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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Gio Gonzalez tries to pitch the Nats to a sweep of the Mets today. |
So we've got a great pitching matchup for a Thursday matinee on South Capitol Street. The Nats also will have one of their best relievers available for the first time this season, with Drew Storen officially activated off the disabled list this morning, creating an eight-man bullpen for the moment.
On the other hand, they'll be playing with only a four-man bench. And one of those men is Ian Desmond, who remains out of the lineup with an oblique strain.
Plenty of updates to come, so please check back all afternoon...
NEW YORK METS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 12:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 90 degrees, Wind 7 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (53-36)
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Danny Espinosa
CF Roger Bernadina
C Jesus Flores
LHP Gio Gonzalez
METS (46-45)
SS Ruben Tejada
CF Andres Torres
3B David Wright
RF Scott Hairston
LF Jason Bay
1B Ike Davis
2B Justin Turner
C Josh Thole
RHP R.A. Dickey
UMPIRES
HP Chris Conroy
1B Tim Timmons
2B Angel Hernandez
3B Mark Carlson
12:38 p.m. -- We are underway with a ball from Gio Gonzalez to Ruben Tejada. Gonna be a big crowd today, with lots of camp kids decorating the upper deck in various shades of neon T-shirts.
12:44 p.m. -- Well, that didn't go so well. It looked like Gio was going to get two quick outs, but Steve Lombardozzi was slow to field Andres Torres' routine grounder and then had nothing on his throw to first. Torres beat it out, and Lombo threw out his arms in disbelief, but that wasn't the first shaky play he's made since moving back to second base last week. And this one really hurt, because Gio grooved his very next pitch to David Wright and watched the ball soar to left field for a two-run homer. Both runs are officially charged to Gonzalez, but Lombardozzi is responsible for one of them. 2-0 Mets as we go to the bottom of the first.
12:54 p.m. -- Barkeep, another round of cortisone shots for me and all my friends! Especially that guy who just caught Ryan Zimmerman's latest home run on the fly with his bare hand. Another bomb for Zim, who in 20-plus games since his cortisone shot is now hitting .357 with eight homers, 22 RBI and a .750 slugging percentage. The Nats now trail 2-1 after one. Wait, wasn't this supposed to be a pitchers' duel?
1:02 p.m. -- Yeah, so much for that pitchers' duel. Ike Davis led off the top of the second by crushing a 2-2 curveball from Gio to center for another homer. The Mets lead 3-1.
1:25 p.m. -- And it just keeps getting worse for Gio Gonzalez, who can't find the strike zone ... and when he does is getting hammered. He's now given up five runs on six hits and two walks through three innings. That's the most earned runs he's allowed all season, and his ERA has shot up to 3.25, its highest mark since April 12. Craig Stammen was furiously warming in the pen before Gio finally got out of the top of the third. The Nats now trail 5-1.
1:37 p.m. -- And that will be it for Gio Gonzalez, who gets hooked by Davey Johnson with one out in the fourth, his shortest start of the season. Final line: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR. Craig Stammen now in for a long relief appearance.
1:47 p.m. -- Oof. David Wright blasts another homer, this time a three-run shot to center off Stammen. It's 9-1 Mets, and there are still five more innings to be played today.
2:10 p.m. -- Meanwhile, the Nats have done nothing at the plate against Dickey through four innings. Pretty sloppy effort all around so far, they didn't bring a whole lot of energy to the park this afternoon.
2:17 p.m. -- So, Stammen got to hit for himself in the bottom of the fifth, with the Nats trailing 9-1. And now Mark DeRosa is replacing Ryan Zimmerman at third base. We're sitting a long way from the dugout up here in the press box, but I believe that is indeed a white flag in Davey Johnson's hand.
2:28 p.m. -- Hey, the Nats scored a run! DeRosa led off the sixth with a double, took third on LaRoche's groundout and then scored on Morse's sac fly. It's 9-2 as Stammen returns for his fourth inning of work out of the bullpen.
2:45 p.m. -- It's not entirely a lost cause today for the Nats. Sandy Leon records his first big-league hit. Congrats, kid.
