Sunday, May 5, 2013

Game 32: Nats at Pirates

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats try to take two of three at PNC Park this afternoon.
PITTSBURGH — The Nationals have an opportunity today to snag a series victory over the Pirates and finish this road trip 4-3, but to do that they'll need strong outing out of Gio Gonzalez. For all the attention on Stephen Strasburg during his erratic start to the season, Gonzalez has been far more erratic, producing only two quality starts out of six and failing to reach the sixth inning four times.

So a strong performance from last year's 21-game winner today would certainly go a long way toward putting the Nationals in position to emerge victorious at PNC Park. Gonzalez will be facing an, um, interesting Pirates lineup that features Russell Martin at third base and Brandon Inge in right field. Stop and think about that for a moment. Yeah, I don't understand Clint Hurdle's logic, either.

Still waiting on Davey Johnson's lineup, which is probably contingent on Denard Span's status. Span, who missed yesterday's game with a bruised left foot after fouling a pitch off it Friday night, said afterward it was feeling better and was hopeful he could play today. We'll see. [UPDATE AT 12:00 P.M. — Span is indeed starting, as is Wilson Ramos, catching back-to-back games for the first time this season.]

Updates to come...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly sunny, 68 degrees, Wind 15 mph in from CF
NATIONALS (16-15)
CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Tyler Moore
2B Danny Espinosa
C Wilson Ramos
LHP Gio Gonzalez

PIRATES (17-13)
LF Starling Marte
2B Jordy Mercer
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Gaby Sanchez
3B Russell Martin
C Michael McKenry
RF Brandon Inge
SS John McDonald
LHP Wandy Rodriguez

UMPIRES
HP Bob Davidson
1B Jim Reynolds
2B James Hoye
3B John Hirschbeck (cc)

12:00 P.M. — Denard Span is indeed starting. So is Wilson Ramos, catching back-to-back games for the first time this season.

1:38 p.m. — And we're underway on yet another gorgeous afternoon in Pittsburgh. Wandy Rodriguez's first pitch to Denard Span is a fastball for strike one.

1:44 p.m. — Uh-oh, Bryce Harper ejected by John Hirschbeck after a check-swing call to end the top of the first. Harper stood at the plate jawing at Hirschbeck for a while, and must have said something that triggered the heave-ho. It's the second time Harper has been ejected in his career, the first time this year.

2:00 p.m. — Zoinks, what a crazy start to this game. The dust hadn't even settled from the Harper ejection before Starling Marte clobbered Gio Gonzalez's very first pitch of the day to left field for a leadoff home run. Jordy Mercer then crushed Gonzalez's third pitch for a double. Ryan Zimmerman then was charged with a throwing error on a very routine play off Andrew McCutchen's grounder. When Gaby Sanchez walked, Gio suddenly found himself in a bases-loaded, no-out jam ... which he somehow pitched his way out of. He struck out Russell Martin and Michael McKenry, then got Brandon Inge to ground out. Like I said, crazy start to this game, but after all that, the Nats trail only 1-0.

2:14 p.m. — Well, the Nats got the run back. Though they easily could've taken the lead. After Zimmerman drew a walk and LaRoche roped a double to right-center — he definitely looks like he's busting out of his slump — Tyler Moore found himself in a familiar spot: With runners in scoring position. Moore, though, struck out again in that spot. Fortunately, Danny Espinosa saved the day by lofting a sac fly to deep center, scoring Zimmerman. With a chance to add on, though, Wilson Ramos struck out. So it's 1-1 in the second inning of a game that has already featured more twists and turns than you could ever imagine.

2:35 p.m. — When Davey Johnson filled out his lineup card today, do you suppose he was trying to set up a situation where his .040-hitting No. 3 batter would come up in a big RBI spot? Who knows what Harper would've done with two outs and Span on third, but Bernadina struck out. He's now 1-for-26 on the season, if you've lost track. Still 1-1 heading to the bottom of the third.

2:43 p.m. — Gio has managed to settle down since that wild first inning. He's retired nine of the last 11 batters he's faced, striking out five of them. It remains 1-1 heading to the fourth.

2:57 p.m. — Nothing like a chance to face a lefty to get Danny Espinosa going. He absolutely destroyed a 2-2 curveball from Wandy Rodriguez just now, launching it down the left-field line for a two-run homer. That scored Zimmerman, who singled to right and has now reached base in six straight plate appearances. The Nats take a 3-1 lead in the fourth.

