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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Stephen Strasburg makes his 2012 home debut tonight against the Astros. |
One significant change to Davey Johnson's lineup tonight: Steve Lombardozzi is starting at second base, with Danny Espinosa taking what the manager called a "mental break." Though Espinosa has a .333 on-base percentage thanks to eight walks, he's batting only .194, and "I see him mentally pressing a little bit," Johnson said.
It's a big night for D.C. sports, with the Capitals hosting the Bruins in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series up the road at Verizon Center. Can't promise any hockey updates here, but I can promise plenty of updates and analysis of this ballgame...
HOUSTON ASTROS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WHFS (1580 AM), XM 188
Weather: Clear, 82 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (7-3)
SS Ian Desmond
2B Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
LF Xavier Nady
CF Rick Ankiel
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Stephen Strasburg
ASTROS (4-5)
CF Jordan Schafer
SS Jed Lowrie
LF J.D. Martinez
1B Carlos Lee
RF Travis Buck
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
2B Jose Altuve
RHP Kyle Weiland
UMPIRES
HP Jeff Nelson, 1B Bill Welke, 2B Chris Guccione, 3B Tim Tschida (cc)
7:08 p.m. -- And we're underway with a 94 mph strike from Stephen Strasburg to Jordan Schafer. There are maybe -- maybe -- 10,000 people here right now.
7:13 p.m. -- That was a nice and tidy top of the first for Strasburg. He needed only 15 pitches (10 strikes) to dispose of Schafer, Jed Lowrie and J.D. Martinez and he got both Lowrie and Martinez to offer up feeble check-swing attempts at curveballs. Fastball was consistently 97-98 mph. Impressive start to Strasburg's evening.
7:22 p.m. -- Steve Lombardozzi delivers a line-drive single to center, but that's it for the Nats in the bottom of the first. Ryan Zimmerman looked really poor flailing at a breaking ball from Kyle Weiland to strike out. Adam LaRoche then grounded out to second to end the inning with no runs on the board for either team.
7:31 p.m. -- Well, there won't be a no-hitter here tonight, so those of you who didn't show up don't have to worry about missing out on history. Chris Johnson sent a two-out single to left-center in the top of the second. Otherwise, Strasburg has really been in top form so far. Through two scoreless, he's thrown 35 pitches (22 strikes).
7:34 p.m. -- Whoa, we lost an umpire somewhere between the top and bottom of the second. There's nobody manning second base right now. Not sure which one has gone missing, but I'll let you know as soon as we find out.
7:37 p.m. -- Second base umpire Chris Guccione has indeed left the game due to an unspecified medical issue.
7:46 p.m. -- The Strasburg curveball is in rare form tonight. Just buckling knee after knee. All three of his strikeouts so far have come via Uncle Charlie, including a fabulous one that froze Schafer in the top of the third. 45 pitches (30 strikes) for the right-hander. Still scoreless here.
7:48 p.m. -- I'm sure you'll all be relieved to know that Guccione has re-assumed his position as tonight's second base umpire.
8:01 p.m. -- The good news: The Nats plated a run in the bottom of the third thanks to Ian Desmond's hustle double, then a beautifully placed bunt by Lombardozzi that resulted in Weiland throwing the ball into the right-field corner. The bad news: With an opportunity to add to their lead, the Nats couldn't get anything else going. LaRoche just missed a three-run homer, lofting a flyball to deep right-center. Jayson Werth then hit a routine flyball to center to end the third with the Nationals now up 1-0.
8:08 p.m. -- Boy does Strasburg's curveball look unhittable tonight. He recorded another strikeout on the pitch in the fourth. 55 pitches, 38 strikes through four.
8:15 p.m. -- Wilson Ramos with his first homer of the season, a solo shot to right-center. Nice display of power to the opposite field from the Nationals catcher, who has put his team on top 2-0 after four.
8:22 p.m. -- Strasburg is just making mincemeat of the Astros lineup tonight. He's through five scoreless innings now, having thrown only 61 pitches (44 strikes). He's only gone to a three-ball count twice.
