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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats are looking for their third straight sweep and ninth straight win today. |
In their quest for consecutive victory No. 9 and a 36-36 record, the Nationals will send Tom Gorzelanny to the mound for the first time in three weeks. The left-hander says he's feeling great after a brief DL stint for elbow inflammation. We'll see if he can continue the remarkable performance his rotation mates have provided during this streak.
If you missed the news earlier, Rick Ankiel has been placed on the 15-day DL to clear roster space for Gorzelanny. Roger Bernadina has capably taken over everyday duties in center field and is in the lineup today batting second behind Jayson Werth.
With right-hander Chris Jakubauskas starting for the Orioles -- has a pitching matchup ever featured more combined letters than the 21 it takes to spell both Jakubauskas and Gorzelanny? -- Laynce Nix is back in the cleanup spot and in left field. Ian Desmond, meanwhile, gets a day off to rest his nagging thigh injury. Alex Cora starts at shortstop.
Happy Father's Day to everyone out there! Plenty of updates to come...
ORIOLES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN, MASN2, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), WTEM (980 AM), XM 187
Weather: Cloudy, 79 degrees, Wind 7 mph LF to RF
STARTING LINEUPS1:36 p.m. -- We are underway with a ball from Tom Gorzelanny to J.J. Hardy. Another big crowd on hand today. They're going to end up drawing well over 100,000 fans for this three-game series.
NATIONALS (35-36)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Roger Bernadina
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Laynce Nix
1B Michael Morse
2B Danny Espinosa
C Wilson Ramos
P Tom Gorzelanny
SS Alex Cora
ORIOLES (31-37)
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones
1B Derrek Lee
LF Nolan Reimold
3B Mark Reynolds
C Craig Tatum
2B Robert Andino
P Chris Jakubauskas
1:38 p.m. -- Well, that was about as efficient a first inning as you'll ever see. Gorzelanny retires the side on seven pitches. A pop-up to first, a fly ball to left and a comebacker (on a two-out bunt attempt by No. 3 hitter Adam Jones).
1:44 p.m. -- Ryan Zimmerman continues to smoke the ball to center and right fields, though he was perhaps a bit too aggressive there in trying to stretch a first-inning single into a double. Jones bobbled the ball for a moment, so Zim chugged around first base. But he was out by a couple of steps (though you'll be glad to know he slid feet-first and not head-first after injuring himself that way back in April).
1:50 p.m. -- Oh, my. Zimmerman tries to start what should have been a routine 5-4-3 double play and throws the ball into right field. That's his first actual error since coming off the DL, though he came close to a few the last few days. Then he can't pull the trigger on a slow roller up the line, a play he makes all the time. As we've talked about, Zim worked on a new throwing motion while on the DL. Clearly, he hasn't mastered it. The bigger issue is if this gets in his head, which it appears it may already be. You just really hope this can get resolved and not linger, because god knows what the long-term ramifications could be. For now, it only cost the Nats one run.
2:03 p.m. -- J.J. Hardy puts the Orioles up 2-0 in the third inning by crushing a 90 mph pitch down the middle from Gorzelanny into the batter's eye in center field. Not a good pitch there from Gorzelanny.
2:12 p.m. -- Another error, this time by Jayson Werth (who bobbled a ball in right field to allow Nick Markakis to take an extra base). This one didn't come back to haunt the Nats, thanks to a brilliant double play from Espinosa and Desmond. Still 2-0 heading to the bottom of the third.
2:22 p.m. -- Three innings in the books, and the Nats have done next-to-nothing against Jakubauskas. Alex Cora managed a two-out single in the third (and Zimmerman had that single in the first in which he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double) but otherwise nothing. Jakubauskas has struck out five of 10 batters so far (including Werth twice). Still 2-0 after three.
