Monday, October 1, 2012

Game 160: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Nationals Park hosts the potential NL East clincher tonight.
If they had their druthers, the Nationals would have popped the champagne corks over the weekend in St. Louis. That, obviously, didn't happen but it does present a nice opportunity to clinch the NL East title at home in front of their own fans.

Officially, the Nationals have four shots to win one home game: three against the Phillies, then (in a worst-case scenario) a tiebreaker game Thursday against the Braves. Needless to say, they would really prefer to finish this thing tonight and not subject themselves to anymore torture.

John Lannan is on the mound, hoping to duplicate his solid start in Philadelphia last week. He'llLannan be up against a Phillies lineup without Ryan Howard or Jimmy Rollins. And his teammates will go up against Kyle Kendrick (who they knocked out in the third inning last week at Citizens Bank Park).

If you've got tickets to the game, hope you enjoy the experience. If you're watching at home, be sure to check back here for updates and analysis throughout...

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Cloudy, 64 degrees, Wind 6 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (96-63)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP John Lannan

PHILLIES (80-79)
3B Kevin Frandsen
CF John Mayberry
2B Chase Utley
C Carlos Ruiz
1B Ty Wigginton
RF Domonic Brown
LF Darin Ruf
SS Michael Martinez
RHP Kyle Kendrick

UMPIRES
HP Gerry Davis (cc)
1B Manny Gonzalez
2B Greg Gibson
3B Phil Cuzzi

7:05 p.m. -- Meaningful October baseball in Washington is underway. John Lannan, who got the biggest ovation of anyone in pregame intros, fires a strike to Kevin Frandsen to get this one started. Fans still streaming into the park. It won't be a sellout, but it's going to be a good-sized crowd.

7:11 p.m. -- A solid first inning for Lannan. He gave up a leadoff single to Frandsen but immediately erased him with a 1-6-3 double play. Chase Utley then flew out to left to end a 12-pitch inning and bring the Nats to the plate.

7:20 p.m. -- A 1-2-3 inning for Kyle Kendrick, who got Jayson Werth to ground out, Bryce Harper to pop out and Ryan Zimmerman to ground out.

7:29 p.m. -- Uh-oh, that didn't look good. Darin Ruf's two-run triple into the deepest corner of left-center was bad enough, but potentially worse was Harper slamming into the fence trying to make the catch. He hunched over for a few moments and looked shaken up, but he remained in the game. Lannan, meanwhile, managed to strand Ruf at third with one out, but the Nats now trail 2-0 as we move to the bottom of the second.

7:44 p.m. -- The Nats gave themselves a chance in the bottom of the second, putting runners on second and third with two outs. But they were victimized by their spot in the lineup. With Kurt Suzuki at the plate, Carlos Ruiz held up four fingers and intentionally walked his counterpart to load the bases for Lannan, who grounded into a fielder's choice on the first pitch. So it's still 2-0 as we go to the third.

7:59 p.m. -- Another double-play grounder induced by Lannan off Mayberry's bat in the top of the third, but his teammates haven't been able to do anything yet against Kendrick, who retired the side in the bottom of the inning. Meanwhile, the Braves just took a 1-0 lead on the Pirates in the top of the third.

8:11 p.m. -- Well, the Phillies have had Lannan on the ropes tonight and had him close to a knockout punch in the top of the fourth when they loaded the bases with one out. But then the lefty got Michael Martinez to rap a sharp grounder to first, and LaRoche took care of everything else. He stepped on the bag, then fired home to complete a sweet 3-2 double play and keep this a 2-0 game in the middle of the fourth. Even better news: The Pirates have tied it up at PNC Park. Now 1-1 in the fourth.

8:19 p.m. -- No, Lannan hasn't been sharp so far. But it wouldn't matter if he was perfect, because the Nats' lineup has done nothing against Kendrick. Only two of the 15 batters they've sent to the plate have gotten the ball out of the infield. He's retired the last seven batters, all on groundballs. Still 2-0 after four.

