Monday, August 5, 2013

Game 112: Braves at Nats

Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals have been asking for a chance to prove themselves against the Braves for some time now, and tonight they get their first opportunity in two months to take on the NL East leaders. Atlanta is red-hot, having won 10 in a row, opening up a commanding, 12 1/2-game lead in the division. Suffice it to say, the Nats are in must-win territory here.

Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the series opener, hoping to continue his dominance of the Braves this season — he's got a 1.93 ERA in three starts — but hoping to earn his first win over Atlanta. He'll be opposed by left-hander Mike Minor, who has a 5.06 ERA in three starts against the Nats, yet is 2-0.

Updates to come, so please check back...

ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 77 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (54-57)
CF Bryce Harper
SS Ian Desmond
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth C Wilson Ramos
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Anthony Rendon
LF Steve Lombardozzi
RF Scott Hairston
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BRAVES (67-45)
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
C Brian McCann
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF B.J. Upton
SS Andrelton Simmons
LHP Mike Minor

UMPIRES
HP Rob Drake
1B Joe West (cc)
2B Sam Holbrook
3B Adam Hamari

5:00 p.m. — Lineup change for the Nats: Jayson Werth was initially hitting cleanup, but he has been scratched. Probably due to a groin strain that has been bothering him for a couple of days. So Wilson Ramos will now hit cleanup, with Steve Lombardozzi in left field and Scott Hairston shifting to right field. Werth, incidentally, was just named NL Player of the Month for July. An unfortunate time for him to miss a game due to injury.

7:07 p.m. — And we're underway with a 94 mph fastball from Stephen Strasburg to Jason Heyward, which is promptly fouled off. It's 77 degrees at gametime, absolutely gorgeous for August in D.C.

7:18 p.m. — This one didn't exactly start the way the Nationals hoped, with Adam LaRoche bobbling Jason Heyward's routine grounder to first for an error. But Strasburg's response to that mistake behind him was quite telling. He merely struck out the side, getting Justin Upton to whiff at a curveball, Freddie Freeman to whiff at a changeup and Brian McCann to whiff at a curveball. That's fairly impressive stuff right there.

7:29 p.m. — Well, there you go, a little two-out thunder from the heart of the Nats lineup. Wilson Ramos delivered a base hit to right-center, moving Ian Desmond (who earlier drew a walk) to third base and bringing up LaRoche in a big spot. And the veteran first baseman continued his recent hot stretch, blasting an RBI double to right-center, scoring Desmond to give the Nats an early 1-0 lead. They tried to make it 2-0, but Ramos was thrown out trying to score behind Desmond. Nonetheless, props to LaRoche (who is still using Jayson Werth's bat, by the way).

7:40 p.m. — Man oh man, Rob Drake is not going to be getting a Christmas card from Strasburg this year. Three times already in two innings, Strasburg thought he had strike three and started trotting off the mound, only to head back after Drake called them balls. Props to Strasburg for still getting out of it all without surrendering a hit so far, but his pitch count is at 41 when it could easily be around 30 instead.

7:58 p.m. — Some bad luck gets Strasburg in the top of the third. Heyward and Upton each reached on infield singles, with Desmond and Zimmerman unable to make tough plays. That opened the door for Freeman to loft an RBI single to right, tying this game 1-1. Strasburg continues to pitch well and has allowed only the one run over three innings, but he's already at 60 pitches, a bit of a concern.

8:17 p.m. — Make it six strikeouts for Strasburg through four innings, none of them coming on fastballs, interestingly enough. He's really used his offspeed stuff well so far, keeping the Braves off-balance. Still 1-1 as we go to the bottom of the fourth.

8:37 p.m. — Strasburg's inability to hold a man on first base really came back to bite him in the top of the fifth. With two outs, he let Justin Upton steal second without so much as any movement from Wilson Ramos or either middle infielder. And sure enough, Upton then scored on Freeman's base hit up the middle. That puts the Braves up 2-1, and that run is entirely on Strasburg.

8:50 p.m. — To no one's surprise, the Nationals aren't providing any run support to Strasburg. And he may pay the price once again for it. He's through six innings on 103 pitches, striking out nine. But he trails 2-1 because the Nats haven't made a dent into Minor since the bottom of the first.