3:06 p.m. -- Sorry for the lack of updates there. Was down in the stands visiting family. They're not seeing a particularly crisp ballgame today. It's 5-2 Orioles in the bottom of the fifth after a string of hits by both teams. The Nats rallied to get themselves back within a run in the bottom of the fourth, thanks to back-to-back doubles from Morse and Espinosa. But Gorzelanny gave both runs right back in the top of the fifth, an ugly inning if ever there was one. He gave up a leadoff single to the opposing pitcher, then a double to Hardy that would have scored Jakubauskas if not for a fantastic relay throw to the plate by Espinosa. Another RBI single by Jones made it 4-2, and with Derrek Lee at the plate and Todd Coffey warm in the bullpen, you figured Jim Riggleman might pull the trigger. Instead, Gorzelanny got to face one more batter, and paid the price. Lee doubled in another run, making it 5-2 before Riggleman finally made the pitching change.
3:11 p.m. -- Bernadina gets it to 5-3 thanks to a solo homer. He's really started to hit the ball in the last week, a nice development.
3:20 p.m. -- The ball's flying out of Nationals Park today. Mark Reynolds connects for the afternoon's third home run, a solo shot off Coffey that puts the Orioles back up 6-3 in the sixth. Definitely feels like the ball has been traveling better here the last couple homestands as the weather warmed up.
3:26 p.m. -- If you're wondering why Buck Showalter let Jakubauskas hit for himself in the top of the sixth and then just brought it Jim Johnson to pitch the bottom of the inning ... he's dealing with a short bench today. Luke Scott isn't available. Also, apparently Jakubauskas (2-for-3 with a double) can rake.
3:55 p.m. -- Today's official paid attendance: 35,439. That's much smaller than I thought it would be. This place looks full. Can't see 6,000 empty seats anywhere. Still, they wound up drawing 107,615 for the series, which is impressive. It's not, however, a Nationals Park record. That was 125,032 for the series against the Red Sox in 2009.
4:02 p.m. -- Another insurance run for the Orioles in the eighth, a direct result of Wilson Ramos' throwing error on a stolen-base attempt. That's three errors today by the Nats, a stunning reversal of fortunes. They now trail 7-3 with six outs to go.
4:08 p.m. -- Now three outs from the winning streak coming to an end. Not looking too good here.
4:17 p.m. -- It may not mean much in the eventual outcome of this game, but Zimmerman just started a very nice, 5-4-3 double play to end the top of the ninth. If nothing else, he'll head home tonight feeling better about his final throw of the day after those earlier shaky ones. Last chance for the Nats, down four. It'll be Espinosa, Ramos and the pitcher's spot against Koji Uehara.
4:19 p.m. -- Hold the phone, folks. It ain't over yet. Espinosa puts one in the bullpen for his 13th homer of the season. It's 7-4.
4:23 p.m. -- Oh, well. All good things must come to an end. Nats lose 7-4, and the streak ends at eight games. They're back to two games below the .500 mark, with a chance to get back on track Tuesday night against the Mariners.
95 comments:
Happy Father's Day (To Be), Mark! You're in for a wild, wild ride. I've got Oct. 4 in the Zuckerman baby pool. Hope Mrs. Z is holding up well. Go, you freaking Nats, go. (GYFNG).
Let's go Nationals, let's go. Let's go Nationals, let's go. Let's go Nationas, let's go. Come on gotta get that .500 now.
Mark: an early happy fathers day. I am sure that next year at this time you will be amazed at how your life has changed. My two are on the way out and we will watch the game together. What could be better? (we went to yesterdays game so two in a row might have been a bit much for them). We are wondering if there is a name yet? I think Babe Zuckerman has a nice ring, don't you?
I'd rather see Espinosa 2 and Bernadina 9, but other than that, still loving this style lineup
Cora has that 9th spot permanently locked up, methinks.
Happy early fathers day to you Mark, and happy regular fathers day to all these readers and the Nats (especially Ian, for being a new Dad, and Pudge, for being a Dad to a new draftee).
In the words of Sunshine Bobby, GYFNG!
