Chase Hughes here for the final game of the Nationals vs. Rockies series and the final game before the All-Star Break. Mark will pick things up tomorrow for what should be an exciting week for Nationals fans.
Jordan Zimmermann will pitch for the Nationals in his 17th start of the season. He has a 2.70 ERA which leads Nationals starting pitchers and ranks 7th in the National League. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a game since May and has allowed two or fewer in four consecutive outings.
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for Colorado, he is 3-8 on the season with a 6.28 ERA. He allowed three runs in four innings to the Nationals back on June 27.
Washington goes for the series win and a chance to hit the 50 mark at the break. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day and feel free to add your comments below.
COLORADO ROCKIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, WDCW 50, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Mostly clear, 97 degrees, Wind 5 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (49-33)
LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jhonatan Solano
RHP Jordan Zimmermann
ROCKIES (32-52)
CF Dexter Fowler
2B Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Tyler Colvin
1B Todd Helton
3B Jordan Pacheco
SS Jonathan Herrera
C Wil Nieves
RHP Jeremy Guthrie
UMPIRES
HP Jim Reynolds
1B James Hoye
2B Jim Joyce
3B Mike DiMuro
1:22 p.m. -- Getting set for the game at Nationals Park, Bryce Harper was given his #34 N.L. All-Star game jersey before the first pitch by general manager Mike Rizzo. Big applause from those who have arrived early.
1:41 p.m. -- One, two, three for Zimmermann in the first inning. Only needed 11 pitches (9 strikes) to set down the order. Maybe he wants to get this break started sooner than later.
1:49 p.m. -- Ryan Zimmerman hit a nice double with two outs in the first inning, but Michael Morse flied out to deep right field in the next at-bat. We're scoreless heading into the second.
2:02 p.m. -- The Rockies loaded the bases with a Colvin single, Helton walk, and Pacheco single in the second inning. Colvin came home on a sacrifice fly by former National Wil Nieves. 1-0 Rockies over Nats as we go to the bottom of the second. 32 pitches for Jordan Zimmermann through two, 22 of those strikes.
2:12 p.m. -- Adam LaRoche led off the bottom of the second with a hard hit single down the first base line, but the Nats couldn't punch him home. Desmond got on base with a fielder's choice and stole his tenth base of the year. He is still playing with the oblique strain and playing well.
2:21 p.m. -- Things got interesting in the third inning for Jordan Zimmermann. He walked Dexter Fowler to lead off and the Rockies' center fielder advanced to second on a fielder's choice. Zimmermann tried to pick him off at second, but threw the ball about five feet over Espinosa's head. Fowler got to third, but was left there as Zimmermann struck out Carlos Gonzalez and got Tyler Colvin to fly out to left to end the inning.
2:32 p.m. -- The Nationals got two men on in the bottom of the third, but couldn't cash in. Harper hit a hard grounder into right field to get on with two outs. He stole second and third for his 9th and 10th of the year and Zimmerman walked, but Morse grounded to short to end the frame. On to the fourth, still 1-0 Rockies.
2:39 p.m. -- Zimmermann sets the Rockies down in order to start the fourth inning with three straight fly balls. Morse almost misplayed the third but recovered and caught the ball over his shoulder. Zimmermann needed 13 pitches to escape and is now at 58 (43 strikes) after four.
2:46 p.m. -- Adam LaRoche led off with a double off the left-center field wall to start the inning. Desmond came up next and took a 3-2 pitch deep over the left field fence for his 17th home run of the year. Desi does it again, 2-1 Nats.
3:08 p.m. -- Three up, three down for Zimmermann in the top of the 6th as he is now cruising. He has allowed three hits, one walk, and one earned run through six. 80 pitches so far with 57 strikes. Nats still up 2-1 with Morse, LaRoche, and Desmond due up.
3:14 p.m. -- Nats left a man on base in the sixth after Morse led off with a single to right field. LaRoche popped out for the first out and then Desmond grounded into a double play. 2-1 Nats as we go to the 7th.
3:50 p.m. -- Steve Lombardozzi got Roger Bernadina home in the bottom of the seventh after Bernadina singled and stole second. Sean Burnett replaced Zimmermann and allowed a home run to Eric Young who pinch-hit for pitcher Eric Belisle. The Rockies scored another run off a wild pitch by Michael Gonzalez to tie the game at 3-3 as we go to the bottom of the eighth.