8:58 p.m. — But the Nats tie it up in the bottom of the sixth. Zimmerman and Ramos led off the inning with back-to-back singles. (Ramos has now smoked the ball to right field three times tonight.) LaRoche had a bad strikeout on a breaking ball in the dirt, but Rendon picked him up with a bullet of a line drive to left-center. Upton did make the catch, but Zimmerman easily scored on the sac fly. So it's 2-2 as we move to the seventh and Strasburg takes the mound sitting on 103 pitches.

9:05 p.m. — Continuing a recent trend, Strasburg finished strong. He retired the last six batters he faced on 18 total pitches, keeping this a 2-2 game. His line: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 112 pitches. Seventh-inning stretch time.

9:20 p.m. — The Nats couldn't have asked for a much-better scenario than this: Scott Hairston's leadoff double in the bottom of the seventh put the go-ahead runner on second base with nobody out and Jayson Werth (pinch-hitting for Strasburg), Bryce Harper and Ian Desmond due up. Except they still couldn't get the runner home. Werth struck out on a 3-2 fastball at the knees from reliever David Carpenter. Harper absolutely smoked a 3-1 pitch to right field, unfortunately right at Jason Heyward. That left it all up to Desmond, who tapped a weak grounder in front of the plate to kill the rally and leave this game tied 2-2 heading to the eighth. Tyler Clippard in from the bullpen.

9:30 p.m. — Clippard hasn't made very many mistakes this season, but his 3-2 changeup to Justin Upton just now was a really big one. Upton clobbered the waist-high meatball down the left-field line and into the bleachers for his fourth homer in five days. Just like that, the Braves take a 3-2 lead and the Nats have some work to do. It is worth noting, though, that Craig Kimbrel has pitched the last three nights and probably isn't available to close tonight for Atlanta.

9:40 p.m. — And the Nats go down in order in the eighth, though LaRoche did smoke a liner right at Simmons for the final out. Their last hope will be Rendon, Span and Hairston in the bottom of the ninth.

10:03 p.m. — That'll do it. The Nats once again get the leadoff man on and move him into scoring position. But with Rendon on third and only one out, Hairston popped out to the catcher and Chad Tracy flied out to left on the first pitch he saw. It's a 3-2 loss, and the Nats now trail Atlanta by a daunting 13 1/2 games with 50 to play.

299 comments:

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David Proctor said...

Somebody said this yesterday. We need to win these games. Not because it's against the Braves. The division race is over. We need to win because we need to win games period. 6.5 games is doable. But first we need to get back to .500.

Faraz Shaikh said...

"Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the series opener, hoping to continue his dominance of the Braves this season — he's got a 1.93 ERA in three starts — but hoping to earn his first win over Atlanta. He'll be opposed by left-hander Mike Minor, who has a 5.06 ERA in three starts against the Nats, yet is 2-0."
Unbelievable !

Kiterp said...

On point Mr Proctor

David Proctor said...

Mark Zuckerman ‏@ZuckermanCSN 1m
#Nats vs #Braves LHP Minor: Harper 8, Desmond 6, Zimmerman 5, Werth 9, LaRoche 3, Ramos 2, Rendon 4, Ramos 2, Strasburg 1.


Hairston starting against the lefty. He better get a hit or two.

David Proctor said...

Mark typoed.

Amanda Comak ‏@acomak 1m
#nats lineup: Harper 8, Desmond 6, Zimmerman 5, Werth 9, LaRoche 3, Ramos 2, Rendon 4, Hairston 7, Strasburg 1

There it is. Ramos up to 6.

SonnyG10 said...

I'm glad the Braves are hot. If we can't beat a good hot team, we aren't going far in the playoffs anyway. GYFNG!!!

Steady Eddie said...

NJ -- Oh, c'mon, we've seen Hairston's bat. He just hasn't introduced any baseballs to it yet.

David Proctor said...

But we have Scott Hairston, not Jerry

baseballswami said...

Let 's get started on getting back over five hundred! Not very catchy, but a good goal nonetheless. Win today.

MicheleS said...

GYFNG!

Candide said...

baseballswami said...
Let 's get started on getting back over five hundred!


Yeah! Let's hear it for mediocrity!

baseballswami said...

You have got to start somewhere!! Good news/ bad news-- Jayson Werth July player of the month- good news. Scratched due to groin strain for the Barves game- bad news.

natsfan1a said...

Remember when we were happy to achieve mediocrity and then - gasp - an actual winning record? It wasn't all that long ago, really...go, NATS!!

baseballswami said...

You see the new lineup? Lombo and Hairston in the outfield. Yikes.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Kilgore's new boss Jeff Bezos might shake up the Post.

natsfan1a said...

