Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Game 91: Nats at Phillies

Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
PHILADELPHIA — The Nationals have lost two straight and have once again fallen into an offensive abyss. The good news: They're sending Gio Gonzalez to the mound tonight and their two other aces to the mound the next two nights, so there's still hope.

As detailed earlier this morning, the Nationals are something of an unstoppable force when either Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann or Stephen Strasburg is on the mound (playing at a 101-win pace). So Gio's presence on the mound tonight can only be considered a good thing.

On the other hand, Cliff Lee starts for the Phillies, and that's not a good matchup for the Nationals, who have struggled to hit lefties (MLB-worst .215 batting average) and have struggled to hit control artists like Lee, who has built an entire reputation on throwing strikes and getting quick outs.

So, something's got to give tonight. We'll see what does. Updates to come...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 187
Weather: Partly cloudy, 82 degrees, Wind 11 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (46-44)
CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Anthony Rendon
C Wilson Ramos
LHP Gio Gonzalez

PHILLIES (45-46)
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
LF Domonic Brown
3B Michael Young
RF Delmon Young
1B Darin Ruf
C Carlos Ruiz
LHP Cliff Lee

UMPIRES
HP Gary Cederstrom (cc)
1B Kerwin Danley
2B Lance Barksdale
3B Vic Carapazza

7:08 p.m. — We're underway as Cliff Lee throws (what else?) strike one to Denard Span.

7:14 p.m. — The good news: Bryce Harper roped a double off a 2-0 pitch from Lee. The bad news: Span, Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman were retired on a total of seven pitches from Lee, all of them strikes.

7:21 p.m. — Nice 5-4-3 double play turned by Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon in the bottom of the first. Zim continues to get better and better with his throws, an encouraging sign if ever there was one. Gio Gonzalez, meanwhile, gets through the inning on 16 pitches, 9 strikes. Scoreless through one.

7:38 p.m. — Both pitchers settling into a groove here. Lee allowed a leadoff single to Jayson Werth in the second but erased him on a double-play grounder by Anthony Rendon. Gonzalez, meanwhile, pitched his way around a Michael Young double in the bottom of the inning. He's at 33 pitches through two. Still scoreless.

7:47 p.m. — Well, they've hit some balls hard off Lee so far, producing four base hits in three innings. But they haven't turned any of those into runs yet. It didn't help that Gio couldn't get a good bunt down, leading to Wilson Ramos getting thrown out at second base. But if you want to take the positive outlook, the Nats are putting together some decent swings against Lee.

7:56 p.m. — Wow, you don't see that call made too often. With a man on first, Lee bunted and Zimmerman attempted a difficult throw across his body to second base. The throw beat Carlos Ruiz to the bag, but umpire Lance Barksdale called him safe because Desmond's foot came off the bag too soon. Technically, Barksdale was correct. But man, that was really close. That's not a call you see made usually unless it's blatantly obvious, and this one definitely wasn't. But no harm, because Desmond then turned a 6-3 double play and Gio got a flyball to right to get out of the jam. It's still 0-0 after three.

8:20 p.m. — Whoa, back-to-back homers by Rendon and Ramos in the top of the fifth, each of them bombs. Just like that, the Nats lead 2-0.

8:40 p.m. — Whoa, back-to-back homers again. This time by Zimmerman and Werth. If you've lost track, that's four homers in a span of eight batters for the Nationals against Lee. Fairly remarkable. It's 4-0 in the sixth.

8:53 p.m. — Gio, meanwhile, continues to cruise along. He's through six scoreless innings, having allowed just three hits. And he's showing no signs of letting up. Still 4-0 as we go to the seventh.

9:05 p.m. — Gonzalez had to battle late, but Davey gave him the opportunity to finish the seventh inning, and he rewarded his manager for the show of confidence. Though Darin Ruf clubbed a solo homer to right, Gio got through the rest of the inning unscathed. His final line will be: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 117 pitches, 74 strikes. 4-1 Nats as we move to the eighth.

9:19 p.m. — Man, Chase Utley can still pick it at second base. He just started as impressive a 4-6-3 double play as you'll see to end the top of the eighth. Nats still lead 4-1 as Tyler Clippard enters from the bullpen.

9:30 p.m. — And Clippard gets through the eighth. So we go to the ninth, the Nats still ahead 4-1 as Rafael Soriano tucks in and warms up.

9:51 p.m. — An insurance run for the Nats in the top of the ninth as Rendon doubles and then scores thanks to some wretched defense from the Phillies. It's now 5-1, no longer a save situation. But since Soriano was already warming, he's still coming in to finish this one off.

