Sunday, October 7, 2012

NLDS Game 1: Nats at Cardinals

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals' first-ever postseason runs begins today at Busch Stadium.
ST. LOUIS -- The time has come. No more pontificating. No more speculation. No more anticipation. The postseason has arrived for the Washington Nationals, and all that's left to do is take the field and play ball.

No surprises from Davey Johnson with his Game 1 lineup. It's the same one he fielded throughout the final two weeks of the pennant race. He doesn't have any surprises planned for his use of the pitching staff and said all of his relievers are capable of going back-to-back-to-back days if necessary. And he didn't feel any need to speak to his entire roster as a group in advance of this series.

"If I had a meeting," the 69-year-old skipper said, "they'd think I was panicking or something."

So there's nothing really left to say except: Enjoy the game, and please check back here for updates and analysis throughout...

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES - GAME 1
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 3:07 p.m. EDT
TV: TBS
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), WSPZ (570 AM), XM 184
Weather: Sunny, 53 degrees, Wind 9 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS
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 Gio Gonzalez

CARDINALS
CF Jon Jay
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
2B Daniel Descalso
SS Pete Kozma
RHP Adam Wainwright

UMPIRES
HP Paul Emmel
1B Marvin Hudson
2B Joe West (cc)
3B Jim Joyce
LF Alfonso Marquez
RF Ed Hickox

3:08 p.m. -- Seventy-nine years to the day since the final game of the 1933 World Series, Washington is back in the postseason. We are underway with a ball low from Adam Wainwright to Jayson Werth.

3:12 p.m. -- And Wainwright proceeds to set the Nats down in order on 10 pitches. He struck out Werth on a curveball in the dirt. He got Bryce Harper to ground out on the very first pitch he saw. And he struck out Ryan Zimmerman on a curveball in the dirt. Guys a little overanxious in the top of the first? Could be. Here comes Gio Gonzalez.

3:23 p.m. -- Gio Gonzalez might have been battling a few nerves there in the bottom of the first. He was kind of flying open and firing a bunch of fastballs up and way outside to right-handed hitters, leading to a two-out walk of Matt Holliday. But he escaped unscathed, finishing with 18 pitches (nine strikes) and moving this scoreless game into the second inning.

3:39 p.m. -- And the Nationals take the lead, with one of their most clutch hitters from September delivering again in October: Kurt Suzuki. The catcher and No. 8 hitter smacked a two-out single to left, scoring Adam LaRoche from third and giving the Nationals a 1-0 lead. They had a chance to really do some damage after Wainwright incredibly walked Gio on four pitches to load the bases for Werth, but the veteran right fielder grounded out to end the inning. All things considered, though, the Nats can't complain about holding an early 1-0 lead.

4:02 p.m. -- Well, I suppose there are two ways you could look at this. 1) Through two innings, Gio Gonzalez has a no-hitter going. 2) His mechanics are a complete mess. Five walks in two innings, a wild pitch, only 27 of 55 pitches for strikes. Somehow, he managed to limit the Cardinals to two runs, a minor miracle. But Gio is as off so far today as we've seen him at any point this year. Nats trail 2-1 after two.

4:18 p.m. -- And of course Gonzalez comes out for the third inning with the weight of the world on his left shoulder and proceeds to retire the side on 16 pitches (11 strikes). Davey Johnson talked this morning about how anytime he gets into trouble early, Gio calms his manager down by telling him he'll be OK. He just proved it there. Still 2-1 Cards after three. Gio hasn't allowed a hit but he's already thrown 71 pitches.

4:30 p.m. -- On the surface, it didn't look like the Nats much of anything at the plate in the top of the fourth. Here's one big thing they did, though: Ian Desmond (after singling for his second hit of the day) took out Daniel Descalso with a great slide to break up a potential inning-ending double play. That allowed Gio Gonzalez to come to the plate and allowed the Nats to turn over their lineup heading into the fifth. Honestly, that's a big deal. If Gio can get through the bottom of the fourth in one piece, the Nats will have the top of their lineup in place for the fifth with a chance to get things going again.

4:39 p.m. -- Danny Espinosa has had an awful day at the plate so far, striking out in both of his at-bats with men on base. But even when he's struggling at the plate, he still brings a lot to the table. Witness the 6-4-3 double play he just helped turn to close out the fourth inning. Superb job. So it remains 2-1 Cards, and Gio's pitch count is at a still-manageable 83. He can go at least one more inning, maybe two if he's efficient.