2:57 p.m. -- Ian Desmond is pinch-hitting in the eighth, so once again the Nats don't appear to believe he'll need to be placed on the DL.
3:03 p.m. -- And Desmond sends a solid single up the middle, then comes all the way around to score on Morse's double to right-center. Good sign there. So it's now 9-3 as Dickey's afternoon is finally done. And warming in the Nats pen in anticipation of his season debut: Drew Storen.
3:19 p.m. -- They tried to mount a rally and managed to push across a couple runs, but Harper flied out with the bases loaded to end the eighth. So it's 9-4 as we go to the ninth, and here's Storen.
3:26 p.m. -- Nice job by Storen. He retired the side, getting Wright and Nieuwenhuis to ground out and Bay to fly out. Nine total pitches, five strikes. His fastball was 92-93 mph.
3:39 p.m. -- That'll do it. A fairly forgettable day at the ballpark ends with the Nats losing 9-5. And since the Braves beat the Giants today, they'll enter this weekend's big series trailing Washington by 3 1/2 games.
176 comments:
Go Nats! Sweep!
Go GIO! Sweeeeep!
Gonna be a tough one, have figure out Dickey and get him out of the game. Go Nats!
Don't need pinch hitters. All our pitchers can hit!
(sigh) As I said, Lombo is not Espy.
That is the worst play I have ever seen a MLB player make.
So, instead of a solo, we are down 2-0.
Even with the weak arm, stick him back in LF.
What happened (on a bus w/ WiFi)
Where the F is Desmond??? If he can play 2 days ago...why is he not in there???
RZimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! OK, that cuts it in half. Dickey is not infallible.
NJ, or hit it out of the park. That works, too, right?
ZIM!!!!!! Still would like to see Corey play several days in a row.... Sit Drsi for 15 days, and play Morse/Brown/Harp, until Jayson shows up? Could make some trade possibilities for the deadline.....
My guess is that Desmond is heading for the DL. Initially, the FO is always in denial with injuries but the initial "day to day" diagnosis always unravels like a cheap suit.
Serious question NatsJack...do pitch counts even come into play with a knuckleball pitcher? I have the feeling he could go about 150 pitches considering the Mets awful bullpen.
Oh, Michael! Well, he might have been out anyway.
Fear... Pay attention, or we'll have to ignore you... (oh, wait...)
Wendell, Lombo double-stepped, patted his glove and the runner (fast) was safe on a routine groung ball.
NJ -
How does a guy make it to the big leagues without learning how to charge the ball? I didn't see the play (at work and watching on Gameday). Is that what happened with Lombo in the 1st inning?
Strike 3 to Morse was filthy! Yikes.
Hope Dickey throws a few more hangers, and fewer ones like that
Lol F&I - you must not watch much baseball to make that statement. You never saw Willie Harris play second? Dunn in left? LoDuca in left (shudder), Nyjer throwing his glove and giving up an insider?
Too much negativity. Do you people also cry at other people's birthday parties because you don't get a present?
Ball seems to be carrying, today....
#4, good question, especially since 2B is Lombo's "natural" position.
OK, Gio is learning how Clip felt.
Fear; the snark was for the Desi question. Much was made of our luck, that he wasn't required to swing, the other night. You knuckler question is a good one, though, I'll bet they can throw a long time, if needed...
I remember the Red Sox never cared about rest days or pitch counts with Wakefield. But I agree with Jack, Dickey throws at least some fastball. I think he's sort of like Livo, needs some rest, but not as much as most starters...
ehat2k @ 12:57:
Thank you.
Lots of balls up in the zone from Dickey so far...hopefully that's good news
Steady Eddie, I decided to post during the game to add some positivity, and more than a little levity if I can manage it.
Ok - it's not like Lombo made a huge error at 2B folks. The runner was extremely fast and the difference was a millisecond. Lombo is a rookie who has been jerked out of his position and then back again. Please. The worst play you have ever seen? You must not watch much baseball. It wasn't great or even good, but Gio is the one who isn't very sharp today. I thought this was going to be a pitcher's duel, by the way. I hope Zim showed the rest of the guys that they can get to Dickey.