9:58 p.m. — That's it. Nats win 5-1. They're back to three games over the .500 mark. And they're now 36-5 this season when they score at least four runs.

329 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 329 of 329   Newer›   Newest»
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 329 of 329 Newer› Newest»
Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Home run derby.

Lee needs to throw a ball.

Holden Baroque said...

WOW. Just Wow.

And Zim's was on 0-2.

Jane Elizabeth said...

One thing about Zimm is that he surprises me how he can go from looking clueless to smacking homers....

Eugene in Oregon said...

Yup, Ryan Zimmerman needs to sit.

NatsLady said...

Is this the real Cliff Lee?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Cliff Lee is HaRen'ing tonight.

Section 222 said...

My my my. That is impressive. But fire Eck!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Righties can't hit Lee.

What does ALR want right over the heart of the plate.

Jane Elizabeth said...

This is the greatest homer hitting team ever....

David Proctor said...

I just wish we had some men on base during some of these HRs. Game would be over if so.

Unknown said...

man oh man, when we are hitting we are a fun team to watch, keep it up boys...Rendon started this all off.

JaneB said...

Hmmmm...Either FP or Carp said that Cliff lee doesn't give up homers. "Don't expect to see the long ball." Glad they were WRONG!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

If we dont cut out games like Monday and Tuesday.

jeffwx said...

why do they even pitch to Ramos with the pitcher behind him

David Proctor said...

Dang Ramos just got robbed. He can hit.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I know Revere isn't supposed to be a good fielder but man he makes some plays. Just robbed RAMos.

Holden Baroque said...

That's the thing about swinging for home runs--sometimes you get one, but it's a solo shot if everybody is doing it.

JaneB said...

I think Cliff Lee is just cutting his price making it easy to trade him outta Philly.
GYFNG!

Holden Baroque said...

I know Revere isn't supposed to be a good fielder but man he makes some plays. Just robbed RAMos.

He's no Nook Logan.

; )

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Rob Maaddi‏@RobMaaddi5m
Cliff Lee gave up 9 HRs in first 135.2 IP this season and 4 in last 8 batters.

Holden Baroque said...

I think Mark must be down in the seats. Stay there, man, we still need that .7 run.

phil dunton said...

Nats must have the highest percentage of solo homers in MLB.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...
If we dont cut out games like Monday and Tuesday.


It sure wasn't due to the pitching, it was the non-clutch hitting.

Unknown said...

nice to have ALR there...not many 1b make that pick...good first out.

Holden Baroque said...

That was a very nifty grab by LaRoche. Most MLB first basemen don't get that. Deceptively tough play.

And have I mentioned how much I like watching Span run under balls, and then wait for them, instead of cruising to them? I like that.

Holden Baroque said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ghost Of Steve M. said...

paul brandt said...
nice to have ALR there...not many 1b make that pick...good first out.


That's his added value! What gets my lid is that the Nats infielders make way too many poor throws and LaRoche isn't going to be here long-term.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Sec. 3, My Sofa said...
I think Mark must be down in the seats. Stay there, man, we still need that .7 run.


Glad you got my back on that one! Want that extra .70

#4.70

David Proctor said...

Well assuming Zim moves to 1B, that removes one of the worst offenders as far as throwing. And as far as picking, Zim has shown a good ability to pick the ball (although picking at 3B is much different than 1B). We'll see how that all plays out.

jeffwx said...

i wonder if ther's ever been a game where all 8 position players hit a hr.

A DC Wonk said...

How much do we love it when Werth hits a HR against the Phillies...?

David Proctor said...

I should also add Zim hasn't made a throwing error in over a month so maybe he's not the worst offender anymore. But regardless.

Unknown said...

Sec3, haha.

Ghost, yep, ALR really makes it look easy.

jeffwx said...

woah... span against lefties...he's likely below the espinosa line

David Proctor said...

Span's career numbers against lefties are still very good. This season is just weird. I don't get it.

Holden Baroque said...

OK, paul brandt, you're on the NIDO list

Section 222 said...

FP clearly has no idea who the Buffalo Soldiers were.

3 more innings guys. What a great game to win if we can hold on.

jeffwx said...

yes...maybe new league, DP ?

Jane Elizabeth said...

These are NL lefties....

David Proctor said...

Yeah guys often struggle when moving from one league to another. I guess that's it. I still don't really get it though.

Unknown said...

Sofa, many thanks, my 1st official drink...will never forget it.

phil dunton said...

All four of Ruf's homers are against Nats pitching; three last year and one this year.