4:53 p.m. -- Make it nine strikeouts for Wainwright through five innings, eight of them on curveballs. The Nats actually have put seven men on base but haven't been able to string much of anything together. They're 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position so far. Still 2-1 Cardinals as we move to the bottom of the fifth.

5:10 p.m. -- Well, that's going to wind up as one of the craziest-looking pitching lines in postseason history. Gio Gonzalez, ladies and gentlemen: 5 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 7 BB, 5 K, 1 WP, 110 pitches, 59 strikes. And after all that, the Nats trail 2-1 through five. Have to consider themselves incredibly fortunate to be in this position.

5:31 p.m. -- The good news: The Nats knocked Wainwright out of the game, after he struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings. The bad news: Jayson Werth has stranded the bases loaded twice in six innings today. He did it in the top of the second, grounding out to short. And he just did it in the sixth, striking out with reliever Lance Lynn on the mound. So much of postseason success is predicated on clutch hitting. Well, the Nats are 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position so far today. And because of it, they still trail 2-1. Craig Stammen in for the bottom of the sixth.

5:41 p.m. -- Wow, what a catch from Werth to atone for his strikeout moments earlier. He went back to the wall in right field, battled the sun and robbed Daniel Descalso of a two-run homer. Fantastic play to keep this a 2-1 game, with credit also to Stammen for striking out Skip Schumaker to end the sixth with two men on. Harper, Zimmerman and LaRoche coming up for the Nats against Edward Mujica.

5:50 p.m. -- Nothing doin' in the seventh as Mujica retires the side on six pitches. The Nats are down to their last six outs.

6:01 p.m. -- Holy moly, what a performance from Ryan Mattheus! Thrust into the worst kind of jam -- bases loaded, nobody out, heart of the lineup up -- he managed to record three outs on two pitches and keep this a 2-1 game. Remarkable. As poorly as the Nats have played today, they're still one swing from tying this game. Crazy stuff.

6:19 p.m. -- Sweet Fancy Moses! Tyler Moore, ladies and gentlemen! Two-out, two-strke, two-run single to right. The Nats lead 3-2 on the biggest hit of the rookie's life. Now Tyler Clippard has to get through the bottom of the eighth. How's everyone holding up out there?

6:31 p.m. -- Paul Emmel just gave Clippard the outside corner. And then he gave him four more inches on top of that. Whatever, Clippard will take his inning-ending strikeout of Matt Carpenter with the tying run on second. Eighth inning over. The Nats are three Drew Storen outs from winning Game 1.

6:39 p.m. -- We go to the bottom of the ninth. Drew Storen vs. the top of the order, up 3-2.

6:47 p.m. -- It's over. It's all over. The Nats win 3-2, a remarkable ballgame to open this postseason.

410 comments:

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peric said...

Same lineup no changes ... sticking with the date that brung 'em to the dance.

A DC Wonk said...

No problem boys. We played to sell-out crowds here just a week ago, with some pressure, too.

Gio -- show everybody why you led the league in wins! Nats, show everybody why you led (or nearly led) the league in batting post ASB. Bryce, show them why you are indeed a once-in-a-generation hitter; RZim, show them the same Mr. Clutch you showed on the opening day of Nats park; Desi and Espi and LaRoche, show them why you all can be gold glove caliber (and, Ian, show them you're the best #6 hitter in baseball); MM show them your healthy power; and Werth, show them why you became the first high-priced free agent to sign with the Nats and what made you such a good lead off batter.

That oughtta cover it for the first game, no?

waddu eye no said...

As i've posted before (you could look it up):
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gyfng

MicheleS said...

Bourbon, Check, Maalox, Check, team in the Postseason, Check!!!!!!

GYFNG!!!! GO GIO!!

natsfan1a said...

Gi-o! Gi-O!! GI-O!!! Go, NATS!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Cwj said...

Watching the A's Tigers game on MLB network.
(I think Detroit will likely win this series).

Jim Kaat is an absolutely terrible broadcaster, btw. Not sure why they have him as an analyst on that station either...


peric said...

Svrluga memorial Pannera :

Davey's a leader

peric said...

Kitty Kaat? They guy who slammed Stras? He's probably onset Alzheimers like Reagan was. I can't believe he wrote that letter ... ridiculous.