For those who are worried that Gorzy may not be up to snuff . . . let's also not forget that the O's pitcher, Jakubauskas, has an ERA of 5+
Here's hopin'!
Go Nats!
let's also not forget we tend to make no-name pitchers look like Cy Youngs. Here to hoping that those days have passed.
Ladies and Gentlemen!! The stars have aligned... For the first time this season, channel 50 has coincided with my big b'hind's couch availability. All insiders at the game are encouraged to blow a kiss to your Uncle Dave (Right after your Dads, of course!).
Play Ball!!! GO NATS!!!!!
Not exactly a smart move on Zim's part then, anyways nice to know he can hustle if he needs to.
WOW What is Ryan doing? I am reading plays on MLB.com first about his error and then Reynolds singles to him. What is going on out there? :(
Tag might have been late, but you won't get that call, when the throw is on time. Hope Zim's throwing groove shows up soon... Just a little rusty...
There is no doubt: Zimmerman has Mackey Sasser's disease. A baseball tragedy is unfolding before our very eyes. He makes his throwing error, then he fails to make a throw on a dribbler where a strong throw would have had him -- so, in a way, he has two errors.
This is bad. And no amount of covering from paid company announcer hacks can deny the fact that Zim is in serious trouble.
FS, Zim did good to hold the ball, on a chopper up the line. Although he mighta/coulda let it go foul....
To Unkyd: "a little rusty" dont make me laugh. throwing accuracy from third to first is like riding a bicycle. Plus Zim has played in how many games now? 10? not to mention all the hours of taking ground balls and making throws.
Dont fool yourself: He has a mental issue with throwing. It's getting worse and will get more worse each day. There will be a day (and it might be today) where he will be pulled from the game to save him from embarassment and the team from losing on 5 errors from Zim.
He always had a weird throw -- he has been obsessed with his throw for going on 3 years now.
He is in serious trouble. Have you seen his "new throw"? A girlie like Sling is what it is.
Anonsense.... Go outside, make a few "strong throws"... I bet you feel it in the abs. Zim will be fine, in a few games, and Sasser's problem was his head... Not the case, here, I'll wager...
To Unkyd: Quit the crap, will ya? Zim had Reynolds on that slow chop that held because he is freaked out by his throw. Look at thre replay again, dude. Reynolds was 4 steps from the bag when Zim held it.
When you are you going get out of Denial. Dont be an idiot.
If I were the Orioles, I'd be bunting to third all day long.
Ha ha. Never in three decades of playing and watching the game have I heard of an infielder being worried about his throw affecting his abs.
Their blowing smoke up your butt, dude. Its Mackey Sasser's Disease.
No matter: just sit back and watch it get worse and worse. You'll see what most of us already know.
G'nite, Gracie.....
Anon 2:05,
Dude, DO YOU KNOW what was affected most by Zimmerman's injury? HIS THROWING. Its why he decided to go ahead and get the surgery.
Give the guy a break he has not only changed his throwing motion to avoid future problems (less side arm) but he probably isn't exactly 100%.
Even so his WAR is still in the top 6 in major league baseball.
Gorzelany is horrible.
Thanks goodness for a great up the middle defense.
How can Gorselany lose all his stuff after only 15 days. Another overpaid gutless semi pro.
Mickey Sasser's disease. What a moron.
Zimmerman can always become a DH in the American League.
Within a week or two, everyone from ESPN, MLB.com to CNN will be talking about the Fall of Ryan Zimmerman. A victim of Mackey Sasser's disease.
Never in three decades of playing and watching the game have I heard of an infielder being worried about his throw affecting his abs.
Funny, any injury to my core usually affects everything including sleeping! God what attracted this idiot? Get a hernia surgery sometime and try throwing the ball moron.
Zimmerman can always become a DH in the American League.
Still top 6 WAR. Drafted 4th in Fangraph's franchise player draft. Doh.