8:29 p.m. -- Nice job by Lannan in the top of the fifth. He struck out Utley to end the frame and keep this a 2-0 game. At 80 pitches and due up third in the bottom of the inning, that might be it for him. Craig Stammen continues to warm in the pen.

8:40 p.m. -- This ballpark desperately wants a reason to explode, but the Nats just aren't giving them the opportunity. The place really perked up in the bottom of the fifth, first when the scoreboard showed the Pirates taking a 2-1 lead on the Braves on Starling Marte's homer, then even more when Kurt Suzuki went first to third (?!) on an errant pickoff throw. But with Suzuki on third and two out, Werth took a 2-2 slider on the insider corner to kill the rally. Onto the sixth...

8:47 p.m. -- A dominant top of the sixth from Stammen, who struck out the side. Impressive stuff. Figure he's back out for the seventh. Now, if the Nats could plate a run or two against Kendrick...

8:59 p.m. -- Another great chance for the Nats in the bottom of the sixth, with Harper doubling and then taking a big risk to tag up and advance to third on Zimmerman's popup to second base/shallow right field. But LaRoche popped up on the first pitch he saw and Morse (after getting a gift on a check swing that should've been strike three) struck out looking at a 3-2 pitch. Pretty much everyone but Harper is playing nervous, trying to do too much right now. Still 2-0 after six.

9:06 p.m. -- Make it six batters faced, six batters struck out by Stammen. What a performance in a huge spot. Still 2-0 at the seventh-inning stretch.

9:15 p.m. -- And still nothing for the Nats lineup against Kendrick, who retired the side in the bottom of the seventh and got Suzuki on a check-swing to end the inning. Still 2-0 as we go the eighth. The Pirates, meanwhile, still lead the Braves 2-1 after seven, with Jeff Locke and Jeff Karstens holding Atlanta to two hits so far.

9:40 p.m. -- Another opportunity squandered in the bottom of the eighth, with Zimmerman and LaRoche failing to drive in the tying or go-ahead run. But the Braves are now down to their last three outs, so the Nats are on the verge of backdooring their way to the division title.

9:46 p.m. -- It's over in Pittsburgh. The Braves lose 2-1. The Nats are NL East champs!

9:53 p.m. -- It's over here, too. The Nats lose 2-0. But nobody cares.

246 comments:

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alm said...

Heading to the park soon - not soon enough, but I feel guilty. When I sat down to watch the game yesterday with my wife I said "I hope they clinch tomorrow when I am at the Park". She was shocked and said - "so you are rooting against them?" I said of course I wasn't but it would be nice to be in that moment when they clinch. So blam me - not Det - for yesterday. I promise I will never be selfish again oh baseball gods, just let me off the hook this once and let them win TONIGHT.

Go Nats

natsfan1a said...

Uh, your lineup has Gio.

alm said...

Gio Gio Gio

Jim Webster said...

Sec 103 here we come.

natsfan1a said...

As a matter of fact, I do have tix, and I'm really, really hoping to enjoy the game, if you know what I mean. (wink wink. nudge nudge.)

John-Boy, if you could reach back and pull out a start that will put us in line for a curly w tonight, it would be ever so awesome. I know you have it in you. All y'all position players can help out there, too, with your gloves and bats. Which is not to forget our wonderful bullpen. Oh, and our super duper manager. (Hi, Davey!)

Go, Na-ats; it's my birthday.
Go, Na-ats; it's my birthday.

(no, really, it is) :-)

Section 222 said...

And it sounded like they would have to be eliminated on or before the play-in game in order for all the processing to take place to stop that 10/10 billing.

That's alot of money for them to make interest on for a month until the refunds kick in. So be it. Seeing those World Series tickets "in the flesh" will be worth it, even if we don't make it that far... this time.

Steady Eddie said...

Interesting -- no Rollins, and Wigginton at 1B instead of moving Ruf to his natural position. I guess it's better for the Phils than moving Ty to LF.

;-)

MicheleS said...

GO NATS! GO BATS! GO JOHN!

WE GOT THIS!

and Happy Birthday 1A.