The cat is sleeping in his little bed on the desk in my office, under the running fan. He's sprawled flat on his back, paws up. Maybe he'll rally late, like the Nats...heh. Go, kitty-kat! Go, NATS!!

David Proctor said...

Ugh. Werth being scratched is a big loss.

Anonymous said...

Tonight the basic question will be answered. Is this team a contender or a pretender? Looking at things objectively, it is my opinion that this team is a pretender. We have seen over this year that the team lacks both the mental strength as well as physical ability to compete with the top tier teams. Last year was an outlier and not indicative of this team's ability not to mention the fact that Rizzo weakened the team with his off season moves.


On completely different matter i seem to recall that some poster likened watching Span playing CF to watching a ballet. After watching Span nbat yesterday they only thing I can say is that he hits like a ballerina.

Nats - Good luck tonight

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Just saw the scratch of Werth. Tough to lose the hottest hitter in the Majors.

This looks like a Nats split squad lineup in the outfield.

natsfan1a said...

Crud. On the plus paw, congrats to Werth on being named NL Player of the Month:

10m
Mark Zuckerman @ZuckermanCSN

Jayson Werth named NL Player of the Month for July. #Nats #NationalsTalk

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
As I tweeted yesterday,MLB Trade Rumors said Rizzo's only deadline trade was for Jerry Hairston's bat. Correction. It was for Jerry Hairston. No one has seen his bat.

August 05, 2013 4:26 PM


That is funny on so many levels yet sad that his impact so far has only been negative.

He unfortunately has been worse than TyMo which was hard to do plus he cost the Nats approx $1.2 million for the his tenure this year and $2.5 million next year and the trade factor of Ivan Pineyro.

Nats106 said...

The best OF arm in baseball flanked by a couple of noodle arms. Best strategy once Lombo or Hairston field the ball is to flip it to Harper to throw it in.
I see Ramos has moved up to hit cleanup. Has he hit any higher than 8th in the last few starts?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Large sample sizes on Hairston tell you a lot but the small sample sizes since he was traded are more of the same in poor percentages, and his fielding is well below average.

Since he came to DC, no hits with men on base and nothing doing in High Leverage situations and in fact he has a .800 K rate in High Leverage spots.

Do we find out he is injured? I don't see how a player like Scott Hairston goes from lefty killer to this poor so quickly.

Just 2 singles with the Nats with bases empty vs lefties this season.

Time to make a positive impact Scott.

Nats 128 said...

Scott Hairston is the mirror image of Chad Tracy and a fleeting part of his former self.

That trade with the Cubs would be like a team coming to the Nats to trade for Chad Tracy who was owed $3.7 million remaining on his contract with a real prospect in the trade.

It wasnt like Rizzo was giving up a warm body like Cutter Dystra or taking on a league minimum contract. Wasnt there another RH bat available out there from a non-contender?

Eugene in Oregon said...

Was in Idaho and Eastern Oregon for the past week-plus; a far different world than either DC or Eugene (but I digress). Didn't get to post, but saw some of the games on MLB.tv and read about the others here. A couple of well-played games, but also a couple of really ugly ones. As someone above wrote, the issue now isn't beating the Braves themselves but simply winning games and getting above .500. I continue to believe the odds of reaching the playoffs are negligible, but the one positive note is that there's only one team between the Nats and the Reds for the second play-in spot.

On Biogenesis, the suspensions are important (obviously), but I also hope that whatever deals were struck with Tony Bosch and/or the players included some insight into how so many players avoided positive tests. Remember, MLB was lucky to nail this crew. With a couple of exceptions, they managed to beat the PED-testing system. Figuring how to improve the testing system should be just as important -- if not more so -- as the deterrent effect of the suspensions.

SCNatsFan said...

I at least thought we would wait until the game before we started bashing that Nats

Nats 128 said...

"Nats106 said...
The best OF arm in baseball flanked by a couple of noodle arms. Best strategy once Lombo or Hairston field the ball is to flip it to Harper to throw it in."

Reminds me of the movie Sandlot. Hairstons arm is actually worse then Lombos.

Just more of the same to field this group behind Strasburg. You have the worst tandem of defensive corner infielders and the Nats will now field the worst tandem of corner outfielders.

Brilliant Davey!

baseballswami said...

So basically what you are saying is we cannot possibly win this game??

Nats106 said...