MicheleS said...

NatsJack.. Sadly Fox has the NLCS this year.

Jim Webster said...

NatsJack, agree with your comment on Kaat and McCarver, but it pains me to say that about Tim, remembering him as Bob Gibson's battery mate in the 70s. But it's time for him to hang it up.

Steady Eddie said...

Let's go Gio! (clap clap clap-clap-clap!)

Another game, another series to win.

GYFNG!

Uncle Atom said...

The Nats have been great this year at focusing on winning every series - does anyone have the numbers on wins, ties, and losses for all of the Nats' regular season series? GYFNG!

Jim Webster said...

Watching Milone pitch for As today (and Norris catch yesterday) shows how trade for Gio was a win-win ... and shows strength of Nat's development plan.

Steady Eddie said...

One word why the Nats relative lack of playoff experience won't matter:

Davey.

Nicky said...

Been reading this blog all season. What a wonderful community... With hardly any exceptions. Gyfng

NatsLady said...

Gotta go for a walk, this is taking too long!!! LOL.

Steady Eddie said...

Uncle Atom -- the series' records were tracked game-by-game in the WaPo special section on Friday.

MicheleS said...

Mark: Thanks for Davey's comment on the pre-game meeting today.

Steady Eddie.. couldn't agree with you more: DAVEY!!!! (oh.. Hi Davey!!!)

Nicky said...

Not to look ahead but anyone heard any more on Cueto?

baseballswami said...

Watching little Tommy pitch ( tear) he's all grown up and pitching in the post season. The Nats organization is awesome at scouting and player development! We will be seeing some of that young talent on the field today. I hope the guys stay within themselves and have fun playing in October!

MicheleS said...

Just saw the news on Matt Kemp... Labrum surgery worse than expected, may not be at full strength even when season starts next year.. YIKES! (well, good for everyone else, but still)

MicheleS said...

Nicky.. They are working on Cueto's back, no news yet, but they are hopeful he will pitch in either game 3 or 4 of the NLDS.

baseballswami said...

You have to admit that what Latos did last night was very gutsy. They are hoping Cueto will step into his start now, in essence, they would be trading spots. That was sad to watch.Cueto was in obvious pain from the start, although no one realized it.

waddu eye no said...

charlie and dave til 4, tombs til 530 mass, then gameday on my phone. hidden in my choir folder.

kyrie eleison. deus dimitte peccata mea.

gyfng

MicheleS said...

Ahhh.. Nats Xtra is on.

Steady Eddie said...

Swami -- yes on Tommy M.! Most impressive thing of how he's been dealing today is that it's on the road -- where he's had his greatest problems this year -- and against a very tough lineup.

sm13 said...

This feels so cool. An hour until game time for the Nats. Our guys in the playoffs. To quote a great philosopher: woooooooooo hooooooooooo!

Go Go, Go Nats!

MicheleS said...

Lordy.. look at Gio's numbers by month. Aug & September look amazing!!!

NatsNut said...

GYFNG!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Can't wait for Charley and Dave pre-game show.

MicheleS, I think this is going to be a laugher. Keep the Maalox and bourbon on ice. Won't need it today. Gio won 10-0 vs. these guys at Nats Park. Won't be a problem today, either. A laugher.

GYFNG!! (Playoff Division, All Rights Reserved).

NCNatsie said...

Fifty three degrees! Stay warm, guys.

GYFNG!!!!

peric said...

A story about Shriley Povich and long suffering local baseball fans. Povich refused to attend another opening day ... not even exhibition games. That is how a true DC local would feel. Not the transient tripe clique who so often frequent this blog.

'This is the greatest baseball season of my life,' said a lifelong Washingtonian, who had been a regular at Griffith Stadium and RFK. He spoke for many.




MicheleS said...

1A.. It looks like Drake has his own paparazzi. I have seen about 4 or 5 pics of him on twitter. All the beat's are commenting on how lucky he is or how jealous everyone is of him :-) !!!

SUNSHINE: from your typing fingers to the Baseball God's ears!!!!

JaneB said...

How fun was it for you to title this post, Mark? (asked like Debby would have asked it, and I hope she's watching today, too). Fun to hear you in the pre-game presser.