Doc said...

Poor old Suzuki, this is his 9th or 10th game in a row. The guy needs a break, even though he's been swinging a hot bat lately.

alm said...

Zuke can rest Nov. 2

Go Nats!

Doc said...

Some of the posted lineups for tonight's game have Lannan, others have Gio!

What gives??????

NatsLady said...

Game 160. Hard to believe.

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

That's alot of money for them to make interest on for a month until the refunds kick in. So be it. Seeing those World Series tickets "in the flesh" will be worth it, even if we don't make it that far... this time.

Yet another reason many STH probably made the decision not to buy extra postseason strips to try to cash in on the secondary market. Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.

sm13 said...

Looking forward to being there in person for some Nats history. Go Nats!

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

Doc said...

Some of the posted lineups for tonight's game have Lannan, others have Gio!


Lannan will be wearing #47 tonight to try and fake out the Phillies. If necessary he may even take a header at some point during the game.

Doc said...

The hard part for Lannan will be his attempt at duplicating the cocked hat and the hairdoo.

Also, nobody can take a header like Gio!

natsfan1a said...

They're working on his 'do even as we speak. :-)

Section 222 said...

Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.

That hasn't seemed to stop the entrepreneurs from putting them up. Good seats in the Infield Gallery available for Game 1 in DC, whenever that is, starting at $125 and going up to $500.

natsfan1a said...

Should be heading out in another half hour or so. You may wish to cover your ears now. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! Okay, I'm good.

ehay2k said...

LOL Feel Wood! If LannEn takes aheader,then we KNOW he reads this blog.

Happy Birthday Natsfan1a - I hope you get your birthday wish!

Mark Z. - Really? You sold us short here. Why can we not be AT the game and ALSO check back for updates, and even to post? We do have those fancy wireless typewriters, you know. (MicheleS has one that works in St. Louis!!)

And, as others have noted, there is a different lefty starting.

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

Section 222 said...

Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.

That hasn't seemed to stop the entrepreneurs from putting them up.


Yes, but if you sell tickets on StubHub via the Nationals STH site, you pay less service charge and can transfer the tickets with one click electronically, which is how buyers like to get them. Mailing physical tickets is a hassle and makes your tickets for sale less desirable.

natsfan1a said...

Not me, as I have a not-so-smart phone. Usually the best I can do is send out the odd random text to buddies and do my player of the game vote. :-)

Thanks on the b'day wishes.

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

Doc said...

The hard part for Lannan will be his attempt at duplicating the cocked hat and the hairdoo.


You overestimate the Phillies. They're not that smart.

Theophilus T. S. said...

A lineup w/out Howard defeats the advantage Lannan "might" have. On the other hand, there's no alternative.

Gonat said...

We are bringing a large group tonight and meeting up with MicheleS in the 6th inning. This time she has to watch the rest of the game with us!

Hoping to be partying in the streets after the game if you know what I mean.

ehay2k said...

Sorry natsfan1a, I didn't realize Mark Z. was addressing you directly! ;-P

But you can still use the tweeter!

Scooter said...

I'm not sure 1a has a tweeter.

And if she did, she would never use it to her advantage.

natsfan1a said...

ehay, I was replying to you:

We do have those fancy wireless typewriters, you know.

natsfan1a said...

I will have you know that I do not have a tweeter, nor have I ever tweeted. (Well, maybe once, when I was startled by a sudden noise.)

RickH said...

I'll be there! Can't wait.

GYFNG!!!!!!!

natsfan1a said...

Seriously, though, I'll tell you what I do have. Butterflies. Big time. And I don't have to do anything other than sit there and cheer my little heart out. How the heck do those guys do it every day? Go, NATS!!

Section 222 said...

Yes, but if you sell tickets on StubHub via the Nationals STH site, you pay less service charge and can transfer the tickets with one click electronically, which is how buyers like to get them. Mailing physical tickets is a hassle and makes your tickets for sale less desirable.