8:51 p.m. -- Well, guess I spoke too soon, because Strasburg's night took a decidedly negative turn in the top of the sixth. He loaded the bases with nobody out, and though he came within one strike of escaping the jam altogether -- thanks in no small part to Rick Ankiel's 310-foot strike from center field to Ramos' mitt -- he couldn't complete it. Chris Johnson lined a two-run single to center, tying this game at 2. Worse, Strasburg needed a whopping 32 pitches to get through that inning. Now at 93 for the game, he's probably done.
9:09 p.m. -- Strasburg was indeed done after six, but how about the way his teammates picked him up and suddenly put him back in line for the win? They finally got a couple of big-time, clutch hits, first from Lombardozzi (who delivered his fourth hit of the night, a bloop double down the left-field line with the bases loaded) and then from Zimmerman (who singled up the middle to drive in two more runs). Just like that, the Nats lead 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth. Strasburg's final line: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 93 pitches, 61 strikes.
9:19 p.m. -- Tonight's official paid attendance: 16,245. Far and away the smallest crowd ever to watch Strasburg at Nationals Park.
9:30 p.m. -- Great job by Sean Burnett and Ryan Mattheus to pitch out of a jam in the top of the seventh. Three straight K's from those two relievers with two men on. We've reached the stretch, the Nats still leading 6-2.
9:42 p.m. -- Ryan Mattheus, hitting for himself with two outs and two on in the seventh? Why not? (He struck out, to the surprise of no one, but at least he'll get to pitch the eighth now.)
9:54 p.m. -- Things looked like they might spiral out of control in the top of the eighth, especially when Ankiel totally misplayed a line drive hit straight at him, taking several steps in before realizing his error and watching the ball sail over his head. But Tom Gorzelanny entered and recorded two key outs. It's now 6-3 as we go to the bottom of the eighth.
10:01 p.m. -- Crazy play to end the eighth, with Zimmerman trying to leapfrog catcher Jason Castro and elude the tag. It looked like he had done it, but plate umpire Jeff Nelson called him out, much to Zim's chagrin. On replay, it does appear Castro made the tag. Regardless, we go to the ninth, the Nats up 6-3 and Henry Rodriguez on for the save.
10:11 p.m. -- That's yer ballgame. Nats win 6-3, as H-Rod records his second save. Their record now 8-3, the Nationals remain in sole possession of first place in the NL East.
160 comments:
This series will give us an idea how good we are. We should easily win two of three, possibly even sweep the 'stros.
Lets go Nats!!!!!!!
First?
Interesting stat of the day:
Nats lead the league in throwing strikeouts. And, with Strasburg going tonight . . . .
The worst thing I see in that opposing lineup is "umpires TBA".
It's a four game series, Nats1924. But otherwise I agree with you. Great chance to get a leg up on the division here.
Espi rides pine tonight!
That's why they play the games, I believe, but sure would be nice to take another series. Go, NATS!!
Nats1924 . . . I sure hope so.
We might recall two years ago, when the Nats were one game above .500, went to Houston who, I think had the worst record in all of baseball at the time, and lost 3-of-4. (Capps losing two of them). The Nats never did reach .500 again that year. For whatever reason, rightly or wrongly, I always saw that series as the turning point.
It's payback time.
GYFNG!
DC Wonk -- exactly right re that 2010 Houston series, with the Lance Berkman check swing that wasn't but really was. Classic old Nats meltdown mentality. What Det showed the gumption to fight down -- mostly -- yesterday.
Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well
I like the comment, wind blowing out to left. Could a power surge be in the offing? JTinSC
steady Eddie replied:
DC Wonk -- exactly right re that 2010 Houston series, with the Lance Berkman check swing that wasn't but really was.
Uggh . . . gives me shudders. I remembered the Capps two meltdowns (which is why I was not sad to see him traded later), but had forgotten that Berkman check swing call until you reminded me. Ughhh
Classic old Nats meltdown mentality. What Det showed the gumption to fight down -- mostly -- yesterday.
Good point. These are the new Nats, not the old Nats.
All the more so that they should stamp and stomp out the past with taking at least 3-of-4 from the 'Strohs this series.
