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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats return home tonight to open a key series against the Mets.
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"Oh, no doubt about it," Davey Johnson said after last night's 5-3 loss. "But I think we're in good shape. The whole lineup's swinging the bat good. Our pitchers are throwing the ball good. Bring 'em on."
The Nationals currently are six games up on the Mets (who have lost four straight) so there's actually an opportunity here to deal New York's surprise playoff hopes a series blow. Ross Detwiler gets the first crack tonight, facing fellow left-hander Jonathon Niese.
After flying home from Miami, I've got the night off. But Chase Hughes will have you covered with game updates and all the evening's other news and notes, so please check back...
NEW YORK METS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Sunny, 96 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to CF
NATIONALS (51-36)
2B Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Tyler Moore
SS Danny Espinosa
C Jesus Flores
LHP Ross Detwiler
METS (46-43)
SS Ruben Tejada
2B Ronny Cedeno
3B David Wright
RF Scott Hairston
LF Jason Bay
1B Ike Davis
CF Andres Torres
C Mike Nickeas
LHP Jonathon Niese
UMPIRES
HP - Angel Hernandez
1B - Mark Carlson
2B - Chris Conroy
3B - Tim Timmons
7:15 p.m. -- It was announced as 99 degrees for the game's first pitch. Rosss Detwiler got out of the first inning on just nine pitches with no men allowed on base.
7:22 p.m. -- Harper got on with a one-out single, but was stranded after consecutive strikeouts by Zimmerman and Morse. Zimm went down swinging on a high fastball and Morse was retired looking on a high pitch he thought was out of the zone. 0-0 as we go to the second.
7:32 p.m. -- Scott Hairston led off the second with a single up the middle. Jason Bay then grounded into a double play to clear the bases. Ike Davis then got on with a single and was moved to third on a hit by Andres Torres, but a Nickeas grounder to Zimmerman ended the frame. Detwiler now up to 28 pitches through two, 22 of those strikes.
7:44 p.m. -- The Nats were retired in order to finish the second inning. Detwiler allowed a single to Ruben Tejada, but got out of the inning on a Cedeno double play. Detwiler is at 38 pitches through thee innings.
7:55 p.m. -- Still scoreless as we head to the bottom of the fourth. The Mets went three-and-out in the top of the inning on a Morse catch in deep right field, a Hairston strikeout, and a groundout by Jason Bay. Morse's catch was a beauty, on a ball hit to the wall by David Wright the Nats' right fielder slammed into the United Airlines sign when he leaped to make the grab.
8:08 p.m. -- Looks like a pitcher's duel here at Nationals Park. No score as we go to the bottom of the fifth inning. The Nats will look to improve on their one-hit performance so far. Detwiler got out of the fifth with another solid inning, now has 56 pitches on the night. Niese takes the mound with 53 through his first four.
8:11 p.m. -- And after I called it a pitchers' duel, Tyler Moore takes the first pitch of his at-bat over the right-center field fence. That is his fifth homer of the year. 1-0 Nationals
8:24 p.m. -- Another great frame by Detwiler in the 6th, he has allowed just four hits and zerio walks on 68 pitches (50 strikes). It could all unravel soon, but so far Detwiler has had little trouble setting down the Mets lineup. Top of the order up next for Washington.
8:41 p.m. -- Detwiler got out of the seventh after allowing a leadoff double to David Wright. Wright hit a ball deep to right-center field and it fell just inches away from Morse's glove as he tried to track it down.
8:51 p.m. -- Sean Burnett comes in to take over for Detwiler in the eighth, the Nats starter leaves with 0 ER, 5 H, 4 SO, 0 BB through 7.0. He threw 86 total pitches with 62 of those strikes. Solid night for Det.
204 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 204 Newer› Newest»Now begins a crucial home stand. Dog fight or cruise?
So nice to see Nats Park picture at the top of the game post! That is all.
Heading to the park. Looking for a win!
"Bring 'em on."
Have I told you lately how much I like Davey Johnson?
Manager of the year, unanimously, and retire the award and name it after Davey. There, I said it.
Like Davey I like the makeup, both athletic and noological, of this year's roster win lose or draw. They've already made so much progress that's great to see!
At least we get Jason Bay in the line-up this evening :)
Pennant race baseball in DC. Wow!
Dog fight: Nobody is out of it.
At least we get Jason Bay in the line-up this evening :)
Dude! Get up, spin around 3 times and spit! There's no need to say stuff like that.
Off topic....
The Potomac Nationals are FINALLY getting a new ballpark ...
It will be right off I-95 in Woodbridge ...