My abiding feeling today, apart from a tumultuous stomach, is this: I am so happy that these guys get to play the game today. BUT I AM MORE HAPPY FOR MY IMAGINARY FRIENDS. The ones who comment and the ones who don't, The ones who have been cheering since April 2005 and the ones who came more recently. Most especially the ones who remember those awful bull pen years, and who traded insights about when to go to see Spring Training and what to do there. The ones who are scattered across the country and rarely see a Curlie W on a cap except in the mirror. The ones who love them no matter what, even if you sometimes have to step away from the TV (though not NEARLY as often as in the old days).

THANK YOU MARK for this gathering site and all the insights and laughs you've given us all. We are better fans because of you.

This will be a fun day. And I believe in my bones we will win it, which will just make it even more fun.

GYFNG!!!

JaneB said...

Waddu, may you be signing Gloria! by 6:00!

MicheleS said...

OY.. Bad fielding just bit the A's

Another_Sam said...

Ditto to you guys on McCarver -- he's established a very high bar for being unlistenable. But I think Orel has a chance to move into Tim's league. Just IMHO. I'm not all that down on Kaat because he used to pitch here -- and he pitched everywhere else too. At one point I think Kaat was the answer to a trivia question: who was the last active majo leaguer to play for a Washington club. Those days are long gone.

Joe Seamhead said...

Coco Crisp? For all of you that wanted him, I say "Poppycock." I never wanted him.

MicheleS said...

JoeS.. Shark would have had that ;-)

NatsLady said...

Tommy done good. Maybe the A's can come back.

Steady Eddie said...

JaneB -- Word, a thousand times over!

GYFNG!

Section 222 said...

It will be so awesome to be in the NLCS that I'm not even going to mind Joe and Timmy making the call. (Tim's a true joke of a color guy though.)

The drinking game today should probably be any reference to Strasburg. I'll bet it happens enough to get very, very drunk. Bonus shot for a mention of the dubious Medlen comparison.

Boz had a nice point in his piece today (he's on fire right now by the way), about a generation of Nats fans who grew up somewhere else as fans of other teams or grew up here, but were too young (or not even born in 1971) to know or care about the Senators. They suffered through many years of not having a team in DC and adopted this team as their own right from the start in 2005. They are enjoying this moment just as much as those of you who grew up with the Senators.

Time for playoff baseball. We're ready!

NatsNut said...

Hi Charlie, Hi Dave! I've never been happier to hear your voices.

MicheleS said...

222,
Nice to see Boz welcome everyone with open arms and not have a purity test. Your right he has been on fire, as have all the reporters that have been covering the team. Following them all on twitter has been a blast as well.

MicheleS said...

HOLY MOLY! The A's are BACK!

Joe Seamhead said...

JaneB, you are a NI's treasure. I envy you for your constant sunny commentary.I envy it, but I don't always emulate it.
MicheleS that ball that Crisp missed was all jitters related. Great comeback going on by the A's.

baseballswami said...

Wow. Oakland!

MicheleS said...

I wonder if a mosh pit starts in Detroit for the bottom of the 9th?

NatsLady said...

Wasn't watching, went to get my scorebook. Hopefully keeping score will calm my nerves. How did the A's get 2 runs?

MicheleS said...

NatsLady.. Cespedes, stole 2nd, then 3rd, then scored on a WP.. Reddick hit a homer

baseballswami said...

Steal, steal, wild pitch, home run. Tiger bullpen.

Drew said...



And now a word from Old Friends Frank Howard, Mike Epstein, Del Unser, Ed Stroud, Ken McMullen, Paul Casanova, Tim Cullen, Eddie Brinkman, Dick Bosman, Dave Baldwin, Bernie Allen, Brant Alyea, Jim French, Dave Nelson, Lee Maye, Jeff Burroughs, Pete Broberg, Dick Billings, Jim Hannan, Casey Cox, Darrell Knowles and every other Washington Senator who kindled an Arlington boy's love for the game:

GYFNG!!!!!

MicheleS said...

Thomas Boswell‏@ThomasBoswellWP

Davey Johnson on medical ills in '12: "My toes, my leg, now my back. It's moving UP. Next, it'll be my head. By the World Series, senility."

Joe Seamhead said...

Don't forget Don Lock, Jim King, Chuck Cottier,Chuck Hinton, Tom Chaney,Jim Duckworth and Camilio Pasquel .

sm13 said...

I would say that Crisp's drop was more about showboating than jitters. A basket catch? C'mon.