Holden Baroque said...

jeffwx, not sure, but the record for most player on a team to homer in the same game in the AL is 7, done 3 times, and 8 in the NL, done once.

Baseball Almanac

David Proctor said...

Yeah Ruf is a Nats killer. Like Jordany Valdespin.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Frandsen bunting for a hit with the lefty behind him?

SonnyG10 said...

Hi gang. I'm on a camping trip again. This time in Pennsylvania overnight on my way to Niagra Falls. No TV and no radio here so I'm getting my updates from you folks. Be my eyes and ears.

jeffwx said...

thanks sofa

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Bryce made me nervous there on the Revere line out.

Holden Baroque said...

Frandsen bunting for a hit with the lefty behind him?

Well, to be fair, it *was* a hit. Doesn't really matter what kind at that point.

Section 222 said...

Time for Bryce to join the HR Derby.

David Proctor said...

Harper is the polar opposite of Span when it comes to making things look easy. Harper makes it look hard.

Unknown said...

David Proctor said...
Yeah Ruf is a Nats killer. Like Jordany Valdespin.
July 10, 2013 9:05 PM

DP, so true and Giancarlo Stanton, man is he scary.

Holden Baroque said...

Just watching the highlight between innings on MASN--the fan near the Nats dugout just giving Werth the DEATH GLARE as he came back into the dugout after his home run was hilarious.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Finally the Nats knock a Phillies pitcher out sort of early ;)

Holden Baroque said...

As Annie would note, Harper is pulling his hips out.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Sec. 3, My Sofa said...
Frandsen bunting for a hit with the lefty behind him?

Well, to be fair, it *was* a hit. Doesn't really matter what kind at that point.

July 10, 2013 9:08 PM


Good for him. There were 2 outs. You have to know who's batting behind you. If it was Michael Young, sure. It's like stealing 2nd with your best hitter up next in an obvious Int Walk situation.

Jane Elizabeth said...

But making things look easy is not a verifiable statistic and is one of the "skills" that GMs and scouts are most likely to overestimate, and GMs/scouts, more than anyone....

Unknown said...

maybe Harper needs to shave his beard before his next AB like Desi, even if it's tomorrow.

jeffwx said...

That's an emory/shiner/spit ball

Holden Baroque said...

It's like stealing 2nd with your best hitter up next in an obvious Int Walk situation.

No, it's not. It's not at all like that. Getting to first is good, no matter how. He was sure he could beat that out, it was a smart situational play.

BigCat said...

Zim needs help at the plate

David Proctor said...

Zim is having one of the best offensive seasons of his career. He doesn't need help.

David Proctor said...

Dang ALR just got robbed. Werth with a nice takeout slide but it didnt matter.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Sofa, with 1 out or no out fine. He's a pinch-hitter that Charlie wants to hit it in the seats. I guarantee you Cholly wasn't happy about that. Did you see how badly Gio K'd Revere on the AB before that?

I think NatsJack and some of the others would agree with me.

A DC Wonk said...

I know everybody does it these days, but I don't like those one handed catches. Back n the day (am I remembering right?) that was hotdogging, no?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

ALR robbed big time. That took away an insurance run.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

1 every 13 innings going into tonight.

Holden Baroque said...

They're down three--Cholly wants anything but baserunners and the pitcher in a stretch, he's more nuts than even Phillies fans think.

He's an excellent bunter and fast enough to know Zim can't throw him out on even a halfway decent bunt, and he can get a good pitch because nobody is expecting it. Which is exactly what happened. If he'd lined the ball into center for a single, that's a hit, and a good outcome. It doesn't matter how far a hit goes, it's a hit.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Gio with his 1 run performance just moved into 14th in NL ERA at 3.03

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

About .150. Career wasnt that big a spead it is the Barbaro effect.

David Proctor said...

Clippard has been absolutely fantastic this season. Reliable. He struggled maybe a little to start the season, but wow is he putting together a season. Consistent.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

It is easy the Barbaro effect.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Nice hit....

Holden Baroque said...

Ah, that doubles machine is working again!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

On a 1-2, Rendon doubles. Just incredible. Rendon and Werth could teach these guys how to approach working the count.

Did I tell you I love this kid.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Rendon for David Price?

Unknown said...

don't get hurt big fella

Jane Elizabeth said...

Ryan Zimmerman special is $11? Why 11?

Holden Baroque said...

Did Ramos hit *that* one in de seats?

No, Justin DeFratus.


Thanks, I'm here all week!
Try the veal!

Unknown said...

WODL, wow!

sorry, i like the kid and his upside so no but what the heck do i know?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I second that

David Proctor said...

