Friday, August 16, 2013

Instant analysis: Braves 3, Nats 2 (10)

Associated Press
Game in a nutshell: The Braves jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on Taylor Jordan, though it wasn't the rookie right-hander's fault. Both runs were unearned after errors by Wilson Ramos and Anthony Rendon. Jordan did well to keep the damage right there, departing after six innings. The Nationals then chipped away at the Braves pitching staff. They scored one run in the fourth on a double-play grounder. They plated the tying run in the eighth after some fireworks: Bryce Harper, who was plunked two weeks ago by Julio Teheran, was twice hit by pitches tonight, including an eighth-inning fastball in the upper back from Luis Avilan. The crowd of 35,663 gave Avilan as he walked off the field, warnings having been issued to both dugouts by the umpires. Jayson Werth then exacted some justice with a two-out, RBI single, tying the game and leaving the outcome in the hands of both bullpens. Craig Stammen did his job with two scoreless innings, but the Nationals couldn't push home the go-ahead run against Craig Kimbrel in the top of the ninth. In came Drew Storen for his first appearance since his recall from Class AAA Syracuse, and Storen came through with a scoreless inning that included a big strikeout of Evan Gattis. Ian Krol was given the ball for the bottom of the 10th, but his night didn't last long. Justin Upton crushed a 2-2 pitch over the left-field fence to end this one and send the Nationals to another crushing loss.

Hitting lowlight: As has so often been the case this season, the Nationals had a few opportunities to plate runs, and they squandered nearly all of them. They really missed their chance in the top of the ninth. Despite getting base hits from Wilson Ramos and Chad Tracy, the Nats couldn't get the go-ahead run home against Kimbrel. Steve Lombardozzi nearly grounded into a 3-6-1 double play, barely beating the throw to first. Denard Span then tapped a comebacker to end the inning and leave the leadoff hitter 0-for-5 on the night with three strikeouts, a popped-up bunt and the aforementioned groundout to the pitcher.

Pitching highlight: As was the case several times in the last two months, Jordan pitched well enough to win but wasn't helped by his lineup or his defense. The Nationals were charged with three errors in the game's first five innings, and two of those led directly to runs. So Jordan wound up without surrendering an earned run over his six innings, obviously a solid outing. This might be the last time we see him in 2013, though. With his total innings count at 142 (majors and minors combined), the Nationals may decide it's time to shut him down for the year. If so, Jordan will finish his abbreviated rookie campaign 1-3 with a 3.66 ERA in nine big-league starts. He still has some things to learn, but he certainly showed enough to warrant a shot at a spot in the 2014 rotation.

Key stat: Bryce Harper has now been hit by Braves pitchers three times in the last three games between these two teams.

Up next: The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday when Stephen Strasburg takes the mound on the heels of his first career complete game. Strasburg will be opposed by left-hander Mike Minor.

125 comments:

Jane Elizabeth said...

I know that I am the only person who thinks you simply can't have your lead-off hitter go 0-5 and have a good chance to win.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

How ironic Big Cats called me abd ask who I woyld hit and saud Upton and hit him tonight not tomorrow.

mick said...

learning now who should be here in 2014 and who should not


kroll a joke

mick said...

are Braves that much better than Nats?? I am sick of losing to them...do the nats feel the same way??

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I want Dpan to bat 7th against lefties on the road.

Unknown said...

It makes me sick how we let the braves walk all over us. Harper being hit twice in one night without a HINT of retribution? I've never seen such a spineless sports team.

Jane Elizabeth said...

They need to bring Tyler Moore back up and see what he can do in left field and move Harper back to center, or bring that other kid outfielder up. This just isn't going to work. Let's face it, Mr. Rizzo, you were 0-4 this year.

mick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Manassas Nats' Fan said...

He couldbt catch up to the fast ball why throw tge curve.

Unknown said...

why is Davey having Krol face Justin Upton with 1 out and nobody on?

dumb...you have R handers in the pen and he is one of the guys who has killed us...oh well.

mick said...

Werth only MAN on this team

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

That why Big Cat called me. I said hit upton in the ribs this inning.

Krol wmped out.

mick said...

Dan

exactly!!!

Jane Elizabeth said...