4:01 p.m. -- After two flyouts to start the bottom of the eighth, Michael Morse reached base on a high bouncing single over the pitcher's head and past a running Pacheco at third. He was stranded, however, after a deep flyout to left field by Adam LaRoche. 3-3 here at Nats Park as Tyler Clippard takes the mound to start the ninth.
4:08 p.m. -- Now 4-3 Rockies as Jordan Pacheco doubles and is then advanced to third on a Herrera bunt. A wild pitch by Clippard brought him home for the go-ahead run.
4:30 p.m. -- The Nationals got two on in the ninth after a Desmond single and Bernadina walk, but win number 50 was not meant to be today. 4-3 Rockies, on to the All-Star break.
159 comments:
I have been noting game thread's HTML links, way different from Mark usually has.
No picture Chase? :(
Chase just tweeted that Davey will likely go with Zimm, Gio, SS, EJax, and Det after ASB. Makes sense I think. Makes sense considering Zimm and Ejax do average more innings than gio and ss, and gio and ss might see asg action.
The last time that I saw some stats, TyMo was hitting righties as well as lefties--sorta like The Beast last year.
Is Davey overlooking the stats, or is TyMo becoming strickly a right-handed bat, best against LHPs??
TyMos hits doubles and HRs; Lombo hits singles, and maybe gets a few walks.
Yay, there is a photo now. Can we please get larger font size? thank you.
Faraz..do what i did and blow up the screen size.. it helps considerably (Chase has young eyes - some of us don't)
I hope JZ gets a win today. End his first 1/2 (and the teams) on a high note!
GYFNG!!!!
Just going through game logs of our starters:
Ejax - Gone 100+ pitches four times, one 8IP, one 7IP, one 6.2IP, and one 6IP game.
Gio - Gone 100+ pitches 9 times, three 7 IP, four 6 IP, and two 5 IP.
SS - Gone 100+ pitches 6 times, three 7 IP, three 6 IP.
JZ -Gone 100+ pitches 7 times, four 7 IP, three 6 IP.
Our number five pitcher has gone 100 pitches exactly once when RD lasted 100 pitches against Atlanta and lost the spot to CMW I believe, not worth talking.
Derive your own conclusions. I had nothing better to do so I pulled out those stats.
Ryan Dempster will be pitching today. Shane Victorino scratched today. Wandy Rodriguez gave up no runs last night vs. Brewers. Greinke tossed out of the game yesterday in the 1st inning after pitching 4 pitches & he took the loss!
Michele, did what you suggested but does not really work with our posts.
if you did not know, JZ and SS have better OPS than DeRosa by .300 points.
Am I the only one surprised (at least somewhat) that Ian Desmond is in the line-up today?
Doesn't 50 wins at the ASB sound delightful?
why wouldn't he play?
On RD not lasting more than 100 pitches. As I recall, at the beginning of the season, Davey had a quick hook on Ross because he had not been fully stretched out in Spring Training as a starter. He had been slated for the bullpen until the very end.
The oblique needs rest and will get it. 4 days. But today's game counts.
Whats gonna happen when werth gets back who do you think at lead off spot?
Kendog said...
Whats gonna happen when werth gets back who do you think at lead off spot?
July 08, 2012 1:07 PM
_______________________________
Davey said he is thinking Espi or maybe even Werth
Eugene,
If the Nats get a big lead (which they should) look for a lot of substitutions early. If the game stays close look for almost anyone to play especially on the Rockies with the next 4 days off.
Faraz, if we are going to use limited stats than DeRosa as a PH has an OPS of 2.167 second highest on the team.
Strasburg said to Ray Knight that when his father first saw Ian Desmond play he said to him that Desi would be an All Star in a few years.
Faraz..do what i did and blow up the screen size.. it helps considerably (Chase has young eyes - some of us don't)
If you have a Mac running Lion two finger double tap on the touch pad or screen. Two finger double tap to return. That easy ...
Chase looks younger than Bryce what do you expect? Of course when Mark first put these pages up he did the same thing and received howwwwls ...
sheesh people!?