3:08 p.m. — Gio continues to settle into a groove. He's now retired 12 of the last 14 batters he's faced. Zimmerman recorded the last out of the fourth, going sidearm on a routine grounder. The throw was right on target. Still 3-1 going to the fifth.

3:22 p.m. — Gio's turnaround has been remarkable. Now 15 of 17 retired, including seven straight. He's in complete control of this game now. Still 3-1 heading to the sixth.

3:41 p.m. — The Pirates finally got to Gio again in the sixth, getting a leadoff single from Gaby Sanchez (off Gonzalez's glove) and then an RBI double from Russell Martin. Gio buckled down after that, though, and stranded Martin at third base to preserve a 3-2 lead. So we go to the seventh, as Jose Contreras enters to pitch for the Pirates. Yes, THAT Jose Contreras. He looks quite comfortable in that 1971 throwback jersey. I believe he pitched for that club, correct?

3:51 p.m. — Terrible execution by the Nats in the top of the seventh. Steve Lombardozzi, pinch-hitting for Gio Gonzalez, popped up a sac bunt attempt. Span and Desmond then each struck out against Contreras, Desmond fishing after a pitch well below the strike zone. Still 3-2 Nats as we go to the bottom of the seventh, with Drew Storen entering from the bullpen.

4:02 p.m. — A 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh for Storen in his first appearance since Monday. The inning did include one heart-stopping moment, as Zimmerman fielded a routine grounder and then nearly threw another one away. But LaRoche made the backhanded catch while keeping his foot on the bag, so no harm, no foul. Still 3-2 Nats as we go to the eighth.

4:13 p.m. — For the second straight afternoon, Tyler Moore ends a bad day on a very high note. A strikeout victim in his first three at-bats, he crushes a 3-run homer off Bryan Morris in the top of the eighth for some huge insurance runs. That homer came seconds after the Pirates intentionally walked LaRoche (the correct move, considering how LaRoche's bat has returned and how much Moore has struggled) but they paid for it in the end. The Nats open up a 6-2 lead in the eighth.

4:32 p.m. — A 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth for Tyler Clippard, not even giving the Pirates a sniff of a comeback.

4:38 p.m. — Bottom of the ninth upcoming, and Rafael Soriano will pitch despite the four-run lead. But tomorrow's an off-day, so no harm using him today.

4:48 p.m. — That'll do it. Nats win 6-2 to grab a series victory and end this road trip with a 4-3 record. Off tomorrow, then the Tigers are in town Tuesday night.

201 comments:

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Eric said...

A'ight, Gio, just rock and fire.

Sure would like to make it through a week without a delayed line up release due to injury. Sheesh!

MicheleS said...

GO GIO!!!! GYFNG!!!

Stay cordial everyone.

SonnyG10 said...

GYFNG!!! Let's take the series today. Hit your spots, Gio!

MicheleS said...

I am kind of hoping Bryce gets a day off. He looks like he is hurting when he is a the plate. That bruise needs some time to heal.

Joe Seamhead said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Section 222 said...

Stay thirsty my friends.

Joe Seamhead said...

MicheleS, Bryce's situation brings to mind a famous Dear Abby line: "Are you better off with him, or without him?" With Werth and Span out yesterday, I was glad for him to be able to play. I agree that a day or two off would probably do him a world of good.

Gonat said...

Ramos going again today?

Holden Baroque said...

If I may suggest a topic today: plate discipline. As in, show a little ... don't feed the wrong wolf.

Holden Baroque said...

If I may suggest a topic today: plate discipline. As in, show a little ... don't feed the wrong wolf.

Secret wasian man said...

No walks no walks no walks.

Secret wasian man said...

Nats jack. Lay off Danny. It's getting old.

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

Ramos needs to learn how to catch Gio. He did a terrible job last time out.

MicheleS said...

JoeS.. we are always better off if Bryce plays. I am just a worrywart.

Joe Seamhead said...

Facing Wandy is no cake walk.I was a little jealous when we didn't get him.

JaneB said...

But we all have to suffer through the Danny hate till he does. We're suffering enough already.

Do pitchers ever get to "prefer" a catcher, or do they just throw to whom they're told?

Rock and fire is RIGHT, Gio! GYFNG!