Joe Seamhead said...

Tigers are roaring again. Good game!

Joe Seamhead said...

Either way, sm13, it was poor form.

MicheleS said...

Big Giant Fail by TBS.. Can't see the lineup being announced.

sm13 said...

Joe S - agreed

NatsLady said...

Thank goodness for the "Last" button on my remote. Jeez, wild pitch AGAIN?????? Nerves, nerves, nerves. Boys, keep calm.

baseballswami said...

What a game!

sm13 said...

MASN not showing into either.

Exposremains said...

how great it would be if Strasburg was healthy.

sm13 said...

Intros...

NatsLady said...

YCPB ‏@cantpredictball
The A's/Tiger's game today has been tied on two separate occasions by a wild pitch.

DWS said...

Fasten your seat belts. Game on.

sm13 said...

It's game time....The day I thought would surely come has come at last!

baseballswami said...

My friend is texting me from the game. The two of them have seen 3 other Nats fans.

NatsLady said...

My Mom, sis and family are watching from Fargo. Have them on constant instant messaging. LOL.

MicheleS said...

Swami, My Cards buddy is doing the same. It's going to be a fun game!

waddu eye no said...

Jane b- thats the plan!

NatsLady said...

Strike zone seems small. Gio not getting the outside.

baseballswami said...

Gio needs to breathe through his eyelids.

NatsLady said...

Come on, Gio, settle down.

NatsLady said...

Good, sun didn't affect Bryce.

baseballswami said...

Interesting watching both games. The AL ump is generous on the outside.

NatsLady said...

Home page of the Post doesn't know what to do with itself!

Nicky said...

Sit on fastball
Lay off curve

baseballswami said...

That curve is wicked. Nats beware!!

NatsLady said...

Desi, nice stroke, nice hit.

JaneB said...

MAN I miss FP and Bob.


NatsLady said...

That is a wicked curve.

JaneB said...

Ok. Now our secret weapon, Kurt.

baseballswami said...

Gee, Danny with a K. Shocker. Sac fly, maybe?

JaneB said...

THANK YOU Kurt! And we know the record when we are first on the board!

Joe Seamhead said...

YOWSA!

baseballswami said...

Zuke!!!!!!

NatsLady said...

JaneB--called it!!!!! Danny was trying to be patient, but he looked stunned he got a FB there.

Section 222 said...

Zuke!! Well done. He's making a case to bat 7th, that's for sure.

MicheleS said...

ZUKI!

Drew said...

Zooooooikkkkk!

NatsLady said...

Wow, he walked Gio on 4 pitches?!?

Joe Seamhead said...

Be patient Jayson!

baseballswami said...

Don't really want Gio out there.

NatsLady said...

swami, ditto, but it was a walk. Also, not a hot day. No damage done.

baseballswami said...

Detroit walked off. Man the A's are showing themselves to be a good team.

Nicky said...

Ok Gio
Shut em down

NatsLady said...

Tigers won it on Cabrera single--against the A's closer (Balfour).

Anonymous said...

Dave and Charley are on 106.7

Nicky said...

And 1500 am

Section 222 said...

If you listen to Charlie and Dave on the MLB app, it's behind the TV broadcast. If you have a DVR, you can pause the TV broadcast and then sync it with the radio feed. (I use the crack of the bat or the ball hitting the glove to do it.) I'm not to that point with these announcers yet, but it's nice to have in the reserve .

NatsNut said...

And mlb gameday audio.

Section 222 said...

I thought the Tigers won on a sac fly by Don Kelly...

NatsNut said...

Dear Gio,
Please stop walking guys.
Thanks,
NatsNut

Section 222 said...

NatsNut, are you really just listening on radio? I thought you might find a TV to watch on for the playoffs!! :

ehay2k said...

Gio and Zuki crossed up on that first pitch to Descalso

NatsNut said...

222, I was going to, but realized for the first game there was no place I'd rather be than home with with Charlie and Dave.

NatsNut said...

McCatty?

baseballswami said...

Gio does not have command of the curve yet. All over the place. 2 walks. These are patient hitters. Need a dp right here.

NatsLady said...

Wasn't watching, they were just yada yada how Cabrera was the hero of the game.

Nicky said...

Ok
We're f...ed

Section 222 said...

Cabrera tied the game with a homerun. Too bad for As. Now they have to win 3 in a row at home.

baseballswami said...