Naah,SC Nats it's therapeutic for me-since I'm going tonight I have to get it out of my system. Just like replaying the tomahawk chop, which I'll probably be hearing all night. By the way what one might call bashing, I prefer to think of it as reality. I compare this OF to what this team had just 13 months ago....well, I can see why we're at 500. I know Ankiel's bat wasn't great, but that OF with him flanked by Harper and Werth was just a lot of fun to watch. Why, it was just like that Braves OF, when healthy, even balls in the gap end up as outs.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Hate the OF... But meh, lets win this...

Nats - 6

Braves - 2

Go Nats!!!!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Eugene, on "some insight into how so many players avoided positive tests" you have to remember this all stemmed from 2012 and prior PED use. MLB was not testing as frequently.

Most of these players were getting by either by cycling or using low levels of the drugs to stay below the radar or if they knew when they were going to be tested could have filled their bladders with PED-free urine.

I don't buy the idea they were using hi-tech PEDs that were undectable. Cheaters will go to great lengths, just ask Lance Armstrong.

Nats106 said...

And we can win this game. Just a tough road starting with inning 1. If I didn't believe we couldn't win, I wouldnt be getting ready to schlep(sp) up 395.

Secret wasian man said...

Once again Laroche behind Werth. This way when Werth is standing on second he can look straight down the pipe and see Adam strike out.

JD said...


wasian,

Having you not been reading any of the posts?

Werth is scratched.

David Proctor said...

Werth isn't even playing today, SWM. he got scratched

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Stras is going to have to throw a no no to get this one -- striking out 15 would help our 'defense' too

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Realistically, we're chasing the gasping Reds, who are in full Heimlich mode. We're playing much better baseball. Take two of three, keep winning series, and hope Dusty's boys continue to gas.

Eugene in Oregon said...

Ghost @ 5:44 p.m.,

I hope you're right. But whichever it is, I continue to hope/expect that the quasi-plea bargains that were struck included such details, and that what emerges from this mess is a more effective system.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

I read a post on this forum where someone thought if the Nats could 'just' win 3/5 the rest of the way that "that ought to be enough." Well, 3/5 is .600 baseball -- if played, would leave the Nats at 85 wins. I don't think that's going to be enough -- by a wide margin.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Funny how the Ghost of Michael Morse refuses to go away. Adam Laroche had a career year last year - with Morse hitting behind him for the majority of the time. Not the case this year. Amazing how far the ramifications of that move have gone.

SCNatsFan said...

Wasian man you have plenty of time before he game to get the players correct

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Funny how at least 10/13 players suspended are Hispanic. Are PED's more prevalent with the Hispanic player or is MLB being racist?

Steve J, Alexandria said...

I just don't like burning up Harper's power in the lead off spot -- chances are high he'll have few baserunners to knock in tonight. I like my lineup better:

Lombo
Desi
Harp
ALR
Zimm
Rendon
Ramos
Hairston
Pitcher

SCNatsFan said...

Steve J I don't think mlb can be racist if the majority of people and players that hang in Miami are Hispanic.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Not too many years ago, Creatine was all the rage. Is that considered a PED now or is it still perfectly fine.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Creatine is still legal.

baseballswami said...

I suddenly feel like cowering under the bed for the evening.

David Proctor said...

lol Swami. If we lose this game, this place is going to get NASTY and fast. I'm already cringing.

Doc said...

Ramos into #4 hole! 'Bout time, sportsfans!

Davey must have re-read some of his books on sabermetrics.

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

ARod is Hispanic? Get out! Next you'll be telling us that Kurt Suzuki is Asian.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

I need a punchline:

"Nine Latins and a Jewish ballplayer walk into an anti-aging clinic..."

David Proctor said...

What a great way to start the game. He's not hitting and now he can't play defense?

baseballswami said...

Sounds to me like Bob and FP think we should just go ahead and forfeit.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Corner infield defense. Blah.

baseballswami said...

Why can't our hitters be tough outs like that? Oh, I forgot, it's because they need to be more" aggressive". Translation-- swing at the first pitch.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

This is an interesting line up...

Knoxville Nat said...

When did Freeman stop wearing glasses?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Funny, ALR is wearing Bryce's batting gloves.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Why in the hell did Trent send slow Ramos.... I can't stand him.... Ugh...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I didn't know Ramos could run like that but bad send by Trent.

Knoxville Nat said...