I wouldn't give up Rendon for Price. I want a guy who can make an impact every day over a guy who can do it every 5th day.

Holden Baroque said...

OK, Hairston. Here comes your .7, Ghost...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Didn't know Delmon Young could make that throw. The book on him is not a great arm.

Unknown said...

squeeze davey

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I told big cat bunt before they said it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Davey should have pinch-run for Wilson Ramos.

Holden Baroque said...

OK, pulling a soft grounder to second actually works, here, Denard ...

Holden Baroque said...

Cholly is scheduling the PFP for tomorrow morning as we speak ...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Swinging bunt

David Proctor said...

Second time this year Desmond has been IBB'd to get to Harper.

NatsLady said...

They're walking Desi in front of Bryce???

Unknown said...

sofa, nice call dude!!!!!!!!!!!

the old swingin bunt!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Please make them pay Bryce!

Jane Elizabeth said...

I wouldn't trade Rendon either. He may have the best hitting approach on the team and I am pretty sure that he does. He seems to have a great attitude and also a great head of hair. Boswell mentioned him as trade bait for Price or another pitcher, however.....

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Beat me to it. In a week's time

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Sec 3, we got our 4.70. Time to get greedy!

Holden Baroque said...

Man, this is the second time Desmond gets IBB to get to Harper. C'mon, All-Star, show 'em what you got.

Wow, he aired that first one out.

Holden Baroque said...

Still pulling his hips ...

NatsLady said...

David, I agree. Pitchers get hurt. Rendon will be good (and fairly cheap) for years and year.

Holden Baroque said...

They really, really don't want to give up the 4-spot here--looks like they'd rather risk walking him if they can't get him to fish.

Holden Baroque said...

They got him to fish. Nothing biting. Ass heading toward the first base dugout.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Does anyone know if Rendy graduated from Rice or what his status there was? Rice is known for being the Swarthmore of Texas....

NatsLady said...

This guy works slower than Storen.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady said...
David, I agree. Pitchers get hurt. Rendon will be good (and fairly cheap) for years and year.


Rizzo would do it if Price signed an extension otherwise NO.

Aren't you all glad Rizzo didn't give in to trading Rendon during the Hot Stove.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Not interedted

Holden Baroque said...

Tucking it up here, boss.

NatsLady said...

Ghost, was Rizzo every close to trading Rendon? I don't think so. He went and signed Haren and called it a meeting. Then Boras talked him into Soriano.

David Proctor said...

H-Rod just walked in a run.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Zim a golden Sombraro plus a homer

Jane Elizabeth said...

Since SI predicts the Nats and the Rays in the World Series, I don't think we have to worry about a Rendy for Price trade.

Holden Baroque said...

Loeffy, it doesn't look like it.

Anthonly Rendon on Wikipedia

Section 222 said...

Hey MASN director -- Next time keep the camera on Soriano while he talks to his hat. Please!

Unknown said...

WODL, someone will correct me if wrong, but think Rendon finished just 2 years at Rice.

NatsLady said...

Henry walked in a run AFTER he cleared the bases by giving up a home run.

Homer (2-run), single, single, walk, walk. Pitching change.

David Proctor said...

Dan Kolko ‏@masnKolko 9s
Henry Rodriguez faced 5 batters tonight with the Cubs. He didn't retire any of them. Homer, single, single, walk, walk.

Holden Baroque said...

Ha Ha, paul, I just pulled even!

Jane Elizabeth said...

Well, as a responsible student athlete, I am sure Rendy (like Espy and Desi, get it?) will graduate soon....

David Proctor said...

I owe you one, NL.

Holden Baroque said...

Denard really doesn't like slamming into walls, does he? Which speaks well for his good sense.

Jane Elizabeth said...

If he could just hit lefties and steal a few bases, Span could win over my heart.....

JaneB said...

Oh Denard! Awesome play and may you be okay. That was a killer catch!

David Proctor said...

Span has had concussion issues in his career. Hope he's okay.

Holden Baroque said...

UNTUCKED

Holden Baroque said...

Gee, that was a LOT more fun than last night.

Toast a good one, go get 'em tomorrow.

JaneB said...

Oh man. hRod didn't improve with the change in venue. I hoped better for him. But man am I grateful he can't so that to us anymore.

It shouldn't be, but life feels better when they win.

Unknown said...

think Ray has had a few virtual drinks...wow!!

Sofa, ha! don't know how to fix the NIDO, can you do so?

SonnyG10 said...

Yeah! Nats win!! Thanks for all the commentary, NIers.

Holden Baroque said...

can do, paul. FYI, I'll have add you to the left side.

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