Have you ever sold tickets on StubHub? The fees are the same (15% off the top) regardless of how you sell them. And no one selling tix through StubHub is mailing them. If you buy one now, you'll get it electronically. You just won't get it until the seller has it. Check out some of the listings and you'll see what I mean.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The Nats better have a scouting report on the Ruf kid. Go get 'em John!!!

Section 222 said...

I just checked and even though I haven't actually received my playoff strips, they are now "available for transfer and StubHub resale" on My Nationals Tickets. That does not include the World Series, presumably because I haven't actually been charged for them yet.

ehay2k said...

natsfan1a - I (jokingly) implied that Mark Z. knew you didn't have a fancy wireless typewriter so his note to "...enjoy the experience." was aimed at you.

sigh, another weak attempt at humor requires an explanation longer than the joke itelf. :-(

Has the game started yet? cuz I am going nuts until is does!

Scooter said...

ehay2k said...
sigh, another weak attempt at humor requires an explanation longer than the joke itelf. :-(


Welcome to my world.

Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.

ehay2k said...

Now you are in the middel OF me! (my posts, anyway.)

Scooter said...

ew

Anonymous said...

UPS just delivered my tix--had to sign. Ten more minutes and I'd have left for the Park

Scooter said...

All right, folks, have a great game. I'll check out my tape of it later on, to see how y'all did.

Man, I hope Mayberry doesn't take Lannan deep in the first.

Holden Baroque said...

OK, that could have been phrased better, ehay.

Steady Eddie said...

Is "get outta my posts!" like "get offa my lawn!"?

Geez, start the baseball game already!

ehay2k said...

Sofa, I'm not sure about that....
LOL (Oh, the game REALLY needs to start)

Holden Baroque said...

Can't stand it, gotta go early. Will try to tweeter from the park, but that's hard to do with the first-baseman's mitt on. Sitting in foul ball territory, might even get a dinger on rebound off the pole, you never know.

Nice plug for Duffy's in the Post today, for those of you familiar with it, or would like to be: Duffy's: The real home of Nationals fans

Holden Baroque said...

I'll be in the Vidro #3 First Opening Day jersey, down the RF line.

NatsNut said...

Sofa, Duffy's will def see me during playoff away games! LOVE that place.

See ya'll at the park!

SonnyG10 said...

I just received delivery of my playoff ticket strips via UPS about 5 minutes ago.

mick said...

Off to the park my NI friends to see history!!!!

djinFl. said...

Feels as exciting as opening day.
Wish I was there.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Enjoy the party, everybody! And Happy Birthday, 1A. No better place to celebrate.

(Insert long sigh here)...I am stuck on my night job. (with a telly, however).

Gonat said...

Mick, we are on our way and the sun has disappeared! I'm hoping Davey treats this game like its a post-season game as it should have that type of intensity from the Nats dugout.

SonnyG10 said...

Thought I didn't have to sign for the tickets, but my wife answered the door and she just told me she signed for them.

SonnyG10 said...

Oh, BTW, Happy Birthday natsfan1a!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Gio named starter of Game 1

Gonat said...

Davey, asked if he'd like to win Manager of Year: "I have bad thoughts about that. Last time I got that award, I also got my pink slip."

Gonat said...

Happy Birthday 1a

peric said...

Actually, I think this is one where Werth and Harper need to take it up a notch.

As for Suzuki needing rest ... he had plenty while the A's were grooming former Nats prospect Derrick Norris to take over his job. Lots of rest. I'm certain he feels that he needs playing time and is good to go.

Holden Baroque said...

The Teddy EyeBlack is actually EyeRed.

NCNatsie said...

You guys all sound so excited, I'm green with envy. But I am going to get to come up for a playoff game, thanks to a friend with corporate season tickets. Can't wait.

Have a great party. See You Later, as they say.

Melissa Rabey said...

I'm working the night shift at my library tonight, so I won't even get Charlie & Dave until just after 8 and Bob & F.P. around 9. Here's hoping that we see a great ball game tonight with a great big celebration at the end. :-)

Doc said...