NatsJack,

When the Nats play the Braves, do you get blacked out from MASN there in FL?

NatsLady said...

I only have Gameday. Was that a bad send of Ramos to home?

David Proctor said...

That wasn't a bad send. It took a perfect play. FP is right.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

FP is wrong... You don't send your slowest runner against a good OF/arm.... That was a dumb send...

baseballswami said...

It was, but I am already tired of the gushing praise for the Barves from our booth. Gag me.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I'm so pissed right now... And it's only the 2nd inning...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ramos actually fairly quickly running.

Eugene in Oregon said...

Gotta disagree with you DP. That was an out that was given away.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Talk about squeeze.

Knoxville Nat said...

Swami,

If you think the gushing from Carp and FP is bad you should listen to the homers doing the game for the Braves.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

It took a perfect relay. Not a band send.

baseballswami said...

Strassie needs to quit heading for the dugout. Rookie ump is feeling his balls shrink.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Drive up the middle on a pitch up the middle.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Davey didn't want to play smart ball and test Chris Johnson at 3rd base with a bunt from Lombo with Rendon at 1st. I think you have to pressure the Braves at their weak spots and that is one of them.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...
It took a perfect relay. Not a band send.

August 05, 2013 7:36 PM


Know your situation. Ramos running with hammy and knee issues and Rendon in the on-deck circle.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Wow, Desi. That was sick!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Thanks Ghost... *smacks teeth*. I just got pissed again.... Ugh...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MrsB, I'm still pissed and that is why Bo Porter was valuable. Trent has screwed up much too many times.

Knoxville Nat said...

NJ,

I agree about the Braves and the Cards but actually don't mind the Reds announcers. To me they are at least tolerable.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Ghost - I've said time and time again.... People like to talk about Morse but Bo was the one that got away....

Trent had definitely cost us our fair share of games...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Bad luck. 2 infield hits and a doink. Rubber arm in right doesn't even try to throw home.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Typical cheap hits goes agaibst us.

Nats dont get nearly that many cheap hits.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Rendon .258

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Nats dont get nearly that many cheap hits.


Neither do the Barves normally.

It goes back to why its so important to get bat on ball and let BABIP work for you.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Noodle armHairston....

Knoxville Nat said...

Okay so Freeman wears glasses when in the field but not at bat?

BxJaycobb said...

Wow. That attempted throw by Ryan was plainly embarrassing. I've never seen a third baseman in the major leagues lob a throw over the diamond like that. In not saying because he didn't make the play which was tough...I'm saying just the attempt speaks volumes.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

My daughter is here. I am stuck watching the Bachelorette .

Following on Game day now. Argggggggf.

Things you do for your kids

Knoxville Nat said...

And BABIP sometimes works against you.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Golf clap for Uggla... Helluva play...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

The glasses keeps the dust out of his eyes as much as anything.

BxJaycobb said...

He's really no longer capable of playing that position. throwing is so weak and pathetic that he has to play on the grass and thus has horrid range (see, eg, chopper last night)

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MNF, Rendon with man on 3rd and 2 outs
.375/.500/.625/1.125

Unknown said...

BxJaycobb, funny you say that, I immediately thought of the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy singing over the rainbow...am also thinking Joe West asked ALR for the ball because he was certain it had some droplets of rain on it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Unlucky BABIP again: Desmonds liner caught by Uggla and Ramos liner caught by Heyward.

Minor works around the leadoff walk.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Shame that Werth couldn't play tonight... Gosh, where is the luck where we need it..

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Good, Strasburg got the K on BUpton.

Unknown said...

although I disagree that Rzim can't play 3b any longer...it ain't pretty and he's definitely struggling but am not ready to throw in the towel just yet...I don't think he's 100% but next year should tell us alot. Really hope he fixes what is ailing him in the off-season whether physical, mental or both.

BxJaycobb said...

Just for fun, somebody for the rest of the game write down the nats vs the braves compare number of pitches seen per at bat. This team has the worst pitch selection in North America. I'm a devoted fan and love the nats, but this approach is outrageously poor.

BxJaycobb said...

Nobody wants to? I'll do it lol

MrsB loves the Nats said...

SS is dealing.... Come on bats... Put this game away....

Joe Seamhead said...

Should've been BJ's 2nd K.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

BxJaycobb said...
He's really no longer capable of playing that position. throwing is so weak and pathetic that he has to play on the grass and thus has horrid range (see, eg, chopper last night)
August 05, 2013 8:05 PM


I spoke my mind last week on the subject.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

MLB isn't working on my iPad... Can someone tell me the pitch count for both pitchers, please?