We decided at the last minute to watch from home rather than the seats today...too hot. I feel a little guilty, but i wasn't up to another day. Gives me even more respect for these guys. So if you are at the park and want to move down, the seats at 130 M 5&6 are open.
GYFNG!
Word is that Victorian saw his name batting #7 pre-game and didn't like it and was later scratched by Manual.
Victorino
janeB -- You're not the only one to make that decision. The combined first pitch temp for the last three games we've attended has been about 310, so we thought we earned a day off. Watching Jordon from a/c comfort will do for today!
Now you see why I talk about Jordan Zimmermann as being an Ace. Best 1st inning of this series.
Ryan Dempster dealing vs the Mets. 4-0 Cubs in the 3rd.
This is a showcase game for the Cubs to get his trade value going.
Opinion: Value going back up!
Cubs up 4-0 on the Mets.
And Zimmy gets a hit!
Am I the only one surprised (at least somewhat) that Ian Desmond is in the line-up today?
Styles himself as a team leader if not the team leader at shortstop? No.
Gonat.. definitely a showcase.. I wonder if the Nats will be in on him? He wouldn't cost as much. I heard the Dodgers were interested.
Davey said he is thinking Espi or maybe even Werth
Werth definitely NOT a heart of the order hitter .. especially with Desmond's new power surge. #1? He was terrible there last year. And Espinosa projects as one if he can get past his switching hitting struggles.
If you ask me the bench is the right place for Jayson Werth as he really doesn't fit anywhere in the lineup.
I wonder if the Nats will be in on him? He wouldn't cost as much.
With Theo Epstein AND Jed Hoyer probably more ... they'd be the guys asking for Alex Meyer and Purke.
Ump blowing that 2-2
Pretty unlikely that Werth will ride the bench, but not unlikely that he'll get multiple days off over his first few weeks back. Logical move is to move Danny up to lead off and Werth to #7, except when Lombo fills in for Werth. I don't think Davey is going to break up his 2-3-4-5-6 combo.
Need a doubleplay here
All set-up by that blown call by the ump on the 2 strike count to Helton. Should have been 3 outs on Nieves line out to LF.
Gonat, I can see Jayson going #1 if Danny struggles against RP. Otherwise, I can see him in the #6 slot. Desi said he didn't care where he was in the order as long as it wasn't at #8. Don't think he cares to much batting in front of a Pitcher. That might change considering how good our Pitchers hit ;-)
Nicely done by Jordan to get out of that mess with just a run.
FYI.. It looks like the rain/front could be coming through Nats Park around 4 pm.
MicheleS said...
Gonat.. definitely a showcase.. I wonder if the Nats will be in on him? He wouldn't cost as much. I heard the Dodgers were interested.
July 08, 2012 1:48 PM
__________________________
In the 3rd with men on 1st and 2nd he struck out David Wright.
4-0 Cubs in the 4th
Dempsters stats say he is the best pitcher in the NL right now. My brain tells me he is old and having a career year. Approach with caution as he has already had one injury.
If Rizzo could get him for a prospect and a 2nd tier guy then great, it would be worth the gamble as trades are always a gamble.
Wandy is a cash deal and may be the safer guy and he would be a perfect #4 in this rotation once Stras gets to his innings limit.
Gonat.. well, Mr Lerner did say that the $$$ won't impact any decisions at the trade deadline and only consideration is decision has to help team long term. Wandy might fit that
MicheleS said...
Gonat, I can see Jayson going #1 if Danny struggles against RP. Otherwise, I can see him in the #6 slot. Desi said he didn't care where he was in the order as long as it wasn't at #8. Don't think he cares to much batting in front of a Pitcher. That might change considering how good our Pitchers hit ;-)
July 08, 2012 2:01 PM
________________________________
Certainly have to think that Morse moves to LF when Werth comes back.
Without Lombo leading off as much, seems it would be a good time for Werth to try leadoff again given the amount of pitches he sees and his OBP and his speed.
NJ.. it looks like he has them on both arms and the one on the right slipped down. it might be one of those compression sleeves that guys wear (ala the NBA).
BTW.. I hope that cake tasted as good as it looked!