Hitting a Brave isn't going to do jack to fix our team's issues. Maybe having McCatty teach our relievers not to throw high and lazy pitches late would.

Does McCatty even do anything to coach these guys? People hammered the hitting coach but McCatty doesn't have these guys holding anyone on and pitching the ball up in the late innings. Season's over. Officially.

Anonymous said...

I swear when watching this team I keep hearing the song "I Got You Babe" playing in the background.

mick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Dan, I thought harp was hit 3x!?? am i wrong, either way i agree and posted as such earlier and used the same word - spineless.

Anonymous said...

Who was that stud prospect that we got for Michael Morse?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Davey has given up.

Nats106 said...

Grrr.

Jane Elizabeth said...

If MLB has any smarts at all, they will suspend one of the Braves' pitchers tonight. Otherwise, Bud Selig deserves whatever happens tomorrow.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Ray K. sez Stras should throw at J. Upton first at-bat Saturday night.

I'll be watching.

mick said...

ray


good point...puts on exclamation mark on why this year Rizzo is one of the worst GM's...I emphasize this season

Nats106 said...

Nats106 said...
Mick, I'd have added that, but I'm from Virginia, so I can't talk. Hope you had a great vacation.

Tomorrow Nats needs to strike first

WODL, won't happen. They need to take matters into their own hands.

Almazar80 said...

They beat two bad teams five times in a row. That's an accomplishment to hang their hats on as they get swept (probably) by the Braves and go over ten games behind the wild card chase. Yes, Rizzo, you know how to build a winner. Or not.

Anonymous said...

raymitten - the league was going to catch up to Krol eventually. Dude was a PTBNL throw in on that deal who hadn't been anything special in the minors prior to this year.

A.J. Cole was the prime piece in that trade. The fact that we got so many good outings from Krol before he got figured out was just a bonus.

Jane Elizabeth said...

MLB umpires don't control games. They can barely call balls, strikes and outs.

mick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

sorry - you are right, looks like 2x only but tomorrow we better do something about it but you know what, too little, too late. should have been 10 days ago when Teheran drilled Bryce clearly on purpose and we didn't do shi&T!!!

shameless that we didn't have our best players back 10 days ago...would have put an end to this then but now they are punking us...I do not like the Barves and their lame fans cheering when Harp is hit...it's sick!

mick said...

Nats106


lol thanks

Jane Elizabeth said...

You guys get all charged up about that and not about McCatty's stupidity in pitching to Upton like that. Either walk the guy or drill him if you are using Krol.

What is going on with Johnson and McCatty? Do they watch the games?

mick said...

Taylor Jordan a bright spot

Nats106 said...

Ummm WODL, I think we've established that they do watch the game. Now, do they take action? Different question there.

mick said...

WOD


i agree with you

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I calling for Krol to hit him, but again figured Krol has problems with righties.

Now that he has given up the homer, i absolutely right.

mick said...

Billy martin would have beat the living crap out of any pitcher who threw at his players....Davey just sits back like an old fart

Jane Elizabeth said...

Ramos' single missed a homer by 2 feet and Upton's clears the fence by 1 foot. Some years the ball just doesn't bounce (land) right for you. Snake bit. The Braves are not this good and we are not this bad, in spite of the terrible managing and coaching and general managing.

Anonymous said...

mick - yep, too bad the Nats play such crappy defense behind him. He now has more unearned runs than both Gio and Z-nn, who have pitched roughly triple the number of innings.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Sorry Jerry Diputo (spelling in much hotter water than Rizzo)

mick said...

where is the fight in this team????????????????

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

They almost hit him in the 10h.

Unknown said...

start Abad tomorrow and drill whoever he wants...then bring in SS and win the damn game...I am still pissed...the lack of response especially for a team that is 15+ games back is mind boggling, especially since its Harper they are drilling, its not like they are drilling Lombo for God's sake...where is the fight in this team.

F the Braves, F the Braves!!!

Jane Elizabeth said...

We can't bunt. Witness Span's myriad attempts this year. We can't hold on runners. We can't throw to 2nd without it going into center field--Little League teams can do this. We can't field. We have tons more unearned runs than the Braves. The players lack basic knowledge of basic baseball strategy and scoring probabilities.