I guess that we don't have to worry about Davey batting Wang tonight---or pitching him, for that matter!!!!

baseballswami said...

peric - agreed, Suzuki should be fresh as a daisy and I am sure that he would rather be here,playing every day, than in Oakland sitting the bench.When I saw game 160, I about choked. Seriously. So - NatsLady - how are you managing to teach private lessons? Just finished up a couple of hours and my mind is wondering tons - so hard to focus. Rehearsal tonight also and no opportunity to check even my phone. So hard to concentrate. Cheer loudly for me everyone!!! I will be checking in at about the 7th and hoping to see some good news.

Section 222 said...

Gio named starter of Game 1

Mark's tweet suggests it's a bit more complicated than that. The worst result would be if Gio has to pitch a full 7 or 8 innings tomorrow night because the Nats haven't clinched yet. Don't think he'd pitch in Game 1 on Saturday on short rest if the Nats don't get the No. 1 seed, do you?

So let's get this over with tonight, and hope the Cards kick some Reds butt too.

fast eddie said...

For those of us who don't live in the DC area anymore, how about wearing signs to future games with your NI name? Then I can identify all my "imaginary" friends as I watch on MASN!
(my spouse thinks we're all a little strange)

PFB Balls of Fire said...

Have good feeling about tonight. I think it is about time to start the play-off beard.

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

222, yes I have sold tix via StubHub. Misrembered about the fees, but the process IS easier via the STH site. And it is too possible to sell paper tix via StubHub. Buyer pays shipping, and obviously it can't be a last minute sale.

Secret wasian man said...

Lets get an early lead.

Secret wasian man said...

I see Gina Davis is calling balls and strikes tonight. OOOPs I read that wrong.

Holden Baroque said...

Still misting lightly, not quite a drizzle, but some open umbrellas.

DannyEllinosa said...

Hey Zuck! That was me giving you a shout behind nats dugout just now. Thanks for being the best nats writer! Love your blog and what you do! GYFNG!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Go Nats

Anna Peregrina said...

People at the park, how is the weather looking? I just can't stand it if it's rained out!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Go Nats

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Go Nats

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Christina wants to be doused tonight

NatsLady said...

I am teaching, but will keep the game in my ear. Hopefully by 9 pm. we will be leading 10-1 in the top of the 8th and I'll get to see the pile. Go NATS!!!!!

Michael J. Hayde said...

I'm so rooting for John L. to pull this off; it just seems... appropriate somehow. I got his autograph on a ball when he was a P-Nat in early 2007. Just another prospect then... but on August 6, when he kept Bonds from breaking Aaron's HR record for another 24 hours, it was VERY impressive! That alone merited his two opening day starts!

Another_Sam said...

Step 1: get the lead. Step 2: hold it. I could be in the booth. An NFL booth, that is.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Go nats

Section 222 said...

Wanted to be out there, but a health issue is keeping me home on the couch with MASN-HD and my imaginary friends. Let's get this done!

Section 222 said...

That graphic said that Lannan's average change is only 3 mph slower than his average fastball. Interesting. How do they know they aren't all fastballs?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Arggg lead off walks usually the kiss of death.

hiramhover said...

Ok ... Two runs. Not great, not fatal

Melissa Rabey said...

Come on, guys, get the bats going!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

70% Of lead off walks score. When will pitchers learn?

Harper had a greatlj try but ee needed the catch.

Get those runs back.

peric said...

Look at Lannan's walk/K ratio. He walks a lot of guys. In the minors he got demolished as a result ... on numerous occasions.

In the majors he has yet to give up a home run ... and that's the difference and why Lannan is 4 - 0, that an fifth inning rescues by Davey, saved from losing in an implosion by his offense and the bullpen.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Need runs immediately

peric said...

That graphic said that Lannan's average change is only 3 mph slower than his average fastball. Interesting. How do they know they aren't all fastballs?

If there's no sink, or they aren't spotted properly? Batting practice.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Espi beat that out.

SCNatsFan said...

Man I hope Espi makes the same leap Desi makes in the offseason

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Espi needs to shorten swing and quit swinging at balls to make the improvement.

