Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER |
The Nationals are getting a nice boost today, with Wilson Ramos returning from the DL. The catcher went 0-for-10 on his rehab assignment with Class A Potomac, but those numbers are less significant than the fact his hamstring is healthy and he's good to go for the first time since May 15. Which means, for the first time since mid-April, Davey Johnson will be fielding his complete starting lineup (with Anthony Rendon having replaced Danny Espinosa, of course).
Taylor Jordan makes his second career start, hoping to earn his first career win. All indications are that either way, Jordan will be sent back to the minors after this one, with Dan Haren on track to return from the DL and take Taylor's spot in five days. You'd certainly like to see the kid pitch well and be rewarded for his efforts today.
Updates to come, so please check back...
MILWAUKEE BREWERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 11:05 a.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB Network (outside D.C. market), MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 82 degrees, Wind 12 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (42-42)
CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
2B Anthony Rendon
C Wilson Ramos
RH Taylor Jordan
BREWERS (34-49)
RF Norichika Aoki
SS Jean Segura
CF Carlos Gomez
C Jonathan Lucroy
3B Juan Francisco
1B Sean Halton
LF Logan Schafer
2B Jeff Bianchi
RHP Donovan Hand
UMPIRES
HP Gerry Davis (cc)
1B Mark Carlson
2B Brian Knight
3B Dan Iassogna
11:06 a.m. — It's not even noon yet, but we are underway on the 4th of July in Washington, D.C. Not a bad place to be. Taylor Jordan starts off Norichika Aoki with a fastball for ball one.
11:18 a.m. — Earlier this morning, Davey Johnson (perhaps a bit sleep-deprived) said: "I hope the fireworks start around 11:15." He was referring, of course, to the possibility of the Nats scoring in the bottom of the first. I don't think he considered the possibility that Jordan might still be on the mound in the top of the first at that point. Unfortunately, that was the case. Jordan gave up a couple of singles and plunked Jean Segura in the left hand during a laborious inning, with Jonathan Lucroy's RBI single bringing home the first run of the day. Nats trail 1-0 early.
11:38 a.m. — See, what Davey really meant to say was that the fireworks would begin at 11:35. How about that, a 2-run rally for the Nats in the bottom of the first, thanks to a base hit by Ian Desmond, a walk by Bryce Harper — whose walk-up song today, by the way, is Ray Charles' version of "America the Beautiful," a brilliant choice — and then two-out RBI singles from Adam LaRoche and new No. 6 hitter Jayson Werth. That Davey, what a mad scientist/genius. It's 2-1 Nats after one.
12:06 p.m. — It's been a bit of a battle for Jordan so far. He's needed 52 pitches to get through three innings, but he's allowed only the one early run. We'll see how much rope Davey gives him today in his second start. Still 2-1 Nats, moving to the bottom of the third.
12:22 p.m. — When Davey told Desmond last night he was going to hit second today, his advice to the young shortstop was: "Don't change anything. Just keep hacking." So, naturally, Desmond bunted his way on to lead off the bottom of the third, taking second on an error. Hey, whatever works. Such as, a botched double-steal attempt in which Harper got caught in a rundown between first and second yet still ended up safe after the Brewers decided to try to throw behind Desmond at third base ... and were late doing so. That set the stage for Zimmerman's sac fly. After all that, it's 3-1 Nats, and ladies and gentlemen, it's time for Neil Diamond!
12:28 p.m. — Well, that was ... uh, something, I guess. Everybody stood up and watched and listened as Neil Diamond spent three minutes singing about eagles and freedom and other patriotic words. And I'm not even entirely convinced he was actually singing. Especially after hearing how he sounded yesterday during a rehearsal vs. today's live performance. Hmm...
12:45 p.m. — Solid work from Jordan here. He's now through the fifth, allowing only the one early run. He looks much more comfortable today than he did in his debut. Still 3-1 Nats.
1:14 p.m. — Jordan did start to fade in the top of the sixth, and Davey probably sensed that just in time. The rookie gave up a pair of singles, the latter by Juan Francisco to bring a run home. Francisco bailed the Nats out by rounding too far around first base and getting tagged out, but even after that, Capt. Hook made his appearance. Jordan departed to a nice ovation, having allowed two runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings. He's in line for the win, with the Nats now leading 3-2 heading to the bottom of the sixth.