This team needs to get back to basics.

mick said...

I would throw at some heads tomorrow and dare the Braves to fight

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Since we dont score enough, most of our losses has the same common donominator.

One pitcher will pitch poorly. Without runs we cannot afford any of the pitchers can screw zero.

mick said...

I hate those red neck trash fans too

Jane Elizabeth said...

Mick, you can organize our off-season wrestling circuit. Chad and Denard would make a good tag team.

mick said...

WOD


hell..... a few beers in me and I'll join the fight


lol

Jane Elizabeth said...

People in Georrrrgiaaa love wrastling.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Where is Jason Marquis when you need him (San Diego).

He would not let the Braves get away with this crap.

We had this problem with AZ 3years ago or so.

mick said...

Braves are Bill McKinney and Cowboy Coward, Nats are Ned Beatty and Jon Voight


who on the nats will be Burt reynolds and fight back


hee hee

nats guy said...

I don't care whether they win or lose tomorrow, but Freddie Freeman needs to get hit with the very first pitch he sees from them for the next three games. What the Brav0s are doing is just plain dirty baseball and I have lost all respect for them. Bunch of Aholes. I used to have respect for Freddie Gonzalez and the Brav0s. Plunk Fredie Freeman no matter what the consequences.

Alphabet Soup Erik said...

Please leave for Bora Bora tonight Davey...you have become one horrible manager. The embers aren't even hot anymore.

Secret wasian man said...

from a baseball standpoint this game was lost by Span Desi and Davey. from a fan standpoint what a bunch of COWARDS those Braves fans are. Did you see the two jerks behind the plate, who live with their Moms cheering when Bryce almost got hit in the head? Wow!! Lower class than Philly

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of starting Abad and start off hitting them immediately. The lack of response for hitting Harper in the head is infuriating.

Jane Elizabeth said...

I remember that game. I had my radio and was fishing. I need to do more of that. This team does not merit undivided attention.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

McCatty not teaching how to be a good teammate.

Suzuki called for the crappy pitch, when his fast ball was fine.

mick said...

wasian agreed

nats guy said...

If they don't do anything tomorrow they don't deserve to be playing this game and should be playing softball.

Secret wasian man said...

The heck with Davey. Charge the mound or bean somebody. How do you not pinch run for Ramos?

mick said...

Braves look at nats and say..."you look just like hog"

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Azproblem was 2011 as Werth was the one tgey kept hitting on the Nats

mick said...

I'm ready to brawl now...ha ha

Jane Elizabeth said...

I loved Ned Beatty in Homicide but I don't know what you are referring to, otherwise.

Secret wasian man said...

Nats Guy if Span played Softball he would still bounce back to the pitcher and Ian would still strike out.

mick said...

WOD



Deliverance


weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

He was sleeping. That is tge only reason.

Notice no reporter asked tthat. That is tge one move Davey had control of that could have won the game.

Secret wasian man said...

OH cmon WODL. "why don't you just drop them pants"

mick said...

Ned is a great guy and actor but no matter what, he will alwways be remembered in deliverance

mick said...

Wasian

ha ha

just take em right off

Secret wasian man said...

HAHAHAHA Mick with that im going to bed SEW WEEEEEEEEE

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I like the Abad starting and doing the plunking of. J upton. Then getting thrown out as we never get a break and bring in Strasburg.

nats guy said...

Right now I don't even care about the record I just want some protection for Bryce. No team should ever be coming after our best player without some major retribution. They are giving the Nats no respect. Screw the fines and suspensions, fight for your teammates

nats guy said...

If they do nothing tomorrow they have completely lost my respect.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Nats won 5 in a row just to torture us by sucking us back in.

Almazar80 said...

Bryce has not been the Nats best player since he got here. Good, yes, but the best? Maybe next year, but not so far.

Nats106 said...

Based upon Johnson's post game comments I'd be surprised if there is any retaliation. We shall see.

BigCat said...

In the old days the theory was if you wanted to send a message, or heck, just throw an 0-2 fastball in a good spot , it was under the chin. Everyone knew if you wanted to hit someone in the head you threw behind their head so the hitter would duck into it. That is exactly where the second one to Harper was. It was intended for his head. The first was a Hangin curveball and is a non factor No big deal But when you throw behind someone's head you are trying to injure . We had a great chance to end this with 2 outs in the 8th I believe. You drill upton. Hard!