Ha ha. Anyone who has watched Zim struggle with his throw over the years and followed the team closely enough to know that he has obsessed about it for three years and now watches this Train wreck of a "new throw" -- knows that Sasser's disease was always on the horizon -- And anyone who thinks it foolish that Sasser's disease is here for Zim after watching all 5 of his throws since returning have been wild -- is a fool.
You are the fool. And a non-baseball watching idiot to boot.
F.P. Santangelo sounds like a high school kid.
2-0 count
Werth gets a dead red fasball
Swings through it
He sucks
Werth gets his knees bent on a curve ball thrown by a rookie who will be sent down after this game.
Pathetic.
Wow I agree with you guys -- its about time someone calls out Werthless.
We paid 128 mil for a lifetime 280 hitter who barely hit 20 homers at teeny tiny Philly?
We are nuts.
Anon on a tear about Zimm.. Enough already. Seriously. Either you are an O's fan and in the wrong place or you've had way too much beer by now. Be done now, please.
Nice play, zim.
Not only are you nuts anon ...you are the a dark place in the center of a posterior
These are the regular Nats. So disapointed on Fathers day. I was wishing for .500 just not gonna happen today.
at least gorzo is getting his DPs.
offense needs to wake up though.
To Jane: If you ever saw Sasser play, Steve Sax play, Chuck Knoblach play -- and watched how this mental throwing problem ruined their careers -- you would see the similarities in Zimmerman -- and one must be concerned that Zimmerman's throwing problems are much much more complex than anyone is saying. Anyway, lets sit back and watch the show -- if it is Sasser's disease, it will be apparent on each and every chance Zimmerman gets.
SASSER SASSER SASSER GIGGLEMAN GiGGLEMAN DESMONDSKILLINGUS!!!!!!
This record skips more than my Puff the Magic Dragon did, when I was six.... Like a terrier, with a dead rat.... But perhaps more amusing...
Internet breeds so many problems in peoples minds but the TROLL is one that just keeps rolling ....the sad sick person who uses the anon to hide from people yet express the deep disturbed dark corners of a sick mind
Mark - I think tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of Pudge's first appearance in the majors. Is the team planning on doing anything to celebrate this, possibly on Tuesday? Thanks.
Mikey just kinda nipped at the gorse, there, plenty left for Danny to Hack!!!
Frediemac.... Remember.... Fat Lady!!!!
I would of like to see gorzo pinch hit for not only he can't hit but he's gonna lose this game for the Nats.
Lookit Danny.... Another clutch LH hit....
Jes' sayin'.....
And for a positive note---
beside that rbi double by Morse
Baseball Tonight was on at noon, don't ask me,
and had great things to say about the boys. They say that every player in our division says we are the team to watch in the future.
Nice double Danny!
They said Riggleman has full control and respect of this team and gets in their face if they wander from the plan. Obviously in private which is a sure sign of a professional. They can not believe his option has not been picked up with an extension.
Look at that we are back in the game. Sorry to those of you who prefer losses.
They are on before tonights Cubs game again, actually at night.
GYNFG
What did I say.. I know Gorzo has to build his pitch count but he was obviously not pitching well today.
Chad Gaudin is in relief in Hagerstown(ugh) and why hasn't Harper been in the lineup the past 2 days?
Giving Riggs the benefit of the doubt, on not pulling Gorzy... A quick fifth inning would have been a nice pay on the back...
this is why baseball is so great...the 2nd guessing...pinch hit for Gorzo or spare the BP one inning...didn't work this time
...pat....
Ahh really pats on the back was not in the cards today from the start and they said as much ....so why when it is clear Gorzy is not on strong and you just got back to with one you let the thing blow up again ......It was going to be bull pen day ....use the bull pen ...is that so damn hard ...well this is last day of pitcher in 8th and Werth in lead off
NatsJack... Is Harper still having thumb issues?
I understand the benefit of the doubt but I think that Gorzo was lucky he had only given 3 runs. He didn't show that he was fooling the o's
BTW i hope this the last year for this mixed broadcast ...I hate every minute of it went to radio for sound ....so now I am ahead by 45 secs .....I hear the future and then see it
Roger, the Gorsehacker. I grow, arrange, and HACK Gorse...