Maybe our prospects will stop skipping the area...
My sister lives in Rome, GA, where the Braves have their Class A affiliate. Their ballpark is a gem! Great place to see a game.
Dude! Get up, spin around 3 times and spit! There's no need to say stuff like that.
Eh, I get your point, but I was meaning more from a distraction standpoint.
Peric,
The Phills are just about cooked. Win 2 of 3 from the Mets and they will join the fish on life support at least as far as the division is concerned.
Nats Park at the top of the game thread. YES!
Davey, don't be a tough guy. It's hot. Take Det out after 5 or 6.
Dan Kolko @masnKolko
Lucas Giolito will report to #Nats minor league complex at Viera tomorrow. Will get on the mound and team will assess where he's at.
I guess Desi's still working with his masseuse.
Matt Joyce came off an oblique. He was out for a month. Hope it doesn't come to that for Desi.
Surprised to see Lombo in the lead off spot, Espi has been on a little bit of a roll.
Uh, wait a minute. I thought when a LHP goes, Espi leads off. Lombo's average is something like .179 from the right side, isn't it?
Exposed -- I owe you a coke ;-)
Count me as one that has seen solid improvement from the left side from Espinosa. Looks like he may be able to lead off when Werth returns.
Diet please.......
Tcostant said...
Sonny made my point, Storen is not "servicable" until he knows (and the Nationals know) that he can go back-to-back games. Once you come up, you expect business as usual.
I don't get that. Why? If he can be lights out every other night, that's a big benefit, no? Further, he's not going to start as a closer anyway. So, let him pitch the 7th every other night for a while if he can get 'em out.
NatsJack in Florida said...
Count me as one that has seen solid improvement from the left side from Espinosa. Looks like he may be able to lead off when Werth returns.
So, why isn't he leading off tonight?
NatsJack,
I don't love Espi at leadoff; too many strike outs. He profiles just like Desi and is much better off batting down in the order.
My candidate for leadoff - Jayson Werth.
Espinosa is still a work in progress ... as Desmond was in his sophomore year. As Lombardozzi, Harper, and Solano are in their rookie years. And this will be (if he makes it) Flores first full year. Given all of that they aren't doing too shabby ... now are they?
My candidate for leadoff - Jayson Werth.
When Riggleman tried that his batting average plummeted to Mendoza levels. If Werth must be in the lineup I would bat him second and Harper first. Harper is the BEST guy on this team when it comes to making something happen ... if he is in that spot you know he will do everything he can to get something started, get on base. Then you can bat Werth albeit I am not expecting much from Jayson.
I like Harper at lead-off, too.
fwiw ;-)
Harper then Werth?
I don't mind that at all.The reason to bat Werth first is that he has a .360 lifetime OBP and .370 this year and even in his poor 2011 he got on base at a reasonable .332 clip.
I know Jayson is no speed demon but having him on base sure opens up a nice hole for Bryce.
I know Jayson is no speed demon but having him on base sure opens up a nice hole for Bryce.
And it made sense last year as well for the same rationale. But, the onus was on Werth to get something going from the top, given his gaudy contract ... the verdict handed down by Davey Johnson was that it became too much for him and he tried to do too much thus the poor season offensively.
Its not any different this year and there will be even more pressure to produce given their position in the standings and the looming Stras shutdown.
Harper, at age 19, is the only guy on that team that I think can handle it. His intangibles are why I picked him as the first half MVP. I am pretty sure his numbers in the second half will support my supposition. Once he adapts and starts figuring it out he is going to go on an unholy tear.
You bat Harper first, Werth the team's aging "sage mentor" second, and their best hitter, the cortisone shot miracle, third. After that it depends on who is producing ... I expect it will end up between Michael Morse and Tyler Moore. With all the rest following.
Easy...Dogfight. It's never easy winning a divison unless your the Big Red Machine of the 70's and even they had to deal with the Dodgers every year.
***METRO IS MESSED UP ALERT***
All lines are having heat-related delays, and the green line is still [backed] up "from an earlier disruption" at Columbia Heights.
From what I hear, not much is moving.
Be forewarned.
Regarding Werth at leadoff, he only lead off for 12 games. And I don't get the argument that there's a different mentality to lead off vs anywhere else. The only AB that could support that argument is the first one to start the game. After that, it's no different from batting 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or so on.
Both Werth and Harper would make good lead off candidates.
Go, Det! Go, NATS!
Regarding Werth at leadoff, he only lead off for 12 games. And I don't get the argument that there's a different mentality to lead off vs anywhere else.