3 straight walks. Really need a double play. Pitcher up. Sheesh. Come on, Cat, fix it!!!

Drew said...

For God's sake!

baseballswami said...

Oh, no, oh no, oh no.

NatsNut said...

Gio will come back. Just get out of this inning.

Joe Seamhead said...

OK, Gio, that's quite enough of that.

NatsLady said...

Gio, just stop the bleeding. Settle down.

baseballswami said...

This is so bad. What do they do now????? Anyone up ? He has no control !!!!! Too much rest, zim could be the same way tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

HICKUP...HICKUP...HICKUP...HICKUP............

sm13 said...

An out for a run. Limit the damage

Section 222 said...

Too bad Werth couldn't drive in some more runs in the 2nd, but the game is still young. No need to panic guys.

Section 222 said...

And by guys, I mean my imaginary friends (swami for one), as well as the Nats.

Kirbs said...

Who do you get up? Ross or EJ?

baseballswami said...

Suzuki getting battered.

baseballswami said...

Whew. That could have been soooooo much worse.

NatsLady said...

All right, we've seen this show before. Get some runs and Gio, settle down.

JaneB said...

Okay. That's just one run down. It could be so much worse. Now our guys will pick him up. GYFNG!

Joe Seamhead said...

We got this.
GYFNG!!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Stats clearly demonstrate Gio pitches better less rested.

Davey chooses to rest him.

Result? A very very very rusty and unsure Gio.

Thanks, Davey.

Drew said...

The Nats are very fortunate that the Cards only scored two runs.

Gio needs to find his GPS.

baseballswami said...

Breathing again, heart rate slowing .

Smatt1001 said...

Let's hope the jitters are out. Time to grind it out Nats.

NatsNut said...

Mark Zuckerman ‏@ZuckermanCSN
Well, through 2 innings, Gio Gonzalez has a no-hitter going

Will said...

The way Gio has been pitching, it's not unreasonable to panic.

Lucky to limit the damage to only 2 runs. Hopefully, he's got the nerves out of the way now. But I don't want to think if he comes out wild again in the 3rd...

NatsLady said...

John Perrotto ‏@jperrotto
#Nats LHP Gio Gonzalez has allowed two runs, walked five and thrown 55 pitches in two innings -- and still has his no-hitter intact!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Seen this show before? When?

Gio walking four in an inning -- wild pitching a run home?

No one has ever seen this show before.

NatsNut said...

Gio is just hustling 'em.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wainright is a master -- moving the ball all around the zone.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wainrights' curve is very on today -- not good.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Damn the whole baseball world knows Zim's hole is up and in.

first pitch? up and in

NatsLady said...

Wainwright doesn't have such great control either.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

3rd pitch so inside, almost hits Zim

curve away to follow

NatsFanSinceStart said...

and the curve misses

next up and in

JaneB said...

C'mon Adam! Hit a long one.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wainrights misses in -- and Zim rips it for a hit!!

Good job, Zim!

Section 222 said...

Strasburg Shutdown reference! Drink!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

swinging at first pitch? okay

JaneB said...

I wish there was some electric prod that would go off and sting anyone who keeps talking about Strasburg.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Morse -- first pitch swinging -- ooookay

baseballswami said...

The Nats are hitting, the cards are walking. You cannot compare Stras to this pitcher !!!! He is only 23. This again--- arrrrrrg. Hope Gio has pulled himself together.

Will said...

I didn't place much credence in the whole "playoff experience" argument. But seeing how nervy some of our young guys look has me reconsidering the merits of that.

Section 222 said...

NFSS, we got your point. No need to rub it in.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Will Gio regain his nerves in this third inning?

Will he man up or go to pieces?

Love the playoffs: they make or break Stars.

Exposremains said...

Thats the Gio of 1st start with Nats, of trying to clinch in Philly Gio, not good with pressure.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Section 222: please focus on the game -- and not me.

Please let people talk and dont go Forum Nazi on me.

Lets enjoy this.

baseballswami said...

Or with lots of rest.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

do it, Gio! Nice curve

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Focus on Zim's throw --

Bob and FRP ignored the Elephant on the diamond for 162 games

JaneB said...

Ok. Gio is back to being Gio

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Gio's release point is all over the place

baseballswami said...

Uh- Ryan had four cortisone shots??????