As for the Astros visiting...its these games that worry me. Hopefully the Nats won't take the strohs lightly and do what they need to do to take this series, at least 3 wins would be wonderful. JTinSC
I like the comment, wind blowing out to left. Could a power surge be in the offing?
Hmmm . . . and I'd say that would benefit RZim the most. And he sure needs it!
Nice catch.
Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well
Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect. He and LaRoche are the two best hitters right now.
Glad to hear that CSN isn't sending you over to that cold drafty building near Gallery Place, Mark.
I too would like to see Flores start a few more games. Ramos could use a rest after this series. I'd also give Bernadina the start in LF against this RHP, but then again, we haven't heard if he's hurting a bit after that play at the plate yesterday.
Glad to see Lombo get some ABs. If you can't rest folks against the Astros, they'll never get a day off.
See you out there folks. I'll be in Section 314/D.
If Ramos continues to stand so far from the plate that he can't reach the outer half, we'll start seeing more of Flores, who has good hitting mechanics and is at least as good a receiver. Go Nats!
Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect.
Wish this were true, but Ramos started 3 of the 4 games against the Reds and 7 of 10 so far this season. If Davey were going to alternate them, tonight would have been a good time to start after the long game yesterday.
@cheistWTOP #Nat Tyler Clippard says he is fine. Normal stiffness. "I have thrown more innings than anyone the last 3 years. It isn't a surprise.""
Add another pitcher to Riggleman's DL list to go with Storen. Lots of sore arms in Blue Wahoo land I imagine.
Wish this were true, but Ramos started 3 of the 4 games against the Reds and 7 of 10 so far this season.
Pretty close to the same number of PA's and Johnson double switched Ramos out for Flores in one game. So call it 6 to 4. Again, I expect it will remain pretty close to even in order to keep Flores sharp.
Anyone want to offer odds of us being on the wrong side of a reverse lock for the first time tonight?
A DC Wonk said...
Wish we could see a little bit more of Flores. I was thinking that after a long extra-inning game yesterday with Ramos catching, we might see Flores start tonight . . . oh well
April 16, 2012 5:00 PM
__________________________
Just my observation, that first inning with Stras and Flores in NY last week, they weren't on the same page.
Ramos handles the pitchers like an All Star. I remember on MLB Network how Jerry Hairston said he would be the top catcher in the NL. The coaching he got from Pudge last year is why Ramos improved so much.
Mickey Vernon......Wilson has to go to right with that pitch away. He failed miserably moving runners over against the Reds.
Until he proves he can go oppo, he'll struggle and will not see anything in his wheelhouse.
Well, then, Pudge needs to come back as a consultant to teach Flores!
So I'm reading the story on MLB.com about the Bobby Valentine vs. Youk flap, and Bobby says (digging himself even deeper), well, Youk didn't throw his helmet often like I saw on TV so I questioned his emotional investment in the games.
THIS is what he's going by??????????? So RZim spikes his helmet and throws his bat and Bobby V will be impressed? Also, er, Bobby, what you see on TV are called highlights. Those are, er, selective, and selected for their dramatic value. You want drama, go to the opera--or watch a soap opera. I'll go by the baseball results, thank you very much.
What's the over/under on how long he lasts in Boston?
Go NATS!!!
Anyone want to offer odds of us being on the wrong side of a reverse lock for the first time tonight?
Hmmmm. Weiland is 0-4 in 7 starts, including last year. That would be the setup, wouldn't it? Hope you're knocking on wood. But don't knock FeelWood, we like him.
I see the FLagship station is being daralick of its duty again. I can't believe they choose to broadcast a Wizards game that means nothing compared to the first place Nats. I can understand WTOP, at least the Caps are in the playoff, But the Wizards, and the Word Playoffs don't go together.
FWIW, I thought RZim's helmet spike was, in part, a protest against the ump (who had completely missed the prior pitch -- it should have been 1-1 instad of 0-2) -- and that if he had turned around he'd have gotten thrown out. In other words, RZim did the most he could without getting thrown out.
I'm all for Pudge coming back as a catchers coach--if he will. He'd be great, and you want him while his player knowledge is current. I don't think a team will pick him up for a chance at those 3,000 hits unless they are desperate.