1:34 p.m. — And now Jordan has more cushion to earn that win as the Nats score two insurance runs during a crazy bottom of the sixth. It included base hits by LaRoche and Werth, a sac bunt attempt by Rendon that he still reached on thanks to an error, a two-run single by Ramos for his first RBI since coming off the DL, Ron Roenicke intentionally walking Desmond to get to Harper ... and then Harper grounding out on the first pitch. Some out-of-the-box managing today on both sides. Seriously, I think Davey just decided to take the George Costanza approach today: Ignore every instinct he has and just do the opposite. Next thing you know, he'll be ordering chicken salad. (Apologies to any non-Seinfeld fans who have no idea what I'm talking about there.) It's 5-2 Nats after six.
1:51 p.m. — Oh, dear. This game is now tied, courtesy Drew Storen, who served up a pair of home runs in the top of the seventh. Right before the second of the two bombs, Steve McCatty came out to have an animated conversation with the reliever. Storen never looked his pitching coach in the eye. Gomez then crushed his 0-2 slider to left for the game-tying homer. It's 5-5 at the stretch, and Storen (sporting a 5.45 ERA) is serenaded with boos as he walks off the field.
2:12 p.m. — Have a day, Wilson Ramos. Three-run bomb in the bottom of the seventh gives the Nats an 8-5 lead. He's now 3-for-4 with five RBI in his first game back from the DL. And he gets a well-deserved curtain call from the crowd of 38,221. I'd like to also personally thank Wilson for providing me the easiest game storyline I'll write all year.
2:24 p.m. — A scoreless eighth for Tyler Clippard, maintaining an 8-5 lead. By the way, you know who's in line for the win now? Yes, Drew Storen. Funny game, this baseball.
2:30 p.m. — We go to the ninth. It's Rafael Soriano in protecting a three-run lead.
2:41 p.m. — That's it. Soriano closes out an 8-5 victory, though he did bring the tying run to the plate. Storen incredibly gets the win. Ramos gets the accolades. And the Nats salvage a four-game split with the Brewers and get back over the .500 hump heading into this weekend's series with the Padres.
398 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 398 of 398 Newer› Newest»Tulo is still out, isn't he?
MrsB loves the Nats said...
Ha... I remember a couple of years ago when folks were calling for Desi to be let go....
Never NatsJack and me. We were the only ones it seemed when the haters wanted Espi at SS.
The worst was when a couple of posters wanted Desi thrown in to a trade for BJ Upton.
MrsB, Tulo is out for 2 to 3 more weeks.
Yes. Howell would be a big improvement
It's interesting Ghost reading what some of the arm chair GMs would do...
I still have hope for Espi... I just think he needs to get the surgeries and come back and try again next year... He is embarrassing himself at this point...
Mrs B, even though you are on the DL, you can still participate in the All Star game.
Joey chestnut just broke hot dog eating record at 69. Hahaha now back to baseball
Awful Zimm. Think ill get a hot dog
I can't remember the last time I have watched an MLb, NFL, or NbA all star game...
I'm surprised Desi didnt run since Zimm hits into GIDP a lot...
Scratching my head as usual with this team. Why wasn't Desi running on 3-2 with 1 out.
Is Justin Upton still tger. Only statscwere April too.
So, how far do you go with Taylor Jordan?
No diubt. Heck he could take Eck's job.
I can't believe Jordan is out there for the 6th... I was hoping for 5 solid innings, which he gave...
Good day for T Jordan.. So far...
Joey Chestnutt ate 69
Zim has no business hitting in the 4 hole. Davey's Rigglemanesque deference to veterans has killed this team. The Zim-Laroche 4-5 black hole needs to go. It's a double play half the time someone's on base. Please get a young manager next year who's not afraid to mix things up.
Had Ian ran like tge pitch before no double play.
Good job Jordan...
One of Zim or Laroche will be gone by next year I predict. Rizzo has seen enough
Rendon is a boss
And Mrs. B, never me calling for Desi's head.
In other news, what a heads up play for baby second-bagger Rendon there! And PLEASE GUYS win this game for Taylor! GYFNG!
Uh-oh.
69...a record that will never be broken
unless they start eating performance enhancing hot dogs
In regards to Desmond, I was never a hater, but he was exasperating sometimes. Ghost, I'll guarantee that I never advocated trading him, and certainly not for BJ Upton.
Add on guys, a major problem mostvthe season.
Aaa hooo!
Rendon is a boss
Francisco we see why the Braves DFA
On my feet in the family room! COME ON NATS!
NatsJack I'm for winning now. Haren to the 'pen. Keep TJord around longer.
Storen- come on Davey
Welcone back Wilson
Alrighty, then!