Nice fielding by Dickey. Turtles.
swami, no, it wasn't the worst play I ever saw, but Lombo is just slow at 2B. Maybe that's in comparison to Espy, and we are spoiled, but I saw him do that a couple of times last night, and on TV also.
Lombo is a quick study, but no matter how fast he learns to turn that play, he won't develop a better arm any time soon. Perhaps when he can wear a 2, he have a better arm.
NJ--well, not counting Desi's mental lapses...
Gio is just NOT locating. Here comes the Cat.
nothing bad with 2 or 3, RA was hard to beat even before the HR's
Too early to bring in Mattheus for Wright? Yeah.
Dickey is the only thing keeping the Mets alive
meant winning 2 of 3
if we keep it 3-1 wee have a shot
oh well, 3 1/2 up heading into the Braves series, that is better than I expected
Wait, Mick, did they just call the game?
mick, you don't have to give up in the 3rd inning.
The Giants would appreciate you letting them finish the game, mick.
Oh, Gio, this is not the day we wanted a short outing from you.
So would the Nats.
Mick is a bit extreme with his emotions.
And his coronas, apparently.
NatsJack - seriously, 7 times? You keeping a log or something? Looked to me that he was being very deliberate and too careful - playing afraid to make a mistake. Again, not good - he needs to relax and let his muscle memory take over. Espi is pretty fast and has a gun so it probably looks worse in comparison. Not saying Lombo is ever going to be a Hall of Famer, but he isn't that bad, either. He was taking to left field ok, very tentative back at second. He has been a real sport at doing what the team needs - lead off, ok -- play left, ok -- go back to second, ok. Give the kid a break. He's a kid who would normally still be at AAA who has risen to the Major League occasion more than once for us, including the last couple of games. Gio is pitching beach balls out there. Offense needs to figure it out. Haven't we learned yet not to give up the game this early?
... because the Giants have never come back from a huge deficit like, oh, wait, they're only down 2? Really.
Just because Lombo is not as good as Espi, doesn't mean he's not a good 2d baseman. Let's not forget he won a Gold Glove in the minors for second base. And he's been turning some terrific DP's this series (including last inning)
On the other hand -- maybe we just let Gio stay out there today and eat the innings, hope for late offense - it wouldn't be the first time we came alive late. We are going into a tough weekend and might not want to tax the pen.
DCWonk = the voice of reason. It's been 3 innings. Let's not start looking for bridges to jump off of or young players to make scapegoats out of.
Not trying to be negative about Lombo--he also played 3B for a while. And who just got a hit when hits are hard to come by.
He's done everything he was told to, and mostly succeeded. I just think people had unrealistic expectations when he first came up.
Swami,
We have about 20 relievers though. Henry may be in there shortly.
Swami, it's not unreasonable to believe that Davey will do just that - leave Gio in and save the bullpen. Winning today but putting ourselves in a bad position for the next series is not the Davey way.
Yes, this might be a Henry day. Stammen warming. Davey hasn't given up on this one.
Lets Go Nats ( clap, clap, clap) , Lets Go Nats ( clap, clap, clap) - the role of Clint on this blog is now being played by me. When the going gets tough and all that. It's not over til it's over. It's always darkest before dawn. You know,the tough just need to get going. Go Nats!!! I am determined to enjoy this game, by the way, no matter what!
OTOH, maybe Davey has seen enough, :-)
ehay2k, right, and that's what I would have predicted. Shows ta go ya, Davey not predictable.
ehay2k,
so much for saving the pen.
Ok, then, so go Craig Stammen! Does anyone think maybe Stammen could go back to starting? He just seems stronger and more mature than when he started before. Maybe he could go down to the minors for a bit and stretch out in August and be the fifth starter if Lannan and Wang aren't going to cut it? I've always like that kid - so we get to watch him pitch for a while today. Baseball is unpredictable. So be it.
This is about as depressing as any performance this year.