Chris "Farley" Simmons said...

I imagine there will be a fight tomorrow. But there is no fight in the Nats.

BigCat said...

Ya

BigCat said...

Another thing. Is Zzim done as a 20 hr 90 ribbie guy. He ain't the zim I used to know. Is he done?

John O'Connor said...

Look up the May 1, 1974 game between the Reds and Pirates. Dock Ellis knew what to do when a team is bullying you.

NatsLady said...
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Manassas Nats' Fan said...

We got tomorrow's game in the bag.

Going to the Indians @ A's game to get Yoenis Cespedes bobblehead.

NatsLady said...

LuCroy just walked off the Brewers against Chapman. Cincy, STL and Arizona all lost. We are not any worse off than yesterday. Got 41 games left. Play them.

Mississippi Snopes said...

It's not going to be tomorrow. That would be stupid. It's going to be the last series of the year, as close to the playoffs as possible -- and it's going to be intended to hurt Justin Upton. And then Freddy Freeman

The Braves' pitchers are idiots. They're jeopardizing their playoff chances for no reason.

And the Braves' fans cheering Avilan. Just pitiful. A new Philadelphia is growing up down in the kudzu. You might recall it wasn't exactly southern gentlemanliness after the blown infield fly rule call in the wild card game last year.

Ugly all around.

NatsLady said...

BigCat, I don't think RZim is "done." He's having a down year, probably due to his shoulder.

NatsLady said...

Sunday. In Gio's last inning of work if we have the lead, earlier if we don't, Start with Teheran, get the hitters in the next series.

SonnyG10 said...

paul brandt said...
start Abad tomorrow and drill whoever he wants...then bring in SS and win the damn game...I am still pissed...the lack of response especially for a team that is 15+ games back is mind boggling, especially since its Harper they are drilling, its not like they are drilling Lombo for God's sake...where is the fight in this team.


Can't do that. Umps will know what's coming and will issue warnings right away. Strasburg needs to bean Upton in the first inning. Then they can issue warnings and we take our chances from there. If that doesn't end this sh@t then an all out brawl. And those Barve fans are as classless as the Philly fans. Maybe our fans should go down there and take on the Barve fans.

NatsLady said...

Dan Kolko ‏@masnKolko 6m
Ian Krol started strong, but has allowed an earned run in 4 of his last 6 appearances and has let his last 6 inherited runners come around.

David Proctor said...

Maybe since the Braves threw near Harper's head, Strasburg can aim a 98mph right at their family jewels. See how they like being hit.

NatsLady said...

DP, LOL. Just figure out who doesn't wear a cup!

SonnyG10 said...

Ian Krol needs to learn to throw a slider or something faster that that slow lazy curve ball to a hitter like Upton. Justin had too much time to adjust to the slow curve. Or else put the curve in the dirt, not down the middle.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

No biggie if Abad gets suspended. He only pitches once a week abyway.

Unknown said...

At a certain point it's not about wins or losses anymore. It's about protecting a teammate and showing Atlanta that they just can't walk all over us. Davey's apathetic attitude has infected this whole team to the point that the Nat's players just watch Harper get hit time and time again from the safety of the dugout.

SonnyG10 said...

As hard as Stras throws, a cup won't save them. :)

Jane Elizabeth said...

What would Walter Johnson do?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Just remember: it isn't the size of the cat in the dog, it is the size of the fight

SonnyG10 said...

Davey doesn't need to do anything. Jayson Werth sounds like he is planning something with the boys, if his post-game interview is any indication. He said they would take care of it in house.

David Proctor said...

I was against retaliation after the first HBP. But it's been 3 times now. I fully expect retaliation tomorrow. And I think they'd have retaliated tonight if not for the umpire (unjustly) warning our bench.

David Proctor said...

Aroldis Chapman has blown 5 saves now, by the way. Same number as Soriano.

Nats 128 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nats 128 said...

Krol looking bad now just takes the shine off of every move Rizzo has made since extending the contract for Tracy.

Nats 128 said...