DC Wonk ... That's how I saw it too.
I third that about RZim's helmet spike. I also took his swinging at the next pitch as his statement to Diaz that he (Zim) had no capacity to be selective about what he swung at if almost anything could be a strike. (Obviously he wanted to hit it if he could, but it was his way of saying "you've robbed me of this AB just like you robbed Det of two strikeouts."
It was his only way to ventilate without getting fined or ejected.
Headed out to the game now. (I work only about 15-20 blocks away) Looking forward.
GYFNG!
Anon:
"Davey's been giving them pretty close to equal time ... you'll see Flores at about the same frequency I suspect. He and LaRoche are the two best hitters right now."
............................
Don't start with me! What about Desi?! (sheesh...)
And Jayson?!?! BOY!!!
I can sort of understand 106.7 not airing the Nats due to some contractual agreement with the Wizards (not saying its the right decision, but I can see it if it's in the contract).
But why oh why is it also NOT airing on 1500 AM?! I can't pick up 1580 out here in Vienna. What up with that??
erocks, I don't really follow hockey but I believe the radio situation may have something to do with the playoffs.
Can't take the Astros lightly. Schaefer, Martinez and Altuve are all decent hitters and are off to good starts, and Carlos Lee can always be dangerous.
You know, I have no problem with the Nats renting out the stadium to Joel Osteen, but I could have lives without the promotional interview as part of Clint's show. I believe in the Church of Baseball. Let's not mix faiths.
That's, "I could have lived.". "I could have lives" is another faith entirely.
They must have a contract with 106.7 too (talking about the nats). With the Wizards being pathetic as a sponsor I much would rather spend my money on the Nats.
1500 is easy to understand, they are the flagship station of the Caps, and they are in the playoffs, and are playing tonight. That one makes sense.
The Wizards make no sense. They are eliminated from playoff competition.
I'm here at the park. It's empty here!
Tomorrow is $2 Tuesday: 2 tickets for $2 each. The seats are in sections in the $30-$40 range. It's a promotion to fill seats during the week & showcase some of the middle range seats. $1 Monday is similar and includes $1 parking among other features.
2 blown calls on ball 2 and ball 3 to the 2nd batter. Both were strikes on Pitch Track
Wonderful. No radio, and "playback error, on At Bat...
Enjoy the game, peeps.....:(
So Stras has 3 Ks and a pop out in the first inning.
UnkyD, Strasburg throwing 98 with ease. Lots of fastballs in the 1st. Umpiring on batter 2 was typical and on the 3-2 count was actually stuck out as he didn't check his swing on a BALL 4. 2 K's in the 1st.
Lombo with a solid line drive hit through the middle.
For what it's worth, Charlie and Dave are available tonight on the Internet on the MLB Gameday Audio site. For $15 a year for the radio broadcast of every MLB game, it's a good deal.
Zim is still a sucker for the low outside pitch and every pitcher in the NL knows it.
Anybody got the score? And a free radio/video stream link of the game?
Ryan Zimmerman with 2 swing and misses on breaking pitches to strikeout. Ryan seems to have carried yesterday's frustration forward.
No score. Bottom of the second coming up.
Ramos hit a liner to RF, just right at the RF
Thanks, Gonat! Got At Bat on the iPhone, now... Dunno what the prob was...
Did I hear that Blue already had a word for Stras? Are our Zombies getting lippy? Or is there some kind of target on their backs....?
(I hear you, Schaefer..... 78 mph curve. You're right, it's not fair...
Hahaha!
2nd time thru the order, Strasburg introduces his changeup with the fastball and curveball.
Leadoff single, no problem.
Desmond with a ripped single that he challenges with speed out of the box into a double.
You have to love this kids hustle.
Another blow to the Desmond haters.
Lombo!!!'
Lombo with a suprise bunt that is perfect. Turns into a single and an error and the 1st run of the game.
That's what speed does for you. Beautiful!
LaRoche just missed one to right-CF
UnkyD,
I was getting a playback error on AtBat at the beginning of the game too. Glad to know it wasnt just my phone.
Just hit it off the end. Man, that was close.