Come on guys, knock around this Guthrie chump!
Jack, happy birthday young man!
Wrong guy to walk. Strike zone definitely squeezed.
MicheleS said...
Gonat.. well, Mr Lerner did say that the $$$ won't impact any decisions at the trade deadline and only consideration is decision has to help team long term. Wandy might fit that
July 08, 2012 2:07 PM
________________________________
Mark Lerner was actually interviewed pre-game yesterday on MASN. Seemed like a good strategy.
How great would it be to add either pitcher?
I like the idea of Dempster given his veteran status. By the way, 5 full innings complete and his ERA is down to 1.99 to lead the Majors!
That was interesting. Fowler had second so stolen that Scutaro's ground ball up the middle got there after he did, and he rounded second a little bit, as if to get Desmond, who fielded the ball a little behind the bag, to hesitate on his throw to first while he thought about trying for a tag. Didn't work, but maybe if he sells it a little harder it might have bought Scutaro half a step or more.
Sofa, well-described.
wassup with strikzone? I am following on gameday and it seems all balls were close strikes.
2 out rally snuffed out. Morse had Guthrie struggling there.
apparently Guthrie has a .398 BAA after 45 pitches. let's hope we raise it some points more in next inning.
Faraz, MLB GameDay's strikezone isn't close. Its a shame they even plot those since its so inaccurate.
Pitch F/X that is posted after the game and the MASN in-game when they show it are the accurate plotting.
Dempster pulled after 5 just due to the Cubs wanting to ease him back. Ends the All Star break with a 1.99 ERA
Brian McTaggart @brianmctaggart
Greinke needs 39 pitches to get out of a first inning that lasted 25 minutes. Astros lead 3-0.
oh ok. thanks gonat because i was about to conclude that this umpire needs to be sent down or something.
Nice quick inning from JZ.. And Guthrie is at 48 pitches. Let's knock him out this inning and get into that bullpen.
So, Dempster. Cubs aren't likely to get top dollar for a three-month rental, with so many other starters still available. I think the Cubs are looking for a catcher, maybe with a A-level pitcher? Too much?
DESI!!!! YES!!!
A titanic DESI BLAST!!!! Where the BIG BOYS go!
WOW! Man, that was crushed. Desmond.
That was fun, watching the replay. He actually came up off the ground with both feet at contact.
Firm Possession, My Gorsehacken Sofa said...
So, Dempster. Cubs aren't likely to get top dollar for a three-month rental, with so many other starters still available. I think the Cubs are looking for a catcher, maybe with a A-level pitcher? Too much?
July 08, 2012 2:39 PM
___________________________
Nats have catchers. Leon? Maybe. Which pitcher would you give them?
NatsJack, that was your birthday present from Desi!
I heard someone yelled that was Jacked so I assume that was for you!
Did someone above suggest we could move Ian down in the order? MVP!
Web Gem follow-up by Ian Desmond. Are you kidding me?
SM.. hmm maybe move him up? ;-)
Where are all the Ian Desmond haters now? The guy was vilified for a couple of years here.
Desmond's HR was to nearly straightaway center; hit in the aisle between the red seats and green grass eye. Not to bust on Chase, just saying.
FP, we love you, man, but that's revisionism. That was *exactly* the kind of error--well, one of two kinds--Desmond has mostly quit making: there's no play, so eat the ball, don't throw it away and give up the extra base.
Sorry, Michelle, didn't realize that was you. I just don't think we should mess with our 2-3-4-5-6 hitters right now. They are producing at a great pace. If it ain't broke....
Going into the All Star break, should Davey give JZim an early shower and get the bullpen going?
4 days off after today for all bullpen guys.
Joe Seamhead said...
Where are all the Ian Desmond haters now? The guy was vilified for a couple of years here.
July 08, 2012 2:56 PM
_____________________________
We know who they are. Most start with "Anon" or the letter "P"
SM.. No worries (and I don't mind be busted on that). just trying to figure out what to do with Werth, since he won't be sitting. Morse seems to have cooled off a smig, Hope he rests over the break and takes care of that hammy.
