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US Presswire photo Gio Gonzalez allowed three runs over six-plus innings. |
Hitting lowlight: You can't realistically expect to hold a thunderous lineup like the Yankees have entirely in check, so the only way the Nationals were going to win this game was with some semblance of a productive lineup. They never got it. The Nats did have a couple of early scoring opportunities. They put two on with one out in the first (and watching as Adam LaRoche and Michael Morse each struck out) and then loaded the bases with one out in the third (getting an RBI single from Morse but then a killer, 6-4-3 double play from Desmond). After that, the Nationals' lineup was completely shut down by the New York pitching staff
Pitching lowlight: Sitting on 107 pitches through six innings, Gio Gonzalez was allowed to start the top of the seventh. But after a leadoff single to Andruw Jones, Davey Johnson came out with the hook. Enter Lidge, who immediately turned a tight ballgame into a mess. It's not that anyone hit the ball hard off Lidge (actually, none of the four batters he faced got the ball out of the infield). But a leadoff walk to Russell Martin set the tone, and after intentionally walking Robinson Cano to load the bases for Jeter, Lidge really found himself in a spot. He got a groundball out of the Yankee captain, but it was perfectly placed and (after Desmond's throwing error) led to a pair of runs scoring for the Yankees. Tough spot for Lidge, but he's got to be able to get out of that situation without so much self-inflicted damage.
Key stat: Entering tonight, the Yankees were 17-0 this season when Alex Rodriguez drove in a run. He recorded an RBI single in the third for New York's first run of the night, and the Yankees went on to win and improve that record to 18-0.
Up next: Game 2 of this series features the emerging Jordan Zimmermann and the ageless Andy Pettitte. First pitch at Nationals Park will be at 1:05 p.m. Saturday.
36 comments:
I can't get over why Davey used our 'b' bullpen in a game like this. he should have gone with Stammen, burnett and Clip. Lidge looks absolutely Cooked. Stick a fork in him. He actually may never retire another major league hitter -- he is that bad, now. Remember Lidge's last outing in his rehab: he got shelled down in single-a potomac.
Because why waste the "A" bullpen on a game you weren't going to win? Nats were not going to win the game scoring only 1 (or 2) runs.
Well, we kept it close. I don't understand why Davey keeps treating Gio as though he came off Tommy John surgery. There was no need to take Gio out. He should have let him finish the 7th. Having said that, it's only 1 game, and we were 8-2 over our last ten. I will be taking my dad to the game tomorrow, sitting in section 202, so I look forward to J-Zim getting us the win tomorrow. Everyone have a good night, and GYFNG!!!
A head scratcher when you are in the game at a 2-1 deficit.
Can't win them all. A few highlights from the Nats and too many lowlights.
NatsLady, in the 6th the Nats were behind 2-1. If you throw the towel in then, the Nats should throw in the towel on the season.
One loss. Let's move on.
Gio had been inefficient the whole game. If he were to finish the 7th he would be at 120+ pitches and he would still be down, at best, 2-1. Once Gio gave up the hit there was no point in him pitching any more. Anyone who says Davey gave up on the game is right. He did. I don't have a problem with that. If Lidge had done his job, Davey would have reconsidered...
Well that was a bummer..
have to disagree about GIO.. He was toast after the 6th. He was nibbling all night and from where I sat, no command with the off speeed/breaking balls. Fastball was all he had.
Lidge give me heartburn. I thought Gorzy should have started the 7th. And Ian should have not thrown that ball to 1st. I was sitting on the 1b side and as soon as I saw it get threw Zim, I prayed he would eat it and keep the bases loaded, sadly he threw it and got the error. And I completely agree with Davey's pre game comments. 3/4/5 simply are not producing. Time to step up boys. At least Morse seems to be coming out of it.
As for the tiff going on during the game tread....
Mick, mick, mick.. you are going to give yourself an ulcer if you complain during a 1 run game. When it's 7-1, go ahead and vent. 1 run games are what this team plays and what they will continue to play. I know it's aggravating, but it's the way this team is.