SFNats said...
Another blow to the Desmond haters.
April 16, 2012 7:50 PM
___________________________
Some of them are still here, their tongues are just tied.
Well, 1-0. That's probably all Stras needs.
Lombardozzi makes the most of his chances. In March it was "the best 25 go north." Maybe we should be to the point of saying "the best 8 (position players) play." The "other Steve" makes things happen.
OPPO for Wilson!
RAMOS!
fpcsteve, nice to see good fundamentals and Lombo has shown that. I don't think Davey will make the change 2 days in a row for Espi. It will be interesting. Maybe LF?
By the way, nice HR by Ramos. Someone was worried about his elevation on balls.
Well, they said Ramos was pretty peeved about the loss yesterday, so there you go.
This will be the break out series for our bats.Can you feel it?
With the Astros pitching, I sure hope so!
Caps up 1-0 after 1.
I'm sorry. Was it NatsJack at the Tune Inn that said Wilson had to go oppo?
Golly gee..it sure was.
Good one, Jack.
Lombardozzi is now 3 for 3. FP says "Lombo making the most of his time in the sun, maybe he plays LF, maybe 3rd base."
Wish you'd called a HR, but Zim, too.
FOR Zim, even.
NatsJack, good call on Wilson Ramos.
Joe Seamhead: Yes, I do feel it. Next: Lombardozzi is the man (tonight anyway). Finally, Gonat, I think DJ may play the hot hand tomorrow. What do you think? BTW, is Lombardozzi a switch-hitter?
So I go to buy a 2 buck tix on line for tomorrow but the processing fee is 200% of the price.
Anyone interested in going and sharing the proc fee.
Otherwise, can you buy at the gate ?
fpcsteve, I made that comment after the bunt hit. I really like the 3rd hit. I stick with what I said before, I don't think he sits Espi 2 days in a row but like I said, maybe LF and it seems FP agrees with me.
Oh no - not the wave! Cost Strasburg a hit!
Boy, I sure hope that's Emancipation Day fireworks I'm hearing...
Ankiel!
Get back on third, punk!
WOW...He Amazin
Best arm ever in th OF
Not gonna test Ankiel's arm. Smart move by the 'Stros.
Ankiel throws a frozen rope from CF to Ramos and the runner doesn't test his arm.
FP says move the mound to short center and Ankiel will throw strikes - great line
Clutch hittin..
I'll still keep my bobblehead
Credit to Johnson on Strasburg. He went down to get that ball. That was a really nice pitch.
Yeah, that was off the top of his shoes. It was a nice hit.
Can someone introduce Strasburg to Stammen's concentration guru?
Somebody offered me two beers for my bobble head at the trash bar on the black top. Another sign that I'm not an Alcoholic,,,just a Nataholic. Need to go NA.
Time for some Nattitude
Yeah...Nat pitchers must have an ERA under 2. to have a winning record..
M&M where are you.
How 'bout a BIG INNING, boys?!?!?! Let's bat around!!!
Natitude...funny that they serve Nati-Bow in Baltimore
Desmond with a nice walk. Impressive.
News flash! Desmond walks!!!
Even after getting "shelled" for 2 runs tonight, I still think Strasburg starts are special.
4 for 4!!!
Lombo saves the curly W for Stras!
LOMBARDOZZI!!!! I change my mind. He starts for sure somewhere tomorrow.
Danny Pipp?
Strasburg goes from K Street to W Street
Wow! Lombo is going to make for a tough decision for Davey pretty soon.
Ryan catches Lombo fever....
No backdrop issue whatsoever for Lombardozzi!
Nope, the "other Steve" starts at 2B tomorrow. Of course, a WaPo article said RZ was due for a day off. Tonight should scare the love of hits into him. But I'm sticking with the "other Steve" at 2B.
Free wings!!!!!!!
Carp quoted Davey saying he'll give Ryan his day off on the road because people in DC come to see Ryan play.
I'll take it!
Wow, the love of hits came to RZ sooner than I imagined. Will they let SS finish?
sm13, I like that.
FPSteve, Shark pinch hit for him already.
fpcsteve, Bernadina pinch hit for him. Stras done at that point
gonat, you owe me a coke!