Wilsooooon! You're back!!!!!
Yessssssss...... Welcome back Ramos!
There's the Ramo! Welcome back!
So maybe we keep Jordan around more... Haren can be a long relief guy....
Bases loaded BA goes up!
Jack, my son just called from the beach saying how cool it was to be watching a Nats game and hearing WWof L knowing we got it started.
MrsB, see my comment at 1:23
Good bunt... Hopefully Span can shorten his swing and get an opposite field hit....
Dangit Ghost... I owe you a drink... Just put it on my tab....
Span is just terrible at the plate. Should have let Lombo swing.
Put that in a things to make you saw hmmmm category....
Nuts!
I would trade span.
Nice patience. Against a lefty Harper needs patience.
Intentional walk to get to Harper. Never would have guessed I'd see that
Maybe having a bigger lead will make it less likely for Drew to choke.
Of course Davey won't have anyone warming up when Storen struggles
Good play Zimm...
Wow, great play by Ryan Zimmerman!
So, am I the only one surprised to see Drew today?
NatsJack - I can go the rest of the season without seeing Haren...
JoeS - I'm glad to see Drew..
Pull him out now!!!
Boooooooooooo. He is so bad. Get him off the team.
Ok. Drew. You gave up one. You can get these next two guys. You can.
Fat pitch up and over the plate...
*sigh* Drew....
Drew just doesn't seem to do well against the Brewers.
Storen is bucking for the H-Rod award.
Whoa, Drew! Now you gotta wonder if when Haren comes back, Storen is the one going down
Addition by subtraction. Get rid of this chump. He blew the playoffs last year. Ruined our year. Now he can't even get anyone out. Either trade him or send him down.
You know, I really think Drew needs to go down - and when there, Storen needs to pitch 3-4 inning stints; he needs to work on his pitches, get the feel, get his mojo back. He cant do that up here. I can't believe Storen is done -- I think he needs lots of work to get his schtick back
Thank you Aoki. Esoi like
And Drew gets a Span like swing to K Aoki.
Now Davey .....now
Another gift up...
Storen looks miserable -
Davey trying to build the confidence in someone with zero to start with at the expense of the team. Bring in Krol. I'd trade him for a bench bat.
Davey just doesn't learn.
Come on Drew.... Lets get this last out...
What a coward
Holy god.. Davey...
Wow.. I just yelled, in the dirt... Wow....
Totally on Davey
Told you. Thanks Davey.
0-2 meatball. Storen is done.
Oh man. My heart is in the basement.
Darn you DAVEY JOHNSON
Reserve your room in Syracuse, kid. But it'll be good for you. Put Taylor in the bull pen, until Haren implodes again.
That is why I hate Davey. Where are you Davey and Drew defenders.
What does it take for Davey to take ANY action? He just sits around and watches this team implode.
Drew Storen was a wasted draft pick.. I hate him
That's definitely on Davey.... Situational pitching and he doesn't take advantage of it....
That was a gift... Should have thrown it in the dirt... You had no balls...
He needs a sports psychologist in one of those other major league cities. Storen's E.R.A. is 5.45 and counting....
Can we boo Storwn yet? You guys who hate booing, I say boo too. When NcCatty came I booed him I wanted Davey out
And the Nats bullpen pulls yet another W off a starter
Anybody could hit that slider....
I hope they Boo him
Davey is a trip. That's all I can say.
That was actually cruel by Johnson to put Storen in there. Maybe both need a ticket to ride....
Like I said Davey doesn't learn. I pull him before Aoki walked into the batters box. On Davey. He doesn't learn. Espi and HenRod all over again.
Puzzling.....every pitch up, lucky they are not behind
Danny part 2. He'll continue to struggle even at AAA. Probably hiding injury.
Storen's whip exceeds 1.5!!!
Mick is a man of his word... no negative posts. So what did I miss in the top of the 7th inning? hee hee
See my posts @ 1:37, 1:39, and 1:41. Davey? You just blew the kid getting a win. Dang it.
how many games has our stubborn, slow to react manager lost with the let's try him again mentality:
1. Espi
2. Henry
3. Haren
4. Storen
Not only was Storen a bad pick, we have had many chances to get excellent value for him.
Davey is to blame for our record. I single handedly put the blame on him. He needs to check into a nursing home.
Who stinks worse? Drew or Davey for bringing him in. What a horrible manager he is. no way this game should be like this. Dump Storen and Span and Davey.