Lidge has to be able to get a couple of outs.
Mark Z. - what's the Nats' record following the annual ZimMS gala? Team looked flat from the bit I saw.
NatsLady said...
Gio had been inefficient the whole game. If he were to finish the 7th he would be at 120+ pitches and he would still be down, at best, 2-1. Once Gio gave up the hit there was no point in him pitching any more. Anyone who says Davey gave up on the game is right. He did. I don't have a problem with that. If Lidge had done his job, Davey would have reconsidered...
June 15, 2012 10:22 PM
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"Anyone who says Davey gave up on the game is right." NatsLady, is that really you writing this garbage?
Devastating loss. We have to see how they come back tomorrow. It will tell us a lot about the series and the remainder of the year. From what I saw, understanding its just one game, but the Yankees just are a much more complete team. Lack of offense is again the primary issue. Let's just be honest, they schooled us. I was also scratching my head when they brought in Lidge. He's done. Maybe he's resting the A pen for tomorrow. He may be seeing tomorrow as the only realistic opportunity to win in this series.
I was astonished at the choice of Lidge. Felt like we were giving up right there. Hopefully we wipe away those smug Yankee smiles tomorrow.
ehay2K, you really wish these players took their days off and rested, but all teams do these fundraisers and its really no excuse.
Saturday night is the Dream Gala.
Team needs Ryan Zimmerman to start hitting.
On the bright side, cause you know I have to look for one. The Rays CRUSHED the fish, the Mets lost, the phillies lost (couldn't go all the way cause the o's are coughing it up in ATL).
And we are still in FIRST FRICKIN PLACE
rogieshan said...
Team needs Ryan Zimmerman to start hitting.
June 15, 2012 10:29 PM
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Yes, and the hot hand was Tyler Moore. Why wasn't he in left-field and Lombo at 2nd base?
ehay2K, I was thinking the same. Whether it was nerves or they were tired after the gala, the team was flat. No offense, and sloppy, sloppy defense. Davey knows when to fold 'em.
No, not a devastating loss. Not by any means. All other NL East teams lost except Atlanta. Nats have lost on the big stage before, in LA, national TV, etc. Get a good night's sleep, get to the park early, win one for JZ.
I must be the only one who didn't have a problem with Lidge in that situation. He didn't get the job done. Yes, he is the weakest link in this bullpen but you have 7 guys and every one of them has to carry their weight.
Unlike many losses so far this year, this one we were losing all the way, and I can sleep better after those type. I can't after ones we blow a lead. So not devistating.
Since Lidge came back he has pitched since Lidge came back his ERA is over 23.00
Geez, Gonat, I have tix to the Sunday game. I hope they are well-rested. Too many parties too close together in the middle of the season.
Kidge is the weakest link, and when Mattheus is ready to come back (if he is ) or shen Storen ready to come, Lidge needs to DFA.
Sorry hit the wrong key Lidge.....
Gonat.. I was just having flashbacks to earlier this season when Lidge was totally ineffective and I got heartburn. Yes he needs to carry his weight, but He has now taken Henry's spot in the indigestion inducing outings for me.
I didn't have a problem with Lidge in this situation. Like I said, why waste the "A" bullpen in a losing cause? Lidge is in the bullpen, he either does his job or he doesn't. If Lidge does his job and the Nats are down 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th, it's STILL on the offense to come up with a run. Then Davey starts managing for real...
Damn fingers screw up again that is Lodge.....
Also noticed the RISP numbers Yanks 4 for 8. Nats 1 for 8. Come on bouys do the job, it would make us all happier.
ehay2k said...
Geez, Gonat, I have tix to the Sunday game. I hope they are well-rested. Too many parties too close together in the middle of the season.
June 15, 2012 10:39 PM
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Yah, sorry to be the bearer of that news. Last night is no excuse. They got back early on Wednesday and got to sleep in Thursday morning and got to sleep in this morning.