Worst play ever? Puleeze. How about these gems from _just this week_!
http://www.chadmoriyama.com/2012/07/gifcap-chipper-jones-lance-berkman-provided-the-comedy-relief-yesterday/
My favorite (the Dodgers actually lost because of this play -- the Padres were down by one with two outs in the ninth when this happened):
http://www.chadmoriyama.com/2012/07/gifcap-the-dodgers-lost-because-of-this-which-is-i-dont-even-know-what-this-is/
also at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_14_sdnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=wrap#gid=2012_07_14_sdnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=video
I'm telling you guys -- you have to see that last one to believe it.
Bernadina out to make Rizzo regret Ankiel.
Can't stop the bleeding.
Now Bernie boots one? I hope they get all of their crap out of their systems today. Might we see Drew today?
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
More Crash Davis wisdom, but I'm now hoping for some rain the next few days to help save the bullpen arms...
Wonk.....minor league awards for defense mean nothing.
Mean nothing? Doesn't it mean that he was a better defender than any other second-baseman in the minors that year?
Glad I'm not there today, Mets fans would have been laughing at the broom I brought with me. Hopefeully Sunday I'll been to break out the broom when I go...
On a side note, do they really have to park that ambulance in plain sight in CF like that...kind of an eye sore...
Bernie, you are in your own park. They didn't move the wall.
Think anyone is a little shook up by the Ankiel move? I know they are pros, but they are people, too, and young. Team chemistry is a powerful thing. Ok- so now the game is out of reach. How about getting Drew in the game?
At least they won't be overconfident heading into the Braves series!!!
umm . . . as I wrote last night: that David Wright dude is a helluva player and is on fire now.
Era' s are rising like rockets.
The explanation for DFAing Ankiel, as I understand it, was that none of the pitchers w/ options deserved to be demoted to the minor leagues. They don't have to make another roster decision prior to, at least, Monday, post-DH. However, I don't see how they can go w/ a short bench beyond that, especially if Desmond continues to be unavailable.
If none of the optionable pitchers "deserves" to be optioned, and therefore won't be optioned, the implication must be that one of the non-optionable pitchers is going to be -- must be -- traded. That is the only ray of sunshine coming out of this day. Hope it's Rodriguez.
The ambulance may be necessary the way things are going. More depressing now than when I said it was the most depressing day of the year. Elevil cocktails available at the beer stands, $9.00.
Swami, yes. It's possible they were. Haven't been in a pennant race before, not used to the "collateral damage."
Let's see who is ready to keep playing the game for pride. These guys do have a history of a bad game after losing a player-- all the bad injuries were followed by out of sync games. Let's see some of that famous resilience. Go Nats. Keep you heads up. Rare for this team to be in this lop- sided of a game.
WOW just checked the score after lunch. This is messed up.
Sure am glad I went to the last two games and not this one.
Theo, mood you find this game depressing you shouldn't watch baseball. EVERY team has games like this in a 162-game season, which is why they play 162. These are the easiest games for the players (well, maybe except Gio) to just put behind them because it wasn't close and you don't have to agonize about bad plays like Lombo's or Shsrk's asattering to the outcome. (Of course, this is assuming this doesn't end up like a Rockies' type game, which we've only played this year against the Rockies. But even those games end up being about a whole pile of playson both sides and not one in particular.)
Just have to put this game in the "whatever" category.
Time to tune in to Charlie and Dave...They're awesome when it comes to "blow-out material"...a blast from the past for 1 day
Agreed ank needed to go, Still tough to deal with. Another experience today to help this team be tough for the stretch. This is not something they are used to anymore and won't want to repeat. Use it, learn from it.
And I still want to see Drew today. Maybe he could pitch to David Wright just to get his feet wet? : )
Swami and NL,
Maybe but more likely the culprit today was crappy pitching.
Another option here would be to use Stammen for 5 innings to clean up this mess. He could then be sent down in favor of a position player for a couple of days. He'd be unavailable anyway.