MrsB loves the Nats said...

This game is so wide open for the Nats right now...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Strasburg 75 and Minor at 62 and counting

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Thanks Ghost.... I hope SS can take us into the 7th...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The difference in BABIP, by the smallest of margins Simmons snares Rendon's grounder.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Unh unh unh.... That all I can say right now...

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Lombo shows why he isn't a starter....

SCNatsFan said...

Well if you can't ground into a dp then the next guy will.

You can't blame if SS wants to run from this franchise to the west coast.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

5 double plays in 13 innings.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Stras 17- 73 pitches. 16-65. Both about the same.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

What is it with Lombo with multiple starts? It's like a straight line up and then straight down to horrible.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

My God stras you can look at first.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Come on Stras. WT heck are you doing? 3-0 and you groove one? Lucky it isn't 3-1

SCNatsFan said...

And I'm tired of hearing the year long excuse of bad luck on balls put in play. That's what it is, an excuse. Balls hit up the middle or in the gaps don't get caught.

And yet another gored base runner burns the Nats. Next year in ST less golf and more fundamentals, you think?

David Proctor said...

Stolen base hurts. But you shouldn't really say he stole it. He just took it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Also for those that don't believe in clutch, there's Freeman.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Stras gave away that run, so I dont want to hear someone complaining about an error by a fielder, when a pitcher doesnt try to hold a runner then tge next guy knocks him in

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Our inability to hold runners.... Never fails...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Can you tell Carp there's 2 outs. No need for a doubleplay.

ExposedinDC said...

100 % on Stras.....first he lets upton crawl to 2nd, then grooves one to an RBI machine

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Not sure what pitch that was by SS to Freeman.... Shouldn't have thrown something in the dirt...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MNF, I found the poor 3-0 pitch worse than the inability to hold the runner.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Strss 94 pitches 22 batters. 4.3 per batter.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

The former happens regularly, and the latter happens some of tge time.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Time to open things up this inning.... I said we would win 6-2.... We can do this!!!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

So far the Nats with all the mistakes and there have been several.

1. LaRoche error
2. Trent sending Ramos
3. Lombo not moving over Rendon in 2nd inning
4. Steal by Upton
5. 3-0 grooved pitch to Freeman

Nats Fan 204 said...

SCNF, my thoughts exactly but will our next manager take control by standing up to the vets and will he have Rizzo's backing?

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Wow... A perfect bunt!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Nats have to make Minor pay for these leadoff walks. This is the 2nd one.

SCNatsFan said...

204, after this season you have to think Rizzo will back a tougher manager. Davey's waiting for good things to happen style doesn't work for the team.

SCNatsFan said...

That's what the statue they build of desi will look like

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Minor 81 pitches 20 batters. 4.05 pitches per batters.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

That breaking ball has been a ball all night....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

ARoid batting 1.000 on the season.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Thank you Uggla 1st pitch swinging.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I'm so glad neither Upton plays for us...

ExposedinDC said...

Watching this team hit with runners in scoring position makes my head hurt

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Ohhhhh that was a nasty pitch to Bj....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The only mistakes the Braves have made is walking 2 leadoff batters and neither time the Nats could capitalize.

Nats Fan 204 said...

Ray Knight just died a little when Desi took a third strike with a runner in scoring position and two outs.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2013/08/05/tyler-clippard-has-a-sour-taste-that-now-suspended-jordany-valdespin-cost-him-a-save/

Good stuff on Clippard recalling the Nats losing on a 3 run jack from convicted cheater Valdepsin.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

A grounder made its way through the 5.5 hole!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ramos again!

Joe Seamhead said...

BJ's such a punk. He stayed in the batter's box almost 60 seconds after that strikeout.

Ramos!!!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Ramos is on fire tonight.... Come on guys... Lets play small ball!!!!

We can do ths!!!!

Knoxville Nat said...

ARoid batting 1.000 on the season.


A-Rod.......plays third, bats fourth and pleads the fifth.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Uhm... Adam... That was clearly a ball...

Joe Seamhead said...

Ugly,Adam.

SCNatsFan said...

Well now that is a shocker

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Knoxville, good one!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Add pressure and LaRoche crumbles. What a bad swing for strike 3.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Rendon gets robbed but gets the job done.