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Looks like Gio got on the cell phone with Dad when in the dugout to get himself righted.

Who would know him better than his Father. Get him in the dugout!!

JaneB said...

THAT'S more like it.

sm13 said...

Good recovery by Gio. Time for some runs

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I still don't quite get the reasoning behind the League's Best record playing a wildcard also ran in their home park.

baseballswami said...

Much, much better. Still inconsistent . When was the last time Gio pitched? Long layoff not so good? Curve still not there- it 's a feel pitch. But I will take it. Now some offense??

NatsNut said...

Hee hee. told ya.

NatsNut said...
Gio will come back. Just get out of this inning.
October 07, 2012 3:56 PM

baseballswami said...

This 2 wildcard format came after the schedule was set- no travel days open. Only this year, then it changes.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Desi has ice water in his veins.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Espi: the living breathing strikout artist.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

ooh boy.

Now Espi will watch a curve right in there for

Strike 3

baseballswami said...

Danny K Espinosa

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Yep -- if only the stock market and the weather were as predictable as Espinosa.

Section 222 said...

I still don't quite get the reasoning behind the League's Best record playing a wildcard also ran in their home park.

It's a one year only problem. They set all the rights for the TV games before they decided to go with two WC teams. Using an off day and a day for the WC games meant they didn't have enough off days to accomodate a regular 2-2-1 format for the NLDS. So they'd have to go with a 3-2 or a 2-3 format. 2-3 is fairer than 3-2 so there you have it. Definitely took away one of the advantages of having the top seed.

baseballswami said...

Really needed to move the runner . Even a contact out would have done that.

Drew said...

Cannot wait until Rendon comes up for good. His contact and on base percentage will do wonders.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Espinosa: #3 in MaJors this year in K's

But

First in the NL with 189

Good job, little Danny.

feelanau said...

Until he shows he won't strikeout every other at bat davey must bunt in that situation. It's a wasted out.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Lombo just has to be inserted in that 2b spot. This is the playoffs -- Espi will cost them, big.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Can the Nats to anywhere with two automatic outs in the lineup: Espi and the pitcher's spot?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wainright with 7 k's in four innings.

baseballswami said...

Are the cardinals really that paranoid about sign stealing? Is that because they do it. ? Kind of kooky. Come on , Gio !!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

The Cards ate the Nats alive in that last series. This is the one team I did not want to see in the playoffs.

Anonymous said...

HICKUP...HICKUP...HICKUP...HICKUP...HICKUP......Love to see a no-hit loss!

sm13 said...

FP said that teams that steal signs are the ones that are the most paranoid. A LaRussa legacy.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

There goes the no hitter

baseballswami said...

Natsjack. He might not have Damny's range or cannon, but he is a more consistent offensive player. He would have made contact at least and moved the runner. I hope Danny has a desi-like jump next year. He can be good or a liability. When he hits for power it balances the K's.

Anonymous said...

CRAP...CRAP...CRAP...There goes the no-hitter.

baseballswami said...

That was sweet. Too bad we didn't really see it because of the chatting.....

sm13 said...

Nice turn by Danny. Good, quick inning for Gio .

Joe Seamhead said...

I agree, Swami.

Section 222 said...

Gio's at 83 pitches after 4 innings. Has an inning left in him for sure, but maybe not more. Unless the Nats get something going though, they won't have to PH for him until the 7th.

jw said...

and let's get the offense going

Section 222 said...

I like having the pitchtrack up for every pitch. Even when it shows that the pitch was, in fact, not "on the outside corner." MASN take note. It can be done.

Section 222 said...

Who says we're not playing small ball. Harper gets a sacrifice K!

baseballswami said...

Bryce has good at bats even when he makes an out. Danny should watch him. They need to put a few of these hits together.

NatsLady said...

Gio getting first pitch strikes now.

baseballswami said...

Natsjack- disagree on Lombo. Very high baseball iq, high contact rate, good fielder. What we saw was part time, rookie play. Playing every day all season he could be outstanding. I do agree that Danny has great potential. Will he fulfill it the way Desi is ?

Section 222 said...

The Lombo vs. Espi debate is an interesting one that we've had several times this year. I tend to agree that Espi is the more promising overall player. But I also think Lombo will develop into a better player than he is now. The discussion is irrelevant at this point though because of one thing I am certain: Davey is not going to bench Espi during this series.

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