The problem was that Jayson Werth didn't see it that way. He put enormous amounts of pressure on himself when Riggleman moved him up to that slot.
Davey says Desi won't be healed until the season is over. Get ready for a bumpy ride. As if it was smooth before...
WhoooHoooo (TM, MicheleS).
You gotta like the start: Detwiler, going on 11 days rest, starts of by retiring the side on nine strikes (actually, 0-2 to each batter, who then made an out on the third pitch). All three batters swung at the first pitch.
Thanks for the PxP, Wonk!
Isn't Angel Hernandez officially something like the third-worst umpire in the world? I thought I read that somewhere.
Looks like a fairly good crowd, considering the weather.
Mets usually draw well, but there is an awful lot of red in the seats.
Well, if I have the game thread to myself, at least we know who to blame when it sucks.
Wonk, if you're doing the updates I'll happily enjoy them from the comfort of my regular seat.
Det's 2nd inning not as good. Hope he's gotten that out of his system.
Detwiler shoehorns a 6-4-3 double play and a ground ball to Zimm among 3 hits in the top of the second; no runs. Better watch that middle-of-the-plate stuff, though.
So with Morse, Tyler Moore, and LaRoche, the Nats are sending three first basemen out there?
Two of whom started that 1-2-3 bottom of the second, along with Espinosa. Nice play by Rubin Tejada on Moore's grounder in the hole.
0-0 after 2.
The NYTimes has decided to weigh in on Strasburg's shutdown:
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/17/strasburgs-season-to-test-nationals-limits/?ref=sports
Family reunion! Detwiler seems to be featuring his Uncle Charlie tonight. K, a hanging curve for a hard single, and a 4-6-3. Works so far.
IT'S HOT HERE! !! GYFNG!!!
Holy moly!!! This games too fast to keep up with, by checking in!! Niese and Det are gonna get through 9 in less than 100 pitches each, at this rate...
Tyler Moore: make room for me!
Would have been to Det's advantage to make Niese work a little bit.
Hummm Baby! 3-0 Giants
(yeah, yeah, "it's too early to watch the scoreboard." Sue me.)
5-0, Giants. Here comes Fredi. Jurrjens is out in the top of the fourth.
SF now up 4-0, bases loaded in the 4th.
So they're interviewing Giolito on the air. Man, he has a deep voice for an 18-year-old.
Extremely impressed with Detwiler. For how much longer can he keep this up?
Impressed with Giolito, Det is pitching grear... what is with the anemic bats??
8-0, Giants, still only one out in the 4th.
Look, if they can do it, you can do it.
Giolito and his family seem like a class act! Good character kids on this team.
what is with our bats?? Its not like were facing Cy Young
what is with the anemic bats??
If I said they were drinking, would you cut them some slack?
we have to win this tonight
Sec3: awesome!
Morse didn't quite judge the wall, there. Tough play. Man, they really, really, really need to change that thing before somebody gets hurt badly.
Youklis just got a bit of payback; hit a 3-run dinger against the BoSox.
sofa.. if they paid me to drink, yes I would, lol
so I wonder how many of you will blame Detweiler, if we lose??
I think they miss Pudge in ways big and small, on the bench.
when does Dickey pitch?
sofa... the Corona's taste good tonight
so I wonder how many of you will blame Detweiler, if we lose??
That would seem churlish, indeed, but in fact it wouldn't matter much if we all did. It's not as if anybody who matters reads this [stuff].
sofa... I'll drink to that, lol
FP makes a good point, there--on that shallow fly to Harper he didn't try to score; on, say, Bonifacio, he probably goes.
"He" being David Wright, on third with one out.
please no gonzales... what are you thinking davey
a few runs would be nice
I'm sure that Mets fans are wondering what made Detwiler into Cy Young today, too
While folks are still exhaling, could someone please 'splain something to me?
Mets strength is starting pitching, weakness is relievers. So why have the Nats batters been swinging so aggressively as to ensure Niese could pitch a complete game if necessary?
Wonk, I'm looking at 97 reasons, at 8:48 at night.
sit down Adam, please, I'm begging ya.
maybe Werth can replace Morse and Tracy or Moore replace LaRoche, just a thought...
I guess Burnett comes in, I would think?
Do we face Dickey this series, if so, this is why we need to win tonight
So why have the Nats batters been swinging so aggressively as to ensure Niese could pitch a complete game if necessary?
Nattering, I'll take a shot there: That's not why they're doing it.
Not everyone advocates taking a lot of pitches, and hoping you can score off the bullpen, especially teams with some confidence in their hitters. Davey teaches an aggressive style of baseball, and that includes hitting early in the count.