Harper was given the night off last night to rest his sore thumb, per the local newspaper
Not blowed up, yet..... Fat Lady: still in the dressing room, complaining about the color of M&Ms.......
Faith, people...! The Gorse is ripe....
We can still do this guys. Let us keep it all together.
I've said it before and I know not everybody agree but I'd like to see Gorzo in the pen as mop-up and every 5th day give a chance to a AAA or AA(peacock) and see who can stick.
Sasser makes the play.....
Oh look one game and all of the negative whiners are back. I feel really sorry for people that have to deal with your sorry crap all the time. Get a life.
What's your problem Andrew? I'm not allowed to say that I think that Gorzo was not good today and I would like other guys getting a chance. Maybe you should get a life because it doesn't take much for you to lose it.All I have to say is Wow!
This is painful. It will hurt after coming so close. Guys, please hang in there.
'Spos.... I'm sure Andrew was referring to the usual suspect... virtually absent for over a week....
Rally caps, anyone?
If they come back to win that already great streak will be truly amazing
The only nice thing about the end of today is that we don't have to get this spilt O's/National announce team on MASN. For like the 5th straight year this is the low light of our TV year. We can now get full out Nats coverage and promos.
Sorry I couldn't give a hoot when Fireworks night is at Camden Yards.
Come on Zimminator!!!
SASSER!!!
BRAVO, MY NATS!!!!!!
I'm happy as a pig in poop, with an 8 game streak... Well done!
Tell you what.... Take a day off, and let's start another!!
With all the errors, it begs the question, how much fun was had at the Gala last night? Didn't seem as crisp today as they have been all year.
The problem with a team that has such a culture of losing you can not trust anything good you see.....I really hoped to sweep Baltimore but they just were off all day ......and did not care if the next loss was Seattle .....ohh well here is hoping for another winning run but a grand opportunity was wasted today ...until they get over the .500 mark will that culture of losing be truly in the rear view mirror
Tsk.... A disappointing loss, for sure... But is the prevailing mood really gonna "culture of losing"? 9 hits, and a number of others hit on the button... 2 good throws, from the Sassenator, to help put some silly comments to rest, and we got the next three weeks worth of errors out of the way.
Somebody.... Join me on the bright side, over here...?
I'm with you Unkyd. I would love to have an entire season of winning 8 out of 10.
It is not to say that losing is expected but in a culture of losing the negative outcome as a possibility always is there in the shadows. I just point out until real winning starts to occur the culture of losing that has been a part of this team for 6 years now will not suddenly disappear with one good winning streak ......and everytime we have to face that their own broadcast network treats the team like forth class citizens it still puts a fine point on that culture.
Unkyd - I am with you. I missed most of the game due to kids soccer, but caught the last few innings.
It was a great streak. It seemed like it came out of nowhere, too. Gets us back to within range of the wild card, with about 90 games left. We should be a stronger team in the second half too, with Zim for all of it, and I think Werth comes on strong. And dare I say it - Stras in Sep for the stretch run? Maybe in bullpen. What kind of weapon would that be?
Here is a great trade for Rizzo to work on: Denard Span. Honestly, I can't see a fit for the Twins, but he would look awesome leading off and in CF (once he gets back from injury, that is).
Bad pitching and spotty defense -- good day for the throwback unis.
Well, at least we can take it off mute on Tuesday as we start the new streak.
Carpy Diem!
Point taken, CB... I would love to see Teddy win, and the NATS in control of their own broadcast destiny... Again, can anyone tell me when this abomination of a MASN deal will end? Although I wasn't as bothered as some by the split booth, for six games, it still is a lingering reminder of the pillage that preceded the Learners' taking control, so I feel ya. I hope that we can dispense with Teddys futility by the time we begin a new era of kicking butt and taking names, next year! It's time for the organization to start bristling at anything that smells like lovable losers.....