Eric said...

"Just get to an anemic .230 and I'll lay off."

Espi's gotten a hit in both games since he came off the bench. I propose you lay off until he goes hitless again (unless he's already hit .230+ by then).

Nats 128 said...

"Harpo said...

Ramos needs to learn how to catch Gio. He did a terrible job last time out."

Fake Harpo better find his/her own name.

Nats 128 said...

I'm sure it's one of the elitists trying to discredit me. We all know who the elitists are in the Insiders.

Section 222 said...

So what's the explanation for Ramos playing two days straight even though Zuki is Gio's favored catcher? Reward for that clutch hit yesterday? Zuki a bit worn down from all the work while Ramos was hurt? Davey trying to lay this favored catcher stuff to rest once and for all?

3on2out said...

Taking my cue from Nat Jack unboxing his Strasburg bobblehead yesterday, I took my Gio Bobblehead out of the box this morning. When I pulled the two clear plastic molds apart, Gio's glove arm fell off. I don't know what the implications of that are...I'm just saying. I'm on my way to Strosnider's to get some super glue before the first pitch...but nevertheless...I felt compelled to share.

Nats 128 said...

Fake Harpo has set up a blocked Profile

http://www.blogger.com/profile/13147290573966561009

Eric said...

"So what's the explanation for Ramos playing two days straight even though Zuki is Gio's favored catcher?"

Second time in a row, right? My theory is Davey is trying to make sure all the pitchers are comfortable with both catchers...

Eric said...

Section222, the bumper sticker is a custom job that I had printed at psprint.com.

I have 25 and a number of those are promised out to others. If any remain or if I order more, I will certainly let you know.

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

Ramos is 7-2 in games he catches this season.

NatsLady said...

It's predicted to rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Might get an extra day off... odd week.

Like the Nats, the Tigers also have off-days Monday and Thursday (they head home after seeing us). Both teams have an off-day on Monday June 3 when the Tigers are in the neighborhood (they are in Ballmer for the weekend of May31-June 2). Wonder which off-day the teams would want to give up if it rains on Wednesday.

MicheleS said...

3on2out.. arm falling off, not good, so to I went and got my GIO bobblehead.. happy to report he is in one piece

Nats 128 said...

"NatsJack in Florida said...
The last 10 games, Danny is hitting .184. Take away the 2 St. Louis games at the beginning where he went 0-7, he's hitting .225 for the last 8 games.

Anyway you cut it..... well you know what that means."

Don't flip/flop old man. Sounds like you want to go back to supporting young Danny.

MicheleS said...

NatsLady.. I have tickets to both games vs the Tigers..I hope we can get at least one of them in. I want to see JZ pitch vs the Tigers lineup.

Eric said...

"well you know what that means."

You don't accept my proposal? The benching was for one purpose, and one purpose only, and so far he seems to have taken it to heart. I think that should be taken into account.

But, it's your crusade. I'm just sick of the word "stinks". I feel like I'm in 4th grade whenever I read it ;).

Gonat said...

Gonat said...
Ramos is 7-2 in games he catches this season.

May 05, 2013 12:39 PM
_______________________________

Did you just get your MASN text of the day "Nationals are 7-2 when Ramos starts behind plate"

BigCat said...

Tigers coming in Tuesday. Jeez....where's all the easy teams? Where's Bo Porter and his double A Astros when you need them? Tigers pounded them 17-2 last night. Got 20 something hits. Poor Bo. They are gonna lose 100 games this year.

Nats 128 said...

Eric, NatsJack has reverted back to 4th Grade and thats what really stinks. He will tell you his belittling of Espinosa has turned around his season with his magical powers.

Knoxville Nat said...

Completely off topic but I'm asking NI's for some help. I'm going to be in San Diego next week for a business conference of sorts and might have the opportunity to see the Nats play the Padres either on Thursday the 16th or Friday the 17th. Has anyone here ever been to Petco Field (or whatever)and what suggestions would you make on where to sit, best beer stands, food, etc?

Thanks for your help.

NatsLady said...

BigCat, got the Cubs after the Tigers. Ejax, hmmmm, not so great.

o-4, ERA 6.27, WHIP 1.606. Striking guys out (but who isn't?). He's pitching today, so we could see him Friday.

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

"And that's precisely what it's meant for Eric. ... It seemed to work when he broke out on his birthday against the Reds but that didn't last long."