Unknown said...

way to go kid

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Thanks ARendon.... Tied game... Come on folks...

SCNatsFan said...

God I hate the braves announcers. Look up smug in the dictionary and see their pictures.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

If there weren't 2 outs that would have been Lombo's 3rd GIDP.

Unknown said...

but 1st & 3rd, 0 outs, we have to do better than that.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I was in the kitchen... I guess Lombo hit another ground ball right?

SCNatsFan said...

Rendon got robbed? I think that is a bit if a stretch Ghost. But he did get the job done.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Seriously hoping SS can have a quick goose egg 7th...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Davey better get this game sewn away now. Could be a battle of the bullpens. Surprised Stras is back out there.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

FP making more excuses for RZim. Sickening.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Okay - I cringed on that throw by Ryan.... I'm sorry to admit that...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Wow, a real throw from RZim on that Minor grounder.

Unknown said...

come on Ghost, two in a row by Rzim, absolute bullets!

SCNatsFan said...

MrsB I thought he air mailed the throw too

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Ray Knifht gave great commentary on Rz's throws... If he recognizes RZ's issue - why hasn't the staff????

And more importantly - why haven't they worked to fix it...

Unknown said...

nice job by SS!!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Great inning SS... Good outting... Gotta hold the runners but good outting!

Come on Nats Bats.... Lets do this...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Good job Stras. Krol for the 8th. Time to get Stras the W.

It worked out for Davey but that was a mistake in my opinion not pulling Stras when Heyward came up.

I would go Krol on Freeman and McCann and then to Mattheus or Clippard to face Johnson.

Unknown said...

re. Rzim's throws either he is:

a) still recovering from surgery/not 100%
b) Steve Sax
c) both a & b

I think its c.

Knoxville Nat said...

Ghost,

Thanks for the compliment on my A-Rod line but truth be told I stoled that one from someone else. But I still like it!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

paul brandt said...
come on Ghost, two in a row by Rzim, absolute bullets!


I hope that is tongue in cheek.

David Proctor said...

Hairston can hit lefties.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Well I will be damned.... Hairston finally cashing it....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I owe Hairston a compliment. Money with the bat tonight!

Unknown said...

Ghost, yes re. tongue in cheek, nice job Scotty, two more feet its 3-2.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MrsB, you and I seem to be on the same line again. You say Cashing It and I say Money.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Ghost - I knew that was gone... Good on Hairston... I have been a fan at all...but hopefully he can finally get it on...

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I have not been a fan*

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Good frame by McCann....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Oh Jayson.

Unknown said...

unproductive out with a man on 2nd and nobody out but can't get on Werth too bad, he's been solid but that hurt...would have preferred a bunt there to move him over by someone not named Werth, maybe Bernie? or heck, even a pitcher.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

More bad luck. Are you kidding me? Bryce crushes that one.

David Proctor said...

Wow. You can't hit a ball any harder than that.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

*smacks teeth*. Come on.....

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Really Desi.... Matter of fact... Really Nats... Man on 2nd with no outs and you don't advance him....

Really Desi... Did you really swing at the first pitch dumb asz pitch...

Oh I'm really pissed now...

Knoxville Nat said...

Lead off double and we can't even advance the runner much less score.

Unknown said...

un-FN-believable!

small ball Davey, it can & does win games.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Jayson didn't do his job. Bad situational hitting. His job is going right side. Huge game and he blew it but I think the bigger mistake was not bringing in JZim to bunt with Bryce on deck.

Typical Davey. Always going for the knockout punch that the Nats never get. 100+ games and can only count on 1 hand the times those moves have worked this year.

Rendon2B said...

Davey should be fired post game win or lose. This game is like a playoff game and the geezer was sleeping when the obvious move is to bunt over the good ahead run with your best hitter coming up. He is the worst.

Rendon2B said...

Davey should be fired post game win or lose. This game is like a playoff game and the geezer was sleeping when the obvious move is to bunt over the good ahead run with your best hitter coming up. He is the worst.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Joe West made a correct call. Imagine that.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Good ole Joe West....

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Through 7 Braves 28 batters 112 4.0 per batter.

Nats batters 29 110 pitches 3.7 pitches

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I'm so pissed right now... Between the first inning and last inning....

Wow... Upton with the show boat...

SCNatsFan said...

The whole season in a nutshell. Promise but failure. Blame it on hard hit balls that fielders got. Then the pen comes in and chokes.

I love this team but I wish this season would just end already.

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