Espi put a real damper on the inning where he could be a hero.

phil dunton said...

That's exactly why I hate the no DH rule in the NL.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Frasden led off first and third with singles. Much better than walk

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Elias has said for years lead off walk 70% score. lrad off hit 40% Score.

That walk better not come back to haunt them.

also when Werth both get on we usually scores. No brainer guys get on.

SCNatsFan said...

Does amyone know where the Nats have gone... and more importantly when are they coming back?

For the first time I;m more then just a little worried about this team.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I hate the DH. I want real athletes at pitcher

All but 2 hitters are not doing the job.

Secret wasian man said...

Into I'm worried. Obviously so are FP and Carp. They are totally preoccupied with braves pirates. And why not. Looks like pirates are only chance.

Secret wasian man said...

Gio is our best chance. What's 26 more hours among friends

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Our hitters taken night off so far. Get serious guys

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I hate losing each and every night

Secret wasian man said...

Who's managing the nats? Davis Love.

rogieshan said...

Without Strasburg's presence in the rotation, the Nationals just aren't as intimidating a team to face for opposing clubs. Psychologically, it has an effect going into a series.

Still hoping for the best.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Lannan you see how Kendricks ball is sinking? Your ball is staying on the same plain.

ExposedinDC said...

A Stammen sighting....welcome sight

Secret wasian man said...

Gotta get some runs NOW

Secret wasian man said...

Pirates tie it

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ow hitters get serious. I am tired of losing. No reason to stall

ExposedinDC said...

C'mon bats ....pirates tied it up, lannan escaped a big jam....lets put one across the plate.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Double play by Adam La Roche and Kurt Suzuki was sponsored by Weight Watchers....

Secret wasian man said...

Manassas on fire tonight. I with you brother. COME ON

Jane Elizabeth said...

The DH Rule is one of the greatest abominations in the history of mankind, but we all know that already....

Jane Elizabeth said...

Lannan has this.

Secret wasian man said...

Just not gonna be tonight. Can't hit. FP congratulating guys for hard outs. PLEAAAAAAASE

Jane Elizabeth said...

Sgt. Snorkel playing first base for the Phils....

Secret wasian man said...

I'm switching channels and rooting for pirates. At least they have a run. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Jane Elizabeth said...

What channel are the Pirates on? MLB?

peric said...

Usually this is John's last inning. If his control stays and he keeps the sink he'll make it ... if he elevates those soft tosses he's toast. The sink is the way he gets to 7.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Compared to what we saw this weekend, Lannan is pitching like Greg Maddux....

peric said...

Lannan's closing in on 80 pitches. He hasn't been allowed past this point since one of the early double headers I reckon. And there's the walk, and Davey's sign to pull out the hook.

Jane Elizabeth said...

How many $ is that going for now? Of course, those things are always a better deal when you don't live in the MASN area.

peric said...

Now, the Cat visit to give Garcia time to warm up ... John needs to get this out now if he wants into the 6th.

peric said...

How many $ is that going for now? Of course, those things are always a better deal when you don't live in the MASN area.

You can do the same thing with mlbtv. Fewer commercials. graphical displays ... great stats plus a "scout" giving you his observations. Not sure I trust the scout.

peric said...

Does Davey pinch hit for Lannan? Looks like it.

ehay2k said...

Shark time! Common Bernie, get a big knock here!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Shark is going to feed on some Feelies.

Section 222 said...

Bucs' Starling Marte just homered. 2-1 Pirates. Bottom of the 5th.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Braves are getting nervous that the Nats refuse to win a game and end this thing....

Section 222 said...

Now McCutcheon has doubled to the deepest part of the park. Maholm is now officially hittable. Come on Bucs, bring it home for us. As FP and Carp said, no such thing as backing in.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Need hit Werth

Jane Elizabeth said...

Thanks. It is a shame that you can't pick a package of 2 or 3 teams, but that must not be profit-maximizing.

Jane Elizabeth said...

4 innings is an eternity unless Wang comes in to pitch....