Wait, does Espi read here? Awesome! Hi Danny!

;)

BigCat said...

I wanted him over Haren. Also Lannan. Lannan is 0-1 with a 6 something ERA. Guess thats why Im not GM and Rizzo is.

BigCat said...

We will make him look like Bob Gibson. He'll probably blank us

Nats 128 said...

Ray Knight talking about moving up in the box with 2 strikes in his Espinosa example.

Nats 128 said...

Don't worry Eric. Espinosa doesn't need to read here. NatsJack has a direct line into Rizzo to tell him and we know thats true because thats his avatar on Twitter.

Anonymous said...

Did someone say have a cordial? All I have is left over mint juleps.

Lets go Gio, lets go offense. Go you bleepin Natties!

Nats 128 said...

After Danny gets 3 hits today the elitists will say how the benching made him better.

NatsLady said...

EJax is walking almost as many guys as Gio... 4.64 BB/9 compared to Gio 5.06 BB/9 so he can't blame it all on the Cubs D.

MicheleS said...

I wonder if Manassas' Zim jersey made it to the game?

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking Davey wants Ramos and Gio getting used to each other, so they don't get thrown in as a battery of convenience in sept. Last year I think zook almost exclusively caught Gio.

Nats 128 said...

"NatsJack in Florida said...

Wandy Rodriguez can be tough. Like you, Big Cat, I thought he might be a good acquisition but 3 lefties in your rotation isn't good unless the 3rd one is Price or Kershaw."

Is that right? When did you ever have an original idea on an acquisition? I think you are stealing others ideas once again. Did you tell it to Mark or someone else because you never posted it here.

There you go again playing UPS but this time you are oh, about a year late and a $1 short.

NatsLady said...

Price not so great this year. Very bad yesterday, got blasted by the Rox.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=priceda01&t=p&year=2013

Drew said...

Knoxville:

I was in San Diego on business in '96 and caught a game, but that must have been at the Murph. I recall it was pleasant -- great weather, nice fans, easy access and good Tex-Mex eats. Petco looks great.

The funny part was the ride in from the airport. The cabbie apologized for the humidity. It was about 78 degrees with ocean breezes.

I said: "This isn't humidity! Come to Washington in August when we're peeling the shirts off our backs."

Knoxville Nat said...

Drew said,

"This isn't humidity! Come to Washington in August when we're peeling the shirts off our backs."

Or in east Tennessee where humidity starts in early June!

Thanks for the tips.

Nats 128 said...

Will Wandy stay outside on Zimm or come in on him. Today will be a big day for Ryan Z. either way! I have my metric ruler ready!

3on2out said...

Gio is back together for the first pitch...

peric said...

If Harper continues slumping he will in all likelihood get a couple of days off ... much to his chagrin. That is if the slump continues. I'd expect Davey might do that when Werth gets back.

NatsLady said...

LOL, Carp. "Bob Davidson, looking for Balls, Strikes and Balks behind the plate."

Section 222 said...

If any remain or if I order more, I will certainly let you know.

Thanks Eric. Very cool.

Gonat said...

Bryce wasn't close to swinging.

Nats106 said...

Someody needs to spit in Hershbecks face again. What an ass.

NatsLady said...

Got tossed, though. Can't argue, have to swallow it. They went to commercial, did Davey get run also?

NatsLady said...

Hate to say it, probably for the best. Harper looked a little better today, but still needs a day off. Well, now, two days off.

NatsLady said...

O, Gio.

Unknown said...

Hate MLB umpires... your not as important as the players

3on2out said...

Bryce is getting a couple days off after all...

JaneB said...

Sometimes I think all the venom I have ever had in my just gets charged by idiot umpires like Hershbeck. Bryce didn't swing. He gets to question that.
No way he should have been tossed.

SETTLE DOWN GIO!

Unknown said...

Well.. That didn't take long.

Section 222 said...

What a start to the game. Ugh.

At least Marte won't be stealing a base this inning.

Nats106 said...

Exactly-nobody goes to see an umpire ump. Especially that mental midget.

Gonat said...

Good time for me to turn off my computer as I think it's going to get ugly around here.

NatsLady said...

Exactly what Andrelton SImmons did the last time Gio pitched--first pitch, home run.

Pvdfan said...

Only the bottom of the first and already an ugly game.

Unknown said...

Boy.. I really missed Zimms errors.

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

Ramos doing a terrible job of catching Gio again today.

JaneB said...

Now I'm going to sound like one of the people I complain about, but all runners from opposing teams would be nuts to not run out every play to first because Zimm is no longer the clean shot that he used to be.

peric said...

Rendon IS NOT going to second base Ghost sorry. He's going to be playing third.

NatsLady said...

Wilson, go out and talk to your pitcher!!!! Desi, someone???

Exposremains said...

Here we go. Zim cant throw the baseball. You could see that coming for miles

peric said...

I'll take the errors if the damned ALL World bat wakes up and starts producing.

Nats 128 said...

Don't worry, this is Zimmerman's muscle memory. Not a big deal.

EmDash said...

Looking like one of those games, oy. Ump show! Bad Gio! Errors! It's the full package.

Pvdfan said...

Always great to see a mount visit before the first out is made.

peric said...

Gio is imploding it seems. Get Stammen up.

Anonymous said...

Keep calm keep calm

peric said...

Don't worry, this is Zimmerman's muscle memory. Not a big deal.

Wasn't this bad with the abdomen tear or the cortisone shoulder. No, its time for Zim to move ... and that's coming up nigh on the horizon.

peric said...

Meanwhile, just hit Zim and don't get hung up about the errors. Just hit please.

Knoxville Nat said...

I don't know why Hirshbeck couldn't have simply turned away after calling the strike and walked away. Instead it looks as if he was searching for an opportunity to throw Harper out of the game.

Anonymous said...

Harp held both arms up in the air with his bat in it. You can say anything you want, just don't show up the ump in front of the fans. He's learning.

David Proctor said...

How in the world did Gio escape that jam?

NatsLady said...

Whew! Good job, Gio! Now, let's get some offense.

Joe Seamhead said...

I think Hirshback came to the parklanning to throw Harper out of the game. What a horse's posterior.

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

Harper shouldn't have reacted like that, but no other player in baseball would've been ejected for that little in the first inning. It's crazy. And the ump walking toward him like he was trying to pick a fight is unacceptable.

Great play by Desi, though.

NatsLady said...

Whatever McCatty says--he works another miracle. Get a copyright.

NatsLady said...

That's all Adam needed? Hitting tips from Chipper and a trip to Pittsburgh?

David Proctor said...

Moore with RISP = Yikes. And now we have Espinosa coming up.

David Proctor said...

Damn that's a home run if not for the wind.

Anonymous said...

Good ab Danny boy.

Knoxville Nat said...

Good AB from Danny!

JaneB said...

NatsJack, Espi is doing better.

I think you should take all remaining bobble heads out of their boxes. Start with Gio's if you have it.

Joe Seamhead said...

Hirshback has been a very sick man for a long time. No, I'm being serious. He has missed whole seasons due to back pain and testicle cancer.
Hey, I'm happy with the score being tied after the way it started out.I'll take a sac fly from Espinosa over a K anytime

SCNatsFan said...

I think Eck needs to remind our hitters with two strikes you need to swing if it it close; when it is 3-0 you can pick your pitch not then.

Section 222 said...

Knoxville Nat -- re: your request for info on Petco Park. There's woman named Jenn Jenson who has commented here in the past, and also had her own blog, Natsfangirl.com, though it looks like she hasn't posted this year. But she posted lots of stuff about a trip to Petco a few years ago. Natsnut might know how to reach her for you.

Joe Seamhead said...

Didn't sjm308 go to Petco last year? If he did, I'm sure he could answer all beer questions!

BxJaycobb said...

You simply can't win many baseball games with a 3B who throws the ball away half the time. period. if this doesn't change soon, something needs to happen.

NatsLady said...

ATL just scored against Jon Niese. 2 on with 1 out.

NatsLady said...

Oooops, Freeman doubled. 3-0 ATL.

Steady Eddie said...

SCNats -- you're right but it should be JDub and Span giving lessons in protecting the plate with two strikes. It's also a part of learning what pitches you can or can't do something with, and how to foul off the ones you can't. Tough skill, includes knowing about and reading different pitchers, but those two vets could teach a lot.

Knoxville Nat said...

222, thanks for the referral. I'll check it out and see what I can learn.

GYFNG!

NatsLady said...

Another run on a wild pitch, and Niese walks the next guy. There was a funny diagram on Twitter yesterday. Basically, the Mets don't lose when either (a) Harvey is pitching or (b) it rains.

NatsLady said...

Getting bad in Atlanta when both B.J. Upton and Reed Johnson get singles. 5-0 and..... Niese walks the pitcher....

Steady Eddie said...

That fifth pitch curve to Span was exactly was I was talking about re strategic fouls. Curve right on the lower outside corner could not be hit anywhere effectively. But DSpan just effortlessly reached out and poked it out if play to save the AB -- and then proceeded to poke the next strike for an infield hit.

David Proctor said...

I get Roger was forced into the lineup today because Harper was ejected...but dear god he is LOST. I said it yesterday too. He can't buy a hit to save his life.

NatsLady said...

David Wright, 2 run homer after Hudson walks the lead off batter. 5-2 ATL.

Unknown said...

5 Strikeouts in 3 innings. Our guys sure know how to swing and miss.

SCNatsFan said...

How long do you give roger to figure it out? Not like we don't have guys on the farm who can't hit .035 here.

Nats 128 said...

Any time Espinosa does something well we can thank the great one NatsJack. All hail!

Nats 128 said...

Interesting, Gio is throwing changeups at a large proportion, who will take credit for that on the Insiders? I know someone mentioned it, must be Rule #1 Ghost if he hasn't gone away. Where are you Ghost. We know you said it!

Probably NatsJack will mention it tomorrow.

EmDash said...

Not sure what to do about Roger. Not many of our players (especially the Goon Squad) have been hitting, but the Shark's just looked lost constantly.

NatsLady said...

LOL, Mark DeRosa with a HR. I mean, if he gets going that should solve the Jays' problems....

Unknown said...

Great AB by Zimm. He's looking much better at the plate.

Joe Seamhead said...

Harpo, stop! Enough.

NatsLady said...

I thought Davey told the boys to take the bat off their shoulder. Tyler Moore not at the meeting?

David Proctor said...

Balkin Bob Davidson strikes again.

SCNatsFan said...

Our bench players look lost. For a hitter Moore looks like he is perplexed by a breaking ball. Swing the damn bat.

NatsLady said...

Danny BOY!!!!!!

David Proctor said...

Danny has looked so much better lately. I'll get off his case TEMPORARILY. I hope he keeps it up though.

Joe Seamhead said...

Espy smells a little better now, Jack!

Unknown said...

Nice two-run homer. Good at bat all around.

Anonymous said...

DAANNY EESSS-PIN-OOSSA!

Great ab, 0-2 count and kept fighting. Keep it up!

Secret wasian man said...

How dare you call him Danny Nats Jack. That's Mr Stinks to you

SCNatsFan said...

C'mon Danny hit that ball to right not left. Good hitters do that.

Just kidding. Happy for the kid.

MicheleS said...

Good to see a dinger! And even Wilson getting in on the action.

Can someone tell what Wandy did to get the balk call?

Secret wasian man said...

On another note why is it always angel Hernandez, Tim Timmons and hershbeck who always give the nats a hard time?

SCNatsFan said...

Michele he stepped too far towards home

A DC Wonk said...

NatsJack in Florida said...

I like the progress Joe but that brings him all the way to .189 which we all know, isn't good.

But since Apr 25 (8 games plus this one) he's hitting .250

A DC Wonk said...

NatsLady said...

Whatever McCatty says--he works another miracle.


I've seen McCatty do that so many times. What I wouldn't give to hear those conversations...

MicheleS said...

Thanks SC. they didn't show a replay.

3on2out said...

Don't give up on Tyler Moore. One of our resident experts designated Moore as the replacement for the largely worthless Denard Span. Not only is Span just a singles hitter...defense doesn't matter in baseball. I have learned SO much at this site!

David Proctor said...

Bad luck, but another good swing by Zimmerman there.

UnkyD said...

Espinosa no stinko por ahora.......
(Just saying....) :-)

Joe Seamhead said...

Oh, hell, I'm admittedly a fickle fan. I really hope Espy is going to go on a hot streak. We're winning a game that I was feeling pretty uncertain about in the first inning! As to Moore, I agree that a AAA vacation would behoove him, with not just the bat, but also to get in more OF experience and instruction. Learning a new position is hard enough for a veteran, but it borders on unfair to what is basically a rookie to learn on the job in the majors.

MicheleS,I thought he called it for the stutter step off the mound before he threw to first. That's all I saw, and it didn't look like a balk to me.

David Proctor said...

Speaking of lost...right now Tyler is, unfortunately.

SCNatsFan said...

No offense to Mississippi Nats fans but Tyler sure seems dumb

Unknown said...

Tyler looks totally lost at the plate. Maybe we should fly Chipper in?

UnkyD said...

Steady Eddie said...
SCNats -- you're right but it should be JDub and Span giving lessons in protecting the plate with two strikes. It's also a part of learning what pitches you can or can't do something with, and how to foul off the ones you can't. Tough skill, includes knowing about and reading different pitchers, but those two vets could teach a lot.
....................
Harold Baines could be that particular tutor... I read where he sort a significant amount of time just fouling off bad pitches, in BP (might have read that here, a couple years ago...so it might be, like, tainted elitist info.....just saying....) :)

A DC Wonk said...

NatsJack in Florida said...

Idiot catcher setting up inside on Zim again. Why?

I just figured it out. The catcher must have been holding the scouting report upside down!

Knoxville Nat said...

Maybe we should just offer the hitting coach position to Chipper.

A DC Wonk said...

NatsJack in Florida said...

Folks..... I'm afraid to say Roy Halladay may be done.

Yowza. His ERA is up to 8.65 after today

Joe Seamhead said...

Tyler isn't exactly leading us to the promised land so far, that's for sure.
Phillies getting crushed.Halliday has been reduced to a horse that's been ridden hard and put away wet by Charlie Manuel. All those games in 2011 that Cholly left him in for 120-135 pitches just to get complete games out of him when they had big leads has taken its toll.

Joe Seamhead said...

Jack, FP said he didn't see it on the balk.

NatsLady said...

Harry Leroy Halladay--age 35. He could retire rich, or take a year off and reinvent himself.

BxJaycobb said...

Most impressive outing by Go this year in my view. He was great against the Mets, yes, but I've never seen him weather a storm, calm himself, and then dominate quite like today. He pitched great against a pretty good team. Bravo.

BxJaycobb said...

And I've also never seen him with as fantastic a change up. It almost didn't matter that he didn't have his curve.

A DC Wonk said...

Phillies getting crushed.Halliday has been reduced to a horse that's been ridden hard and put away wet by Charlie Manuel. All those games in 2011 that Cholly left him in for 120-135 pitches just to get complete games out of him when they had big leads has taken its toll.

Not just Manuel. He led the AL in complete games five times with Toronto, signed with Philly, and then led the NL in completes for his first two years there. Six straight years of 220+ innings starting at age 29. (Includes a year of 270 innings in 2010.

There's a lot of miles on that there arm of his.

NatsLady said...

Good point on being really carefull with a man on third. Just don't do anything clever.

Now, that's just wrong. Every player should be able to get a bunt on the ground. Maybe not perfectly, but on the ground.

Unknown said...

I think we should also have JZimm teach these players how to properly bunt. What a wasted out that was.

NatsLady said...

Or bring back Livo. Is he officially retired? Or is he around somewhere, I haven't heard?

Knoxville Nat said...

SCNatsFan,

What makes you think Tyler is dumb? Lack of hits? If that is the case you should add several more Nats to your description.

SCNatsFan said...

Why are these guys not protecting the plate with two strikes? Why have we suddenly become the most stupid team in all the land?

SCNatsFan said...

Knoxville because three times this game he has stood like a statue looking at strike three

NatsLady said...

OK, bullpen's been decent lately. TIme to tough out this lead.

Joe Seamhead said...

OK, Bullpen Boys, just do it!
Jack, I didn't go back to watch it, though they did show one replay and I saw a little stutter step by Wendy that I thought was construed by Davidson.. I have always gotten confused by how ambiguous umpires are when interpreting balks.
I think Gio showed some true grit today.

Knoxville Nat said...

".....stood like a statue looking at strike three"

Ah, the new Matt Stares!!

Joe Seamhead said...

Oops, owe you a beer!

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, Adam just earned a couple hundred grand!

SCNatsFan said...

Zim looking awful shaky at the hot corner

NatsLady said...

I doubt the Atlanta bullpen is going to give up seven runs.

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Who is going to pitch the eight?

BxJaycobb said...

Here's the situation. If Davey wants to win this game, he'll either go to Mattheus or throw Drew out there for another inning (only 12 pitches, and off day tomorrow). If he puts the game in Clip's hands, we could very well lose. I honestly believe it's that simple.

SCNatsFan said...

I would love if Bernie and Moore could manufacture a run here

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, Clip's up for the eighth, like it, or not!
Ok, Tyler, please make all of us doubters look bad!

MicheleS said...

Come on Tyler!

NatsLady said...

Both Tylers...! Both of ya's.

BxJaycobb said...

No. It's based on his abysmal performance over the first 30 games of the year.

BxJaycobb said...

That said I will be the first to shake his hand if he pitches well and gets to Soriano. And a hit here couldn't hurt.

David Proctor said...

That's a great way to rebound, Tyler!!!

BxJaycobb said...

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BOOM. THAT IS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT

MicheleS said...

TYLER!!! WAY TO GO!

NatsLady said...

OK, Tyler MOOOOOOOOOOOORE!!!!

Knoxville Nat said...

Tyler just a lot smarter!

SCNatsFan said...

Good things happen when you swing the bat! And he nailed that fan right on the back. Way to go Tyler.

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, I'm thinking Hirshbeck was wishing he was the first base ump on Tyler's "check swing."

Unknown said...

Total disrespect for Moore... Pooooowwwwaaaa

NatsLady said...

Well, it's like this. The other day I discovered that bull-headedness is results based. Now I see that holds for intelligence.

Joe Seamhead said...

I'm happy as all get out for Tyler Mr. Folk, but you gotta admit after stranding a total of 9 the last two days,he hadn't been looking great, even with the sac fly yesterday. Put me up on NIDO for one hat to be eaten!

A DC Wonk said...

NatsLady said...

Well, it's like this. The other day I discovered that bull-headedness is results based. Now I see that holds for intelligence.

Good one!

A DC Wonk said...

Well . . . we've certainly come a long way since the first inning when the Pirates had one run in and bases loaded nobody out in the first inning!

BxJaycobb said...

Still interested in seeing how Clip pitches, and hoping he proves me a negative nancy. it would be really solid if the Nats finish a road trip to Atlanta and Pittsburgh 4-3. Not easy places to play to say the least. May is treating us well...

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, Jack, with that said regarding results, assuming we win, who gets player of the game?

BxJaycobb said...

4 run lead helps, but I will still happily bow my surrender to Tyler Clippard. He looked good and when you're wrong you're wrong. First time since last July that he has had two truly impressive outings in a row, no?

David Proctor said...

Oh god. Henry Rodriguez is warming up. This game isn't over yet, folks.

NatsLady said...

Yep, Henry. With backup. Davey doesn't trust Henry any more than fans do.

A DC Wonk said...

BxJaycobb said...

4 run lead helps, but I will still happily bow my surrender to Tyler Clippard. He looked good and when you're wrong you're wrong. First time since last July that he has had two truly impressive outings in a row, no?

No -- he's had three in a row twice this season already.

His first three appearances of the season were three innings of no-hit, and one walk combined. Then he did the same from Apr 17-23: three outings, a combined 3.1 innings, no hits, one walk.

We tend to remember the bad outings, but he's had a number of god ones.

Joe Seamhead said...

Henry? If he's going to be on the roster he needs work, too. Besides, he'd have to get in trouble before Soriano could get a save.

David Proctor said...

Huh, it's Soriano in a non-save situation.

NatsLady said...

Davey's protecting his heart.

Knoxville Nat said...

I'll second NatsJack on Gio for player of the game but don't forget Desmond's good defensive play to end the first inning.

Joe Seamhead said...

You all had me all faked out! You dogs? Ihad done a Maalox double, topped with Jack Daniels.

BxJaycobb said...

that's amazing. my impression of him this year has been just terrible, walking guys every inning and getting hammered. in any event, he looks solid now....
p.s. definitely not OVERLY impressed with the supposedly "new look" pirates. Starling Marte is fantastic and McCutchen will get it rolling no doubt, but other than that, not much O, and although the starters were good, not a lot of strike-throwing from the pen...

Knoxville Nat said...

Memo to Ray Knight:

Get ready to untuck!

MicheleS said...

WOOOOOO HOOOO!

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