NJ, fans understand the move. Players? They are losing a teammate, a mentor to the young guys and a friend. Listening to the Clip interview, he talked about how close this team is. The downside is the adjustment necessary when one of their own is gone, empty locker, empty seat on the bench (and maybe they also thought it would be DeRosa, if they thought about it at all.)
Plus they are tired and the adrenalin high of the previous two games could be wearing off.
Well, if Stammen is going to have a bad day, it might as well be today.
More likely we are seeing an angry team that is tired of losing. They came out with a head of steam today, detetminef to break their streak. Stammen not pitching badly but getting hit also. Time to rest the regulars for the next four games?
It's also possible the Mets are proud professionals trying to save their season.
Coke -> Swami
#4, was thinking the same. But doesn't he have to stay down for 10 days, minimum?
Swallowing a tough game is not always a bad thing for a young team. Keeps everyone humble and paying attention. Let's see how much they hate this feeling.
Swami, sort of like the Yankees' sweep. That wasn't the end of the world.
NJ--exactly. Better the adjustment happens now, it won't be the last roster move, that's for sure. Keep your eye on the prize and devil take the hindmost...
Starting to get a little concerned about Gio...26 ER in his last 46 IP. He hasn't looked like the same guy he was earlier in the season. Hopefully just a little slump and he can find his groove again. I think the error and the HR got to him today...just changed the whole complexion of the game.
this game isn't over yet. why we talking like this is already lost? we are down by 8 runs against the best pitcher in NL but a comeback is still possible.
Even ten days down would be fine. They have an extra pitcher anyway. Storen would take Stammen's normal role of sixth and seventh inning as they ease him in. After 10 days they can reevaluate.
#4 If Stammen goes 4+ today, he could rest and start in 'Cuse, also. This could actually be stretching him.
It's already a high-character team. Every experience just toughens them more. Lose a popular veteran - ace 1b has a terrible start - nothing seems to be going right for you? Bear down because these things are going to happen again, and later in the season when the pressure just keeps building. I have a feeling the coaches and veterans are going to earn their keep today and this weekend. My bet is on this group to recover, regroup and go forward. Who knows? Maybe the Mets will decide to rest Dickey and we'll go on offensive tear in the late innings? It's baseball - anything can happen.
And I still want to see Drew.
Hope they don't rest RA, it doesn't hurt to watch the k-ball, we will see it again next week.
I am so tired of Romney's out-of-tune singing.
so if they rest starters, who's available to replace.
Tyler Moore and Mark DeRosa are it...maybe some of the bullpen can play 3b and outfield
OK, DeRosa in for Zimm.
Put HROD in for Harper...want to see that arm out there.
As predicted, DeRosa in for RZ. Now TyMoore needs to go in for ALR and Morse and Harper--oh, wait.
Could be, NL. I just don't share the opinion that the Nats see Stammen as a viable starter alternative. I don't think the see any great reason to stretch him out.
Can't play TyMo, may need him in the pen.
What does it say about our season that this is so shocking? Fan amnesia.
Swami. LOL. What does it say about our team that Rizzo can't figure which reliever he wants to send down?
Rally!
Good for Morse on the sacfly, but his power is just not there.
At least we won the series!
9 - 2 and the comeback has begun.
Espinoza first hit ever against Dickey. And he did hit right handed!
OK, now Espy knows what to do next week! RH vs. the knuckler. See how good it was they didn't take RA out???
Braves win 3-2.
Sandy Leon in for Flores. Henry warming.
Kimbrel took care of the Jints.
Laddie Blah Blah said...
DeRosa? Gee whiz, I know Davey loves him. If they want him on the bench make him a coach, and get a RH guy who can both hit off the bench and give the Nats some D, somewhere. Or some speed, at least.
DeRosa, as a pinch hitter, has an OPS of over 1.000 (and that was before today's double)
Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow - it's only a game away. Bring it.
1 inning for Henry and 1 for Drew. What do you think?
Stammen took one for the team today. I guess Gorzo is the long man tomorrow.
NatsLady said...
Sandy Leon in for Flores. Henry warming.
I like both those moves. I'd like to see Drew get an inning, also.
Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew. Don't know if I like the idea of. "one run gorzzy" this weekend.
Henry pitches so much better when we are behind.
DeRosa and Leon come into the game and get hits. Danny gets a backwards hit. Practice for next week?
nothing wrong with a game like this and nothing is extreme about my earlier post..
you coud tell early this was not the Nats day and they still won 2 of 3
so Braves win and we are 3 1/2 up going into tomorrow, we can expand this lead or squander it.
Mick,
effen brilliant. There is a 3rd choice actually; the lead could stay the same.
Should be an interesting weekend. Since the break we are. 500 on the road and 2 of 3 at home. Ok.
Swami,
You giving up?
Look at that, Henry is mowing them down.
Hey, you think Desi will pinch hit for Henry? maybe SS?
Jd- no way! But I do see Droooooooooo!
Rendon is back. This is great news.
Desmond would've done the same thing Tues night, so the Mets were right to walk him then.
*i.e. Hit a single to center
Desi !!!
need him in the lineup. tomorrow??
I am thinking maybe the Mets should have taken Dickey out. Our hitters are getting a very good look at his pitches today. They are getting the bat on it now. Hope this carries over.
I am telling you that Henry is better used when team is losing, not when they are tied or winning by a huge margin, but simply losing.
Rally, rally!
Henry did the same thing in 2011. He was struggling with his command in tight ball games, so the team put him in low pressure situations, even using him in long relief. After builing up his confidence and getting a hold of his command, he finished the season strong.
Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen Mets bullpen -- here we go! Yes, I gave up long ago, but y'know, the Mets bullpen...
With this team? All 27 outs count.
So - did they think the Nats were just going to curl up in a ball and die? Showing me something here. Not surprised at all. Just reinforcing the no-quit policy.
I am sure Met's fans are at least a little uneasy.
Hmmmmmmmm.....
I am sure Met's fans are at least a little uneasy.
How about the Braves' fans?
Collins playing this like a 1 run lead.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
Hairston would not have gotten that.
Pop. That was my bubble bursting.
Drew coming in to get the win.
Drew!!!!!
When Bryce was batting, we had a situation where we had a rookie at bat, and three rookies on base
oh man, tough one to lose.
yeah, Nats Lady. Let's hope you got that one right.
The return of the Druuuuuu !!!
David Wright? No problem.
Mets warming up their closer. Gotta love it.
That just made me smile.
JD--respect?
Surprised this game became as close as it has. All good signs, and what a great inning for Storen!
No, even if IF we lose, a lot of good things.
(1) Drew
(2) Danny from the right side against Dickey
(3) Desi back in the game
Some rest for the veterans on a hot day.
Good inning plus one for Henry. And Davey got Gio out early on what was not his best day.
Desi in the stirrups! Here comes the Beast.
Our whole team is a tough out.
The ump wants to go home. Giving Parnell those inside strikes.
No one can ever say the Nats go down easy.
Big picture:
2 out of 3 from the Mets keeps them 7 games out.
Braves lost 2 out of 3 to the Giants keeps them 3.5 games out.
2 or 3 out of 4 against the Braves would be OK.
I am anxious to see what we can do against Dickey when we don't implode so early; he is not as dominant as he was last month.
I can excuse Gio... Stammen really stunk today... Storen look good as did Leon... The guys did not quit and made the score respectable so this is not the worse loss of the year score wisse... now the biggest series of the season at home!
so, when Werth and Tracy come back... who goes?
How can you excuse Gio? we were out of it in the third. He was terrible. But hopefully he will get em next time. Can't ever excuse bad play. Thats how losers are made.
No quit in this team. This game will pay off. This weekend is gonna be great. Relax.
Folks have been making a big deal about Danny getting a hit from the right side against Dickey, but he's been batting RH against him all along (and it hasn't helped much). I remember hearing last year that he decided to bat RH so that facing Dickey wouldn't mess up his timing as much for the next game when he'll be batting LH. I'm glad he got one hit against him, but this does not mean he's figured it out or that he's going to bat RH against other pitchers.
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