Jane Elizabeth said...

I guess TB has been eliminated. They have the best run differential in the AL, or they did until the Red Sox laid down tonight.

NatsFan05 said...

1 through 4 is 0 for 9 so far...

Let go guys, got do better then this.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

My extra inning package was $179For season. have had it 6 seasons now.

peric said...

MLBTV is around $100 for the entire season. You get an iPhone app to watch games on those devices away from home.

Secret wasian man said...

It's a shame we are scoreboard watching and trying to back in. I feel so cheap..

peric said...

The Barves must smell it ... Thursday playoff. They might be better off losing to the Nats so that they don't have to waste Medlen on that game.

Section 222 said...

You can get MLB.TV pretty cheap for the rest of the year, but it doesn't let you watch your home team. Good if you travel a lot though, and for watching the team you are battling for the division. I've heard enough of the obnoxious Braves announcers to last a lifetime.

NatsFan05 said...

SWM, I'll do cheap at this point...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Why did Erth stand with not swinging. We needed the run. Did het temporarily brain locked. Right over the middle low.

most of our hitters are topping the ball exactly what Kendricks wants. So swing in the middle or bottom of the ball.

peric said...

Ah spoke too soon ... looks like gameday's server is really pegged fro this game ... can't get it back ... but mlbtv is up.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Nice stirrups!

peric said...

mlbtv is always in HD. If you subscribe to milbtv you even get some of those games in HD. Surprisingly.

Gameday server pegged with tons of DC and ATL fans I imagine.

peric said...

The Indians running the mlb site must be going crazy right now.

Jane Elizabeth said...

The Braves have no desire to win a meaningless NL East Pennant. Nats fans will claim a co-championship regardless. I honestly don't care that much whether we win again in the regular season but I would love to see Harper hit 3 homers.

peric said...

The trick is to get the the Phillies bullpen before we get to their backend. Might already be too late.

Gio on for win #22. Let's hope.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Harper hits venter of ball like I asked

Jane Elizabeth said...

Doubles are good, too.... Does anyone still think Harper needs to go back down to the minors? I know that was more of a July thread, but still....

peric said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jane Elizabeth said...

I am not sure you can say backend on a family blog....

Jane Elizabeth said...

The Kid does it again!

Jane Elizabeth said...

I have never, ever seen anyone who plays like this guy.

Secret wasian man said...

Luv the crowd. Luv the excitement. Now lets deliver for the fans.

bluejeener said...

Is it just me, or is that #34 kid pretty impressive?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

We need a hit LaRoche. Zim needed a lttle less height

peric said...

The Braves have no desire to win a meaningless NL East Pennant.

To avoid the 1 game wildcard playoff? Sure they do. But now, to do that they will still have to play a 1 game winner take all contest.

So, I guess you are right.

The only real advantage is making the Nats do the same wasting Gio.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Not even Harper can score on that....

Secret wasian man said...

Yuck. Big guns suck tonight. What a dissappointment

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Damn it. no top a ball instead a cheap pop up. what was that all about?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Somebody tell me why it was possible to steal home in the past but now is rarely attempted. I am not talking about delayed steals like Harper had earlier against the Phils....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Hoping Joel Hanrahan can help his old team tonight.

peric said...

Morse too away some fan fun by changing his walk up music? What's up wit that Mikey? Bad karma don't you think?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Baseball, unlike football and basketball, does essentially nothing to make the regular season matter. It is more like hockey, where the play-offs are mostly luck.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Funny how we smacked the hell out of this guy just last week....

Jane Elizabeth said...

What was that all about? I think I might have hit that one, Morse. Phillies seem to care at least a little here.

Exposremains said...

If anybody thought that the Phillies will make this easy, well...

SCNatsFan said...

That's the heart of our order right now?

Maybe Davey needs to get tossed or something. Get some life into this flat team.

peric said...

Hoping Joel Hanrahan can help his old team tonight.

You don't mean GasCanRahan do you? There are number of Nats fans who don't deserve that.

peric said...