But....... Things ARE looking up, no? =^D
No big deal. There was a huge party last night, the raised a bunch of money (and maybe a bunch of beers) and the Oriole's got one. Unkyd is right... Take the day off, come back Tuesday and start again.
And, really, if we had won today and reached .500 now instead of next week, would that really have changed a "culture of losing?" they ARE changing the culture, every game, every in fielding practice, every batting practice. It doesn't shift in the blink of an eye. It's incremental and it IS CHANGING! I am happy for and about them.
I have to say I haven't missed the whining one bit. See the rest of you Tuesday, when we begin taking down the Mariners.
It ain't over until Espi swings!
And by whining, I meant the anonymous whining , not you CB.
Thank you for saying so JaneB :)
Difficult loss to digest knowing that we would be .500 and third place by ourselves. Anyways, let us get back on track in next game.
Oh and on Teddy winning ...I have said for a about a year now my feeling is that Teddy wins the day the Nats are in first place .....and that has not happened once since the racing presidents appeared .......and I hope this young man of about 4 with a Teddy Nationals jersey who was sitting next to me on Memorial Day and so upset that Teddy was mugged that day is there to see it.
I'm sorry guys, that one was on me. With my section totally sold out, I was forced to change my seat. I found another in the very back row of the section, but apparently that wasn't enough to please the baseball gods.
Oh well, time to start a new streak on Tuesday!
Phew!!!! Thanks, Grandstander!! I was afraid it was on me, for actually eyeballing the action, on the toob, for the first time this year!!! Good to know someone else put the hoodoo on... ;-)
We'll see what happens next time I get a chance...
2:12 p.m. in the updates. The brilliant double play was Espinosa and Cora. Desmond did not play. Cora did a fine job at short and should have the props.
Another win streak starts on Tuesday.
Go Nats!
Why are they changing Zims throwing? Let him throw it underhand the way he always has. This could kill him. Is eck behind this too?
Good question, Big Cat. I'm sure there's a good reason, but it's tough to imagine playing 3rd, without throwing sidearm...
Hmmm... Maybe the Rendon kid's not as random as he looks...?
"Today's official paid attendance: 35,439. That's much smaller than I thought it would be. This place looks full. "
You're not the only one, Mark. Hubby thought it would be much higher; I thought it would be about the same as the past couple of days. We actually had a bet on it, but - lucky for him - only bragging rights were at stake. And now I've used those up.
Unkyd, more on the bright side, Burnett had another good outing. Maybe his kid brought him luck (was featured on the scoreboard, along with other Nats' kids, wishing his dad a happy father's day - and he does have daddy's eyes). btw, among the celebrants noted on the scoreboard today were Mr. Ted Lerner and his wife, celebrating 60 years of marriage. Gotta tip my cap to that achievement (we're not yet halfway there but will keep chipping away at it). There was also a scoreboard shoutout to "Grumpy: You know who you are." (whereupon half of the attendees turned to their companions with questioning looks).
Unkyd and GS, and here I thought the L was on me because I'd watched the prior wins on tv but was at the park today. Eh, what the heck - let's just hang this one on the players. Great road trip leading to a great streak. Take a day off and get back at 'em on Tuesday.
In other news, tried the taco combo and liked it pretty well.
Happy father's day to all dads and dads-in-waiting.
Well, if we were going to lose a game, this one wasn't the worst one to lose. Sloppy field (after brief rain) and sloppy fielding, pitcher just off the DL not up to standard.
Crowd large, but a lot of empty seats behind home plate which was definitely odd looking.
Here's to another streak starting Tuesday.
Hi, NatsLady! Good point about the sloppy field. On the empty seats behind the plate, I guessed that the people were under cover inside.
Time for a new hat - love that after the first ten anons or so, they stopped hating. Zimm had a very nice double play at the end so I am not going to worry about his throwing at this point.
Tuesday we will go after another series win which is all I want for the next few weeks. Just win 2 of 3 and I will be a happy camper.
Go Nats
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