.

Swift Eagle said...

Nats can clinch a tie with a win

mick said...

Desi and Espi are disappearing ... this is major concern now

Jane Elizabeth said...

I used to like Scott's until I found out they were political. What a mistake.

mick said...

Swift.... how? i thought it was 2 games and a win tonight now would make it 1

Jane Elizabeth said...

A tie for the division means the Nats would have to lose two home games back to back to miss the play-offs.

Swift Eagle said...

Magic number was 2 to CLINCH...The Braves have 66 losses, so the most they can win is 96 games...Nats currently have 95...

JaneB said...

MichelleS, HELP THEM! That can only hurt their team. Idiots. But I'm glad they are.

Swift Eagle said...

Nats have already clinched the playoffs

mick said...

Swift... but would there not be a playoff game between Braves-Nat with tie?

Swift Eagle said...

Yes, so the Nats would clinch a tie for the Division with a win tonight...

Jane Elizabeth said...

There would be, in Washington since we kicked their asses in the regular season head to head.

Drew said...

OK Tyler, put the cover sheet on your T.F.S. reports.

JaneB said...

This used to be so much easier when I was rooting for the Mets in the near-post-season. I didn't love them as much as I love the Nats, though. Or else I had a lot more wine then. I do like that FP keeps reminding us this is what it's like, and enjoy it. Because it bumps me out of my tension.
C'mon Typler!

Swift Eagle said...

A great pitch, but what was Tyler doing? Get out of the way!

Swift Eagle said...

A clear Strike 3 on Pitch F/X...

Steady Eddie said...

That strike three was disgusting to not be called considering everything Logse got.

This ump is a dolt.

Exposremains said...

wheres that pitch. horrible umpiring.

ehay2k said...

Strike zone has shifted up and to the right (pitcher's perspective)

Jane Elizabeth said...

That's the way I used to do it....

Exposremains said...

I hope he doesn't get tenure

Drew said...

Sweet, fancy Rawlings!

Steady Eddie said...

Well, at least Druuu is hot and will face the bottom of the Cards order in the ninth.

Still want some insurance runs, but having Good Clip out there was a huge momentum changer.

C'mon Gooner!

Swift Eagle said...

Man, every guy in the StL pen throws serious gas...

ehay2k said...

Feel Wood with the LoD comment even before Clip threw a pitch.

Swift Eagle said...

Haha...and total silence when it was 4-0 ehay...

Jane Elizabeth said...

You guys who keep bashing Harper....

Jane Elizabeth said...

Harper really needs to be benched, yeah, that's the ticket....

Swift Eagle said...

Buckle Up...

NatsLady said...

The Kid is amazing. Never say die. OK, Drew, your turn now. Clip did his job.

JaneB said...

Shark!

Swift Eagle said...

Haha..Go ahead and catch the ball above your waist there Roger...Yikes!

Jane Elizabeth said...

Storen's stats have gone through the roof, or is that the floor, the last month, almost without notice until now....

Steady Eddie said...

McCutch just hit a walk off against the Reds so a Nats win tonite gets the top seed back for now....

Just Hopin'.

Unknown said...

Come on Dru!!!

NatsNut said...

WODL, now you're just arguing with yourself. Who said Bryce needs to be benched?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Fly fishing can be great exercise and very relaxing at the same time....

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