Cookies for Det! His best game this year!
Mick, Young tomorrow, and then Dickey, are probable.
sofa... thanks
Nattering Nat: it's because he was throwing so many strikes. I think in his first 40 pitches he threw 32 strikes.
Wow. He was clearly safe at first. Nats catch a break
Wow, Torres was SO there ahead of the throw from Lombardozzi. And would have tied the game on Daniel Murphy's double to right, very possibly, on Morse's arm, assuming he hadn't stolen second by then.
I'm really starting to notice how often I'm hearing "Nats get a call." Not that I'm complaining.
What Wonk said. That too.
please, on more run boys, or its Fred G. Sanford time in the 9th, hear that Elizabeth, lol
Both pitchers were pounding the zone. No walks by either of them
Is it me, or does the hot weather seem to make this more of a pitcher's park?
Yeah, thanks guys. I figured it was based on the strikes, mainly. I know Davey preaches aggression, but he likes to say "patient" aggression. Desi is someone--so is Morse, sometimes--who with two strikes tends to draw a long at-bat. Harper was doing it, too, earlier in the season, if he didn't hit the first pitch.
So the answer is for them to get HITS when they swing early ;--).
Nattering, I'd go with what Wonk said, really. There's not much point taking a lot of pitches when they're mostly strikes.
Looks like a pretty good crowd. Anybody heard the attendance yet?
Baseball math: Braves sweep Mets. Nats sweep Braves. Giants shutting out Braves. Nats xx Mets....
PLus Nats sweep Giants, sorry/
They got to the relievers! They got to the relievers!
Nattering Nat - +1
Come on, Clip. It's hot. Let's zip this along. Oh, turtles, a single.
lats time Nats lost at home was against Col. Lombo delivered a hit to increase the lead to 2 runs and Clip lost it. I hope this is not deja vu
actually, Brunett gave up tow runs and Clip lost it in extra innings
what the hell....
So how far up the bat is that pine tar on Wright's bat?
OK, Tyler, how's that adrenaline working now?
26,242, I think Bob just said.
Attendance: 26k
Looks like more than that, doesn't it?
Clip plays with fire with one too many batters...
Think I'm gonna be sick. Dude was sitting on the change-up.
Awesome!
So the question is, who's sitting near that guy? He looks pretty skinny, I think most any one of us could take him.
Clip did it once too often. I hope he learned his lesson.
Don't complain Davey... you just got out coached . This guy homered verse Nats last time they played here. Clip is up 1-2 and blows it. Like I said, we will be in 2 place by this time next week.
good call by ump... this is all on Clip, thank you
Cameron.... this is why the Nats are a year away.
Please. He didn't get out coached. Clip blew it
Mets are struggling and to lose a game at HOME up 2 in 9th is not what playoff teams do.
Thanks for jinxing us mick!
A year away from what?
DC... the guy that homered has 2 pinch hit homers, one against us, maybe its not Davey's fault, but at least make your pitcher aware of it.
A shame for Det after probably his best game.
H Le making post season as a serious contender. The team still has some holes, although very few of them
There's no such thing as "a year away." At the end of the season, the team with more wins, wins. That's all.
OK, one to tie, two to win. Let's go get 'em.
I'm glad Davey didn't replace Moore with Ankiel for defense. Hopefully, we can pull this out.
Nattering, if you've saved any bullpen mojo, now's the time to let it rip...
Ian Desmond available to pinch-hit?
Desmond running? Not Jackson?
Rally napkins...
Rally Napkins!!
Is Chase ok? No post for over an hour...
GYFNG!!
WHY is he guessing????
Worst at-bat I've seen from Moore. Let's go Espinossa.
Oof on 3 pitches, Tyler...
"He" being TyMo with one strike, taking a very drive-able curve for strike 2.
YES!!!
Gotta run Bernie for LaRoche here, don't you? Well, last ab, really, but here for sure...
And once again Flores looks like a clown.
Wow! Espinosa really battled there! With Parnell overworking his Curve, its a wonder Danny could catch up to that 99 mph heater! WTG Danny boy!
Oh please mick. Clip knew that. We all knew that. He made a bad pitch.
I'm still here, My Sofa, but was about to say an excruciating, stomp around the room loss. Thank Gd for the Mets relievers! (so far). One strike from excruciating, now, who knows?
But still, the Mets were reeling, then couldn't score in 8 innings. Why, oh why, do these Nats give the Rockies, the Marlins and now the Mets hope? Boswell would say it's the ups and downs of the season, I think it's a team still learning how to put other teams away, still young.
Chase must be out of his mind. He is,well he is typeless...
