Saturday, September 8, 2012

Game 139: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals face the Marlins in a Saturday matinee on South Capitol Street.
OK, so there's a game still to be played, Stephen Strasburg shutdown or not. The Nationals, after losing in dramatic fashion last night, try to bounce back this afternoon against Mark Buehrle and the Marlins.

Ross Detwiler, who now officially becomes the Nats' No. 4 starter, is seeking his 10th win of the season. He'd become the fourth different member of the rotation to reach double-digits in wins, with Edwin Jackson (who starts tomorrow) also one win away.

One lineup change for the Nationals: Kurt Suzuki was initially listed in the starting lineup, but after catching all 10 innings last night, he's been replaced by Jesus Flores. Not an injury situation, just a matter of giving Suzuki a rest.

Updates to come, so please check back. And please check back on the Strasburg story, which I'll be updating with pregame quotes from Mike Rizzo and later postgame quotes from Strasburg and other players...

MIAMI MARLINS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 89
Weather: Scattered storms, 85 degrees, Wind 16 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (85-53)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki Jesus Flores
LHP Ross Detwiler

MARLINS (62-77)
CF Gorkys Hernandez
2B Donovan Solano
SS Jose Reyes
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Carlos Lee
LF Justin Ruggiano
C John Beck
3B Donnie Murphy
LHP Mark Buehrle

UMPIRES
HP Todd Tichenor
1B Tony Randazzo
2B Bob Davidson
3B Brian Gorman (cc)

1:07 p.m. -- And we're underway on an 83 degree September afternoon in the nation's capital. Another good crowd on hand as Ross Detwiler delivers his first pitch to Gorkys Hernandez.

1:16 p.m. -- Well, that didn't quite go as planned. Hernandez took Detwiler deep to open the afternoon. Then two batters later, Giancarlo Stanton did it again. This after Detwiler apparently felt he was squeezed on the previous pitch. That led to some barking from the Nats dugout, especially from Gio Gonzalez, who was then ejected by plate umpire Todd Tichenor. Not that there was any chance of Gio appearing in today's game, but ... So, after quite an eventful top of the first, the Marlins lead 2-0.

1:24 p.m. -- And the questionable strike zone continues in the bottom of the first, with Jayson Werth upset about Tichenor giving Mark Buehrle the same outside corner he wouldn't give Detwiler. Ryan Zimmerman wound up drawing a two-out walk, but that's it for the Nats as the first inning comes to an end with the score still 2-0.

1:42 p.m. -- Make it 3-0 as Detwiler gives up two hits and a walk in the top of the second. He hasn't looked comfortble out there at all today, especially when it comes to Tichenor's strike zone. Buehrle, meanwhile, set down the Nats in order in the bottom of the second, getting three groundball outs.

1:58 p.m. -- Jesus Flores gets the Nats on the board with a solo homer just over the left-field fence, his sixth of the season. Flores certainly seems to be more consistently productive at the plate since his playing time was reduced with the acquisition of Kurt Suzuki. That's what the club hoped all along. 3-1 now after three.

2:17 p.m. -- And the Nats cut the lead to 3-2 thanks to a pair of two-out hits from Desmond and Espinosa, the latter scoring Zimmerman from second base. They had a chance to plate the tying and even go-ahead runs, but the Marlins intentionally walked Flores to load the bases for Detwiler, who tapped a weak grounder to third on the first pitch he saw. So we go to the fifth, the Nats now trailing 3-2.

2:30 p.m. -- And the Nats give the Marlins two runs right back in the top of the fifth thanks to some shaky play in the field. LaRoche committed an incredibly rare fielding error when he let a ball get through his legs, allowing one run to score. Morse then had trouble on a sinking liner to left, letting another run to score, though he did a good job getting the ball back into the infield and ultimately throwing another runner out. But it's now 5-2 Marlins.

2:33 p.m. -- Er, make that 5-3 after Harper demolishes a pitch into the second deck in right-center. It's his 18th homer of the season, matching Mel Ott for the second-most ever by a teenager. Only Tony Conigliaro (24) remains ahead of him on the list.

2:41 p.m. -- Craig Stammen enters in place of Detwiler for the top of the sixth and retires the side, though he got some help from Desmond, who made a great diving stop of Hernandez's frozen rope to short.

2:57 p.m. -- Make it 6-3 as Zimmerman throws the ball away to allow a run to score in the seventh. This