I'd rather see what a real former all-star, Zach Duke can do before Wandy Rodrgiquez or Dempter ... c'mon! Rather see Maya Yunesky! Why waste the prospects they have just as good in house if you throw in Stammen and Gorzelanny as starters instead of relievers ...
Think people!
If the Nats make a deal IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE FOR THE FUTURE as Rizzo, ownership, and pretty much everyone else keeps reiterating. The can say and do this because they've got the present covered.
The problem is the quality and dominance fall-off that occurs with the loss of Strasburg. If you want any decent pitcher they've already got 'em and to spare.
if you want a potentially dominant top-of-the-rotation ace? This year and in the future? You go for Grienke or someone similar.
Gonat , pin à Scarlet A on them!
by the way, Ian has two more homers than Prince...
Hmm Gonat.. Good question on JZ going longer. Isn't he the one to start on Friday? Might be a good idea to get him out. But he is only at 80 pitches so I can see him at least starting the 7th
let's keep it going at the plate guys, COME ON.
So, do we have a distance on the HR?
A little early for the attendance figure, I guess. Not including dogs--I'm thinking people.
NJ.. sleeves are off Guthrie this inning. (may have been off sooner, but just noticed)
Gonat, pin a Scarlet A on them!
It's true, most of them already had the RA.
I would also put in a pinch-runner (Bernadina) for Morse here.
Sofa.. Carp said 415/420 feet
Really? I'd have guessed closer to 430. It was halfway up the red seats, easy.
Let's go Cubbies.. 7-0 bottom of the 9th!
Braves at Phils tied at 3, bottom of 5
NatsJack in Florida said...
Gonat....I'll sure take it.
________________________________
You deserve it!
25,125 at the game today.. That's pretty good for this heat.
Final, Mets lost. Braves in a tie.
Looks like it might be a good idea to get this one over in the next hour or less. Rain might miss the ballpark, or it might not.
Thunder is starting out here in Loudoun.
Can't say enough about the way Jordan has pitched this first half. His consistancy is incredible and he does it with command in the strike zone. He's only going to get better.
Roger is bringing it!
JaneB said...
Roger is bringing it!
July 08, 2012 3:31 PM
_____________________________
Yah, he was another one the "un-named" wanted to give away for a bag of balls.
Nice hit! Great RBI!
Not such great baserunning, and nearly awful rundown-play defense by the Rox.
Cubs Win! 7-0 over NYM.
Hunter Pence GIDP to end the 6th. Still 3-3.
Marlins @ Cards 1-1, middle 5.
Thank god for that Bernie/Lombo RBI. Good Grief! That went out of there in a hurry!
That last comment by FP saying Bernie is becoming one the best bench guys in the game has got to make JayB's head explode.
That last comment by FP saying Bernie is becoming one the best bench guys in the game has got to make JayB's head explode.
That last comment by FP saying Bernie is becoming one the best bench guys in the game has got to make JayB's head explode.
That last comment by FP saying Bernie is becoming one the best bench guys in the game has got to make JayB's head explode.
NatsJack's phone is killing him right now...
same thought Michele. Thank God JZ almost got another no-decision.
anyways, 1st RBI for Lombo since 3rd June.
Uh oh. Maybe not Burnett's day. Who's up behind him?
Mike Gonzalez.
I fiixd it. Sorry guys.
Nats pitchers can't get Dexter Fowler or Eric Young out!
Jack, looks like the E-Gods are tweaking you back for picking fights...
Braves take a 4-3 lead in Philly in the 7th on a McCann HR, still hitting.
These guys can't let this get away
Kinda confused as to why Jordan zimmermann was pulled with only 95 pitches, when he was absolutely dominating. It has come back to cost the nationals...I hate the stupid hierarchical bullpen
Maybe JZim should have stayed in for the 8th. Just kidding of course. Painful to watch after JZim shut them down.
JZim did a great job. Carp goes "only 2 strikeouts". I guess he hasn't been paying attention to JZim's pitch-to-contact and K 'em when you need it approach.
Sofa.....maybe but JayB knows I gig him in fun.
Cards go up 2-1 vs. Marlins in the 5th.
Ooooof. Makes me even happier Roger created that run. The next guys need to cancel the bottom of the ninth, but first Gonzalez needs to sit the rest of these guys down.
He knows from fun? I did not know that.