The Gala on the other hand is a long night to turn around and be at the ballpark at 9AM on Sunday. Maybe Davey will allow them to sleep in till 10AM.
MicheleS said...
Gonat.. I was just having flashbacks to earlier this season when Lidge was totally ineffective and I got heartburn. Yes he needs to carry his weight, but He has now taken Henry's spot in the indigestion inducing outings for me.
June 15, 2012 10:43 PM
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Yes, you are spot on. When Mattheus, HenRod, and Storen are healthy, it is decision time for the braintrust.
Tonight was on Lidge for walking Martin. He threw a great pitch to Jeter and bad luck reared its ugly head.
It didn't go the Nats way tonight. The lack of offense and hits with RISP were also huge factors. Its easy to pin it all on Lidge. Gio pitched "nervous" tonight. Didn't look like an Ace and that was the most disappointing part of the game for me.
Also interesting game to watch in that you have two completely different philosophies on how to build a team. On the one side, the Yankees are one of the few, if not the only, team that does not need to develop stellar starting pitching talent. Instead, they buy mid-career hitters that put pressure on opposing pitchers. Starting pitchers are plug and chug. They can then spend money on the bull pen. The Nats spend money on developing young talent. We have little choice, but that means we are more susceptible to deflation during the course of a 162-game season. If you had the money, the Yankee model produces the most reliable product.
The problem with using your "less good" bullpen instead of you good one, is that tomorrow and Sunday, you might not be in position to win the game or even come close.
We could get blown out in both games and never use the good bullpen. You're making too many assumptions by using Lidge tonight.
Natslady: It was a 2-1 game in the 7th at the time -- runner on first. Are you saying that is a game you give up? haha Now that's funny.
Natslady then said: I have to give it to Davey; he knows when to fold them." Are you out of your non-baseball mind? Fold them down 2-1, top seven? You are absolutely absurd -- and know very little about the game. Do you always embarass yourself like you are tonight?
NatsFanSinceStart said...
Natslady then said: I have to give it to Davey; he knows when to fold them." Are you out of your non-baseball mind? Fold them down 2-1, top seven? You are absolutely absurd -- and know very little about the game. Do you always embarass yourself like you are tonight?
June 15, 2012 11:48 PM
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+1 on that. I don't get it. NatsLady is generally a very knowledgeable person. I was hoping this was a case where her account was hijacked.
I'm glad to see that the couple of hours since the game have allowed us all to gain some perspective. That sniping and name-calling was getting tiresome.
Have a great night, y'all!
So easy to manage "after" the game is over.
Everyone is fresh after a day game and the following day off so:
1. Pull Gio after 6
2. If Lidge lets one runner on, pull him immediately.
3. Use your right/left match-ups for the rest of the game. (as long as it is close).
Not the end of the world to lose this one but I am puzzled not to see the A bullpen. Someone else made the comment and its spot on, we might not have a one run game in these last two.
Have to agree with others that Natslady might not have been hitting on all cylinders with that comment. If Davey is folding on any game I have a real problem, but if he is doing so in a one run game in the 7th then it's incompetence. I doubt if Davey or any of the players thought about losing that game (or folding as Natslady put it) in the 7th inning or hopefully even with two outs in the 9th. It's what makes baseball a great game.
I have worn the same hat for over a week now and will have a different one on for tomorrows game. Time for the 1953 solid blue with a small block red W to get us going on another streak.
Go Nats!!
SteveJMm, it's Saturday in Washington and a new day.
NatsLady, I'm not going to pile on. To the others, it ain't over till its over.
DJB - re: devastating loss -- I respectfully disagree. It's a game. One game. They lost a game. And along with Davy and everyone else, come on Zimm -- recall who you are and carry the middle of the lineup a while.
Lidge should join HRod on the I-slammed-the-door-on-my-finger list. Maybe?
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