LOL LaRoche!!!!!
prank
http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120717&content_id=35098672¬ebook_id=35098684&vkey=notebook_mia&c_id=mia&partnerId=aw-6016354863062498979-996
I'll say it while it's tied.....we will not win the east with Flo as our catcher, not a knee jerk reaction just stating the obvious.
I'm still here, My Sofa, but was about to say an excruciating, stomp around the room loss.
Wait a minnit. You guys write up your negative posts in anticipation of a bad things happening??? Criminy.
No, I was waiting, hadn't typed it yet--but I was THINKING it! Still am....
Learning how to put teams away?
Tell me, which team has the most wins in the NL?
Just sayin'
Nats relief pitching has been very shabby lately.
not a knee jerk reaction just stating the obvious.
No, you're stating an opinion, which you are of course entitled to. No one knows who will win.
Pretty sure it won't be Philly, though. Or the Marlins. So there's that. Which is nice.
so, the advantage is suppose to be to us with our bullpen verse a weak hitting Mets team.... why Gonzales in the first place.
I'll take Matthues verse a left handed batter over Gonzales who is a joke against any batter
3 rookies up. Let's go guys.
What is it with you and Gonzales, Mick? Clippard coughed up the dinger.
I love the fight in our club, but this would be a very bad loss. Clip was bailed out, you knew Flores is an automatic out (cant wait for Ramos to be back next year) and Gonzales is as much of a joke as HRod
sofa... the last 2-3 appearances by Gonzales he has given up at least 1 run
Solano bat over Flores any time
I thought Mets bull pen was weak... we will see
Bryce Baaaaaaby!!!!!
Bryce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harper...
Team with most wins in the NL? Still the Nats. But not the same point.
The Nats have been excellent in taking on the Giants, the Braves and some other top teams. They have been usually terrific once they have the lead. But not recently--the Rockies, Marlins and now the Mets games were all eminently winnable. This will happen, once, twice, even a few times in a season. But when it starts happening all at once, it's darn irritating.
I'm not jumping out the window, it's a long season, etc. and they are still a wonderful surprise this year. But NOT at times like these--EXCEPT when Bryce hits a triple!!!! Then they are magnificent! Never say die.
And I'm not bipolar, this game is!
OK just a fly ball, is it much to ask among your 3rd hitter??
just a fly ball.......
Rally Napkins, everybody!
Once again Chase is typeless, get that guy some air! Is he awake?
WTG Harper! C'mon Zimm!
Repeat after me--Mets relievers, we are not worthy! We are not worthy! DO your thing!
Load 'em up. Here we go.
2 IBBs.... To load em with only 1 out? Confused...
woof woof Adam
Pray for a wild pitch.
the last 2-3 appearances by Gonzales he has given up at least 1 run
No, he hasn't.
Unky... smart move by Mets Adam is an automatic out
NO QUIT IN THIS TEAM!
UnkyD, to get the force at home. As happened.
Seriously, is Chase OK?
Every team loses games they shouldn't. Even 100 win teams lose 62. Sheesh
you would think bases loaded, 1 out your 4th hitter would at least hit a fly ball
I guess it doesn't matter...only takes one to win, right? Go TyMo!!!
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, beat you to it Michele
WOOOOO HOOOOOOO
Nattering's prayer was answered...
Nattering===> you got a direct line???
Prayer answered. ANything else you guys want?
Two out of three here could be a dagger. GYFNG.
mick said...
Cameron.... this is why the Nats are a year away.
Let's see . . . they flew back from Miami, landing around 3 or 4 am. Play in 99 degree weather, get a punch in the guy with reliable Clip blowing an easy save, and still win.
You know, that's why they play the whole game.
Yippee!!!!!!
Nattering, that was off their bullpen, to be sure. Take a curtain call.
Nattering Nat said...
Pray for a wild pitch.
Wow! Will you pray for a World Series title while you're at it?
Gotta hand it to the Mets, as well as the Nats. The Mets did everything but win. The Nats put themselves in a position to win (twice), and the Mets obliged!
Now that I think of it... It was sweet of those boys to not make Desi swing the bat, andante pull something...no?
"WOOOO-HOOOO!!!"
(Copyright, MicheleS, 2011).
I love this team!!!
Still in first, great win, just WOW!
I'd been praying for a World Series for more years than you'd like to know. I try to ration my prayers nowadays, a game at a time!
Trademark.
Johnny Holiday just mentioned that of Detwiler's 30 starts, he's allowed three runs or less in 24 of them
So the team won a game he started, and Clippard owes him a dinner! Win-win!
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