If the Nats need another starter for the playoffs I would think they'd consider Stammen. Let Duke be the long relief guy. But Stammen hasn't started at all this season after doing it most of last year in Syracuse.

Secret wasian man said...

This team is in no way ready for the post season. Deer in the headlights right now. Only guy with any moxey is 19 years old.

ehay2k said...

Hmmm... could Stammen get a look for the starting rotation next year? Seriously good pitching from him these days.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

As Davey would say, Stayman is on fire. No doubt about it.

Secret wasian man said...

Laroche, morse and zimm shouldn't take a pay check tonight.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Someone just emailed me that the Nats can change their rosters each round of the play-offs. Is that true?

Exposremains said...

Thats how you deal with pressure, they should all learn from stammen.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Harper and RG3

peric said...

Hmmm... could Stammen get a look for the starting rotation next year? Seriously good pitching from him these days.

Seems unlikely. The Nats are a rich team in starting pitching ... that just might go out and get someone like David Price, another lefty. Eschewing Jackson.

BUT, this year the Nats have been extremely luck injury wise as far as the starting rotation. Next year the baseball gods might rebalance things. In that case Stammen might get the call.

Jane Elizabeth said...

No, the Nats would just put Wang into the spot of the injured guy....

ehay2k said...

Secret - these are the games that prepare a young team for the playoffs.

I'm glad they left Kendrick in - he's due to throw a few batting practice balls.

peric said...

Someone just emailed me that the Nats can change their rosters each round of the play-offs. Is that true?

Including the 1 game wildcard. Yes.

However, my understanding is that they must indicate what their extended roster in addition to the 25 man they plan on using. But I could be wrong the rules have changed this season.

Jane Elizabeth said...

This is all Lannan's fault. I can't believe he gave up runs.

Secret wasian man said...

Pull the tarp, put on black and gold, and root like hell for the pirates.

Jane Elizabeth said...

The Lerners are like, damn Braves! They are screwing up the last two games of our home stand....

Jane Elizabeth said...

I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Twive man on third and we take a called third strike to end the iining.

Also all night we top the ball. When we need LaRoche pops to second. Why not top it then?

peric said...

I firmly believe the offense will get better and become more consistent as the current youth get more experience ... and Rendon arrives. He could be another impact, high OBP hitter with power. Plus if Ramos can come back and play in at least 80 games he adds quite a bit of potential power to the lineup.

hiramhover said...

Hey, NJ, cut him a break.

He's made maybe 1/3 the comments since first pitch--every one can't be a gem.

rogieshan said...

I know he swings hard, but something tells me Espinosa is pressing too much to get to 20/20 to match his DP partner.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Not to mention, half of them are tongue in cheek--I really think Saturday night was the clincher, so that is why I am not nervous.

ehay2k said...

Mattheus stinks - can't even strike out the side! ;-)

rogieshan said...

William O. Douglas Loeffler said,

"I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?"

'71 Pirates had Roberto Clemente. The '79 Pirates had the Cobra, Mad Dog,and a couple of dope dealers.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...


Pirates will have at least a 2-1 lead going into the 9th

Jane Elizabeth said...

I guess Sanguillen was gone by then, too. I always liked Steve Blass and Briles in 1971, and I hated the 79' disco and retro hats--and I usually like retro, but those were dopey.

Both beat superior O's teams--baseball is not kind in the post-season, just ask the 1954 Indians, who went 111-43 in the regular season and with fellow losers the 1969 and 1971, O's had the best pitching staff ever and were built for the post-season, lol, but lost 4 games straight.

ehay2k said...

Pitcher looks nervous with Harper at the plate...

Jane Elizabeth said...

Mala suerte....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Here comes Joel Hanrahan.

Secret wasian man said...

Lots of chances no heros.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Zim your killing me.

Jane Elizabeth said...

I think that if Ryan could re-do that play, he would do everything the same but maybe hit it a couple of feet shorter.... It was probably just a lack of concentration on his part....

Section 222 said...

I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?

From this childhood Bucs fan, the answer is:

No. :-)

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