"Secret wasian man said...
How do you not pinch run for Ramos? "

Im sure your thinking when Ramos was on 1st. Had the same thought. Just not smart.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

The Braces tgrew a lot of curves and our batters never adjusted.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Because we had no retaliation incident 3 occured. Two was a slow curve that never broke.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Everyone but Davey had that thought.

It was past Davey's bedtime.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Harold Reynolds and Cliff Floyd all over Nats pitchers for not doing their job after the second plunk.

Said that is their duty, and shouldn't have to wait to be instructed.

Should be understood.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

RISP tonight 1 for 10. For season 14 for 90 against Braves.

David Proctor said...

Werth said they would handle it. I expect something to happen before this series is over. if not, I'll be very disappointed.

Section 222 said...

You guys calling for beanings and brawls are pathetic. A bunch of ex-jock tough guy wannabes. Do you think Harper is intimidated by being thrown at? I don't. Do you think Stras throwing at someone will deter them from throwing at Harper again? I don't. This is all pointless macho breast beating.

There will be warnings tomorrow right from the start. I don't want Stephen Strasburg suspended, and neither should you. Oh, then let's start Abad and let him throw the retaliation pitch and start a fight. Just brilliant. What are you guys, 12? Grow up.

David Proctor said...

I agreed with you originally Sec 222. But it's happened 3 times. Enough is enough. They're going to keep doing it until you stand up to them. They're the playground bully. Sometimes you have to fight back. It's not ideal, but it is what it is.

NatsLady said...

DP, same here. With the season hanging by a very slim thread, I was for conserving resources and winning games. But there comes a point. You have to support the Kid, who has done NOTHING wrong, and said all the RIGHT things.

pedrocerrano said...

There have been so many games this year that you could describe as "telling the story of the season". This one might take the cake though.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Taking care of business has been part of baseball well over 100 years, so most of us have no problem. I am not calling for a beaning, I am calling for a ribbing.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

And the reason it happened again was we didnt close the deal last time.

Whether you like it or not it part of baseball lore.

Mlb network analysts said Nats pitcher are not doing their job.

Pro player understand this.

Some fans dont like it.

David Proctor said...

From Kolko:

Nationals players were clearly frustrated by the continued plunkings of Harper by Braves pitchers, something that goes back a week and a half, when Julio Teheran drilled Harper with a fastball after Harper had homered off him in his previous at-bat.

After tonight's game, Werth, Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond sat in a row in front of their lockers for at least 20 minutes, quietly talking amongst themselves. Asked if he thought Harper was intentionally hit by Avilan in the eighth, Werth said he wasn't sure.


I do find it interesting that Zim wasn't part of that little meeting of team leaders.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Its way past the time.

Still think ut is funny Big Cat called me to see I would hit Upton in the 10th, and I didnt have think twice, with a ribbing rught then.

But again I was in minority I believe.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Our problem has been simpke. With a lack of hittibg, all our pitchers had to be on their game.


Too often 1 was not. They turns being the not.

If our bullpen had pitched as well as tge Braves have this year, ut is a whole different story despite the lack of hitting.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

No one misses by that much unless on purpose.

Problem with the pow wow, where are the pitchers?

John C. said...

For the guy who wondered about what Walter Johnson would do - Johnson was afraid that he would kill someone if he hit them. Cobb would use that against him by crowding the plate.

SonnyG10 said...

Stras won't get thrown out if he plunks Justin Upton in the first inning. The umps will just warn both teams.

This in not about being macho. Its about preventing Harp from being a target, not only from the Barves, but from every team they play. If the other teams think we won't retaliate, then they'll have no qualms about hitting Harp or any of our guys. We have to make a statement that we will protect our own.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Its a no brainer to me.

Only possible flaw is if they hit Harper in the first and warnings go before we get a turn.

SonnyG10 said...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...
Its a no brainer to me.

Only possible flaw is if they hit Harper in the first and warnings go before we get a turn.
August 17, 2013 1:31 AM


Yes, that is a possible flaw. In that case, the dugout should empty and we beat the snot out of whoever plunks Harp and to hell with the game.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

If Harper get plunked in the first, the Nats need to act like Sherman and burn down Georgia with tgeir response.

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