A rare bad outing by Sean, The offense needs to pick him up!
Sad for JZ.. I wish he could have gotten the win.
There went my TV. Thunderstorm. Darn it!
And the Nats' best pitcher of 2012 gets screwed again.
Burns, maybe because it's, like, 130 degrees out there. If you don't like Burnett there, what lefty do you bring in for the 8th?
Final ERAs for the starters:
Jordan Zimmermann 2.61
Stephen Strasburg 2.82
Gio Gonzalez 2.92
Ross Detwiler 3.43
Edwin Jackson 3.73
When comparing guys on your own pitching staff, that is a key stat.
Seems like you want to add a pitcher between a 2.92 to a 3.43 ERA so you don't miss much. Dempster's 1.99 ERA could be quite the upgrade.
It's a somewhat morbid kind of dun.
Great. Figures they'd tie it with the rain coming.
Except for the wild pitch, that was pretty impressive by Gonzalez #2.
How many times have we seen a JZim gem wiped out the last 2 seasons?
This was an excellent performance and consider JZim faced the Rockies typical lefty heavy "A" lineup.
Storms approx. over Dulles. I'd say they have 20 minutes.
NatsJack in Florida said...
Except for the wild pitch, that was pretty impressive by Gonzalez #2.
July 08, 2012 3:52 PM
______________________________
That was very impressive even with the WP. Or using some poster's logic, should we blame Ramos for that?
Ghost....how JZimm continually gets hosed is my biggest frustration.
Or using some poster's logic, should we blame Ramos for that?
I think that's a little harsh. They guy's not even in the park, I don't think.
Ghost Of Steve M. said...
How many times have we seen a JZim gem wiped out the last 2 seasons?
This was an excellent performance and consider JZim faced the Rockies typical lefty heavy "A" lineup.
July 08, 2012 3:53 PM
______________________________
Sad but true and goes back to run support. 2 runs when he was pulled for a pinch-hitter.
Could blame it on "iron hands" Solano.
Firm Possession, My Gorsehacken Sofa said...
Or using some poster's logic, should we blame Ramos for that?
I think that's a little harsh. They guy's not even in the park, I don't think.
July 08, 2012 3:58 PM
_______________________________________
Clearly sarcasm. It goes back to this stupid comparison of Ramos not blocking some of Henry's WPs.
NatsJack in Florida said...
Could blame it on "iron hands" Solano.
July 08, 2012 3:59 PM
________________________________
Yep, thanks for getting my sarcasm.
Not clear enough, I guess. Oh well.
NatsJack @ 3:58, it's a head scratcher and that W/L is the only logical reason I could see JZ not being the All Star talk.
2.61 ERA tells me he deserves better.
Oh, wait, you meant your sarcasm.
My bad.
I would walk Giambi here and go for the DP
too late
Unreal. You have to be kidding me.
Do you suppose Harper is standing out there in center thinking "I'd have had both of those..."
I can hear thunder now.
2 runs on 2 wild pitches and neither from Henry...
Gonat....yes, I got the sarcasm but I've got to blame Solano for not blocking the second one.
Ok, a chance to add to the legend, Ian...
NatsJack, me too. Surprising to see he didn't try to shift his body behind it.
Yuck, what a sour taste this will leave for 4 days. Put the best players in. That's how you win. 3-4 against rocks is awful.
ok all you folks who are tyler fans here we go.
UGH.. Come on Bernie!!!
Please tell me Espinosa bunted on his own. Very conservative move by Davey otherwise, especially with Desmond's base-stealing ability and the bottom of the order/pinch hitters to follow.
This so sucks for JZim.
I was wondering how long we could let per---er, SWM--stew, there. That was funny.
Rally napkins fully loaded. Starting to rain here in Shaw.
braves just won. Theres a reason Rookies don't play everyday. THEY CAN"T!!! Salato and More UGHHHHHH
Come On JFLO!!!
blah, well that stunk.
Bummer.
Go get 'em ... Friday.
End of the world!!!
That one hurts. If I were JZimm, there is no way I would stay once I hit free agency. I'd go find the biggest, baddest offense I could.
Two runs off Jeremy Guthrie. That stinks.
Post a Comment