If this team has any b$%$#, it will counter with some runs.
come on gang.. be positive, Drew is doing the best he can, we will comeback and win
Mick is the prophet
Mick your gloating that is tied that is why I hate your post. Yiu are happy.
Idk.. Some of that is on Ramos, too... Sides was ineffective... In an 0-2 count, why not throw a ball in the dirt, outside, see if he reaches...
I think Johnson way over-manages his pitchers. Why wold you put Storen in there?
Now bats will go silent.....sigh
Slider*
Starting pitchers should go on strike until Davey is let go...He's too old for this marathon game...
so am i
Manassas Nats' Fan said...
Mick your gloating that is tied that is why I hate your post. Yiu are happy.
not at all my post below...
come on gang.. be positive, Drew is doing the best he can, we will comeback and win
i am being positive.... so everyone will like me.
we will comeback and win, you'll see
Big moment was Span not being pulled with men on 3rd and 2nd in that lefty/lefty.
I thought Davey was a Math guy.
Wow mick how many beers? Mick you know this team totalLy stinks. Its like a dead fish. it stinks from the head all the way down. I really hate Davey Johnson. we will lose 8-5.
I'm so tired of how these pitchers refuse to look at McCattey when he comes out. Like him walking out there is such a great offense to them.
You almost have to hope for the worst from these guys because then and only then does Johnson get a clue to stop using Haren and Lombo and Storen. I wonder if Rizzo finally ordered to stop putting Lombo in there every single game.
Secret wasian man
hee hee
Some is on Harper to for swinging at first pitch against lefty.
Why Clippard didnt face Gomez is on Davey.
And where all those who defended Drew saying Tuesday was. Blip on the radar, when I was furious at him then?
and the great Tom Gorzellany blows through our so called best hitters.
now Taylor Jordan pitched well...he should really stay up here
This reliever for the Brewers is impressive. Why can't we find any guys around the league like him?
Werth is such a consummate pro with a huge will to win.
Oh NJ - I swear mind meld... I was about to say the same thing...
Idk - he had him in an 0-2 count... Slider was ineffective... Throw something, not over the plate, to see if he reaches....
Is best this week is not worthy.
NJ, ghost...we are all a bunch of know it all, told you so...some positive, some negative.
He without blame, should throw the first blog
whatever do you mean? .. I am being positive...don't be negative, have faith in this team, they won 98 games last year and Davey has a 600 average as a manager and won the WS 27 years ago.
have faith my friend, we will win this game and if we don't, there are 75 games left and remember, Drew did the best he could and that is all that matters, he tried
we will win this game, chill...mick is a changed man and called it so i'm with him...good vibes all around, bring back Neil Diamond.
Rendon just may play the hero right here --
TY paul
We had 2 of them last years
Notice how Natsjack shows up just to criticize the negative posters? Why don't you man up Natsjack and admit your pissed about this awful team. don't take it out on the negative posters.
Wasian...Nats jack is a nice guy and a class act..whatever do you mean?
Mick HAHAHA gotta hook up at a game one time. Better yet a Neil Diamond concert.
haha I do like this lineup!!!!!!
sweet!!!!!!!!!!!
mick is jesus
WILSOOOOOOON! I'm crying with happiness! CRYING I tell you!
Ramos didn't run so he wouldn't hurt his hammy....
Way to go Wilson! Wow... Killer... He knew he got it too...
Thank you Wilson for cleaning up the crap by Storen and Davey.
WELCOME BACK, WILSON!!!
I told you, ye of little faith...we would win this game..way to go Wilson
moose
Ramos saves Davey's a$$.
Now try not to blow it for 2 innings.
Keep your head in the game...take 5 hour energy, speed, whatever.
Mick it must be the positive vibe. WILSON!!!!!
If nats jack is like me, we dont mind negative comments on pkays
We hate posrers who take pride in the negative happening, because its make them right.
They rather be right then Nats win.
Go Buffelo.
Storen probably won't be happy but Johnson must be the most relieved person in Washington.
Hey you were right Mick we did comeback
Storen in line for the win......priceless
Wonder who will get a gatorade shower w/ Miss Alexandria....
And Storen is in line for the W. That's why it's a useless stat for relievers.
This is a lineup that is so potentially potent, that it can even overcome Davey!
They should have left Gorzo in.
Good Star MnF...
I am so happy Wilson Ramos is back! I hope he stays healthy and injury free. See, Nats Jack, I said something nice.
I say grant Ramos and his whole family citizenship!
bless you my son Paul
LOL
That's why wins and losses for a pitcher is a nonsensical stat.