Are they hitting the gap out there, or is Nady not fast enough?
Really sweet to have a super-utility player who is capable of pushing the regulars.
Ian wouldn't stick one in his pocket with a 4 run lead late for his old buddy, would he? Naaaah.
UnkyD, both.
I think it's a little of both, Unky D
Burnett getting Schaefer to K was a huge point in the game. That was no outs, 3-2 pitch with 2 on.
This bullpen is PFB...
Nats could use more hitters in the lineup.
Lombo in Left following in the footsteps of Soriono from 2b to LF. gotta like the new 1-2 leadoff combo. If you can put Tyler Moore out there, you can put anyone there.
good point about hittin in the cold, FP.
Could be some wet weather coming up. Looking forward to breathing again (pollen's been bad for me)
Interesting idea, Jeffwx. I like the idea of giving Lombo time in left. He's replacing X or deRosa,soit's nott a defensive downgrade. I wouldn't want to sit Danny for an extended time - he needs to break out and he's not going to do that unless he plays regularly.
yeah...good OBP kind of lineup with Lombo and Espi in there.
Wow, Matheus left in to hit. Davey is fully committed to not over working the bullpen.
I told you all that Lombo needed to play every day at Syracuse. Why doesn't anyone listen to me?
I'm pretty sure Lombardozzi is going to get his 300 AB's. Sorry to be slow on the pitching change. I can only follow the game on the computer by MLB Gamecast (from Nebraska).
A good solid outing by Strasburg. I was really hoping for 7 innings, but his pitch count got pretty high in the 6th.
Still though, yet another good outing by the ace of the staff.
He should be 3-0, by the way :-)
I don't believe what I just saw. Ank? Really?
So, tomorrow it's Gio's turn to go deep and save the bullpen. Of course, if he doesn't actually DO that, it might be a problem. But sufficient unto the game is the second-guessing thereof.
Is it me, or does it seem like centerfielders generally, for both teams, have been having trouble here seeing the ball this season?
Thank you X-Man!
Fast enough, that time?
Forget my earlier comment, X is a fine defensive leftfielder.
Was someone questioning Nady's speed? Great catch!
Who is pitching the ninth?
PAY TO PLAY said...
Zim has struggled before with the bat. He once joked that he could be the designated fielder. He was killing the ball in ST and will do so again in a hot streak this week.
Zim will come out of it. A 3 for 4 will bump that BA up quickly from .179 to .233. His OBP is still decent at .313 and he leads the team in runs scored at 9 right now.
That is very good run production for a #3 hitter. Can you imagine what happens when Zim starts knocking in runs?
April 16, 2012 9:58 AM
____________________________
Good call. A 2 for 4 night. Got Zim over .200
The one and only Nasty Boy in baseball. HENRY PFB RODRIGUEZ!!!
Now that is how to umpire. He saw the whole play, got it right, and explained it to Davey and Ryan. Joe West would have tossed them both for daring to ask for an explanation.
I love Bo Porter's aggressive 3rd base coaching.
Just happy Zimmerman didn't end up with a broken wrist...
That was a good play all around, wasn't it?
Pretty Fricken Bueno.
Now go get 'em tomorrow.
Henry!! Well done first place Nats. Hard to believe we needed a win to stay in front of the Mets.
Woot!
We're gonna need to get Kristina a poncho.
Beautiful. Now it's Gio's turn.
sm13 said...
We're gonna need to get Kristina a poncho.
no way, man
Davey has Espi back in at 2nd tomorrow. Doesn't say anything about LF
Phillies all over Lincecum in the 1st. 4 runs in
Scratch that, Davey says Nady, Werth, DeRosa in the OF but maybe he rethinks that overnight.
Nady, Derosa and Werth tomorrow in OF, per Davey
Yay, Nats win again. I could get used to this. :-)
Davey is sly like a fox (silver).
He says one thing, thinks another and will do something else.
Keep the other team guessing.
demote Burriss now. What a foolish hitter!
21-7 start... .500 rest of the way and we are in the playoffs!!! 88-74...and ready to make history!!!
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