Fickked baseball God. If Nats keep lean Storen wins.
Tracy is almost worthless.
And the Buffalo strikes again!
and bless you my son Jeffwx
lol
Great distinction, Manassas! The gloating and nehnehneh of it is what makes me nuts.
Im sorry Taylor won't get the win. But we may still get the Curlie W!
Natsjack......lead or unleaded ?
Ramos. What A beast. We missed you.
Wasina...beer is on me
Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change
ok here's the homecoming plan:
harper - first game back - HR
ramos - first game back - HR
haren - first game back - NO HOME RUNS!
can we do it? see you all at the capitol tonite
gyfng
I post negative because I am frustrated. I have NO Want for the Nats to lose. I have been to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Crackmore (balt) and DC to see this team this year. I care. AND SO DO other posters who seem negative sometimes. the fact that folks are watching means they care.
I feel bad for TJ but great to have the Buffalo back!!! Now we just need Clip and Soriano to do there thing.
I recall a game where the starter was pulled after 8 2/3 in a tie game. Reliever threw one pitch -retired batter on linedrive. In the bottom of the 9th, they scored and the pitcher who threw one pitch got the win! Unbelievable, but that's how its done
Ramos being back will help Suzuki as he will get more rest for his bat.
Clippard did something like that in the All Star game.
I stare in amazement and wonder how we won 98 games with Henry, Drew and Clip carrying a lot of the bull pen load.
So you are inviting all the "losers" to come up to you and introduce themselves? How kind!
We had some 2 out magic going on there.. Chad Tracy is a mess....
Werth has to call him off and take charge there.
good recovery, Rendon well done
Then dont predict negative future. We will win the east.
No one introduced themselves to me either,
I always wear a red nats hat to all 20 games i go to.
Hey I think everyone is entitled to their opinion whatever that may be. No one should be attacked for their honest opinion. When that happens, who's worse: the negative poster, or the Attacker?
Clip and Store were pretty much good as gold last year, NatsFanSince. A few bad games (and one that will live in infamy) but they were awesome. Storen is clearly struggling this year. I still believe he has lights out stuff. But maybe needs a fresh start somewhere else.
I am going Saturday section 314
Bwahahahahahahahaaaaa.....
Paul, I think Werth tried to call him off. I also think he got a little admonishment from Jayson afterwards. Rendon has been great, but there is still a learning curve in play.
Nats Jack, Does everybody have to be a Little Mary Sunshine to post here?. No wonder you hate Rod Dibble despite the fact he speaks so highly of you.
Oh I know, Janet -- somewhat rhetorical comment there. Last year was indeed 'lightning in a bottle." This year, not so much
I think Jayson should have called Rendon off... But so glad to see Anthony wearing the shades now...
Span needs to drag bunt not at third bunt.
Most of the people who sign on when things are going bad generally do so to either be consoled or to find out if there is something going on with a certain player that they have missed. There are different mentalities but some people believe that it is somewhat classless to come on the site just to gloat when things are going well, and those types are actually affirming their loyalty to the Nats by commenting at the worst of times, rather than only when things go well as homers often do.
I hope Ian Desmond makes the All Star team.
I am all for honest opinion.
I am all against negatuve preductions. You can have them, just share them in a negative blog.
I like the bkig to all positive predictions
Obviously I live in a utopia
nice piece of hitting there.
Soriano is a cool customer. Good job
Curly W in the books. Totally awesome....Yes!! You called it Mick
I hope Storen can sleep tonight
Great win, boys. Maybe Drew should give the "win" ball to Taylor, though. Just a thought.
Loved the Ramos dinger and curtain call. My tv screen got all blurry after, but it cleared up after a bit...
I can totally vouch for NatsJack's knowledge and insights about this game. I've learned a lot from him. Lots of others too.
I would like for someone to explain to us all the rationale for determining the "winning" pitcher. It seems that the only one absolutely cut out of the mix if a reliever messes up is the starter who has left the game, even if the starter leaves ahead and has pitched a quality start. He is completely at the mercy of whatever shenanigans his relievers perpetrate. Today, Drew should buy Taylor a steak, a big one.
http://scorekeeping.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/determining-winning-losing-and-saving-pitchers/
This links to a blog posting that discusses the process for determining winning pitchers. In general, the winning pitcher needs to pitch the half inning before the winning team takes a lead that it doesn't relinquish. If a starter's team is leading when he is relieved, but the other team ties later ties the game, "it's a brand new ballgame", and both starting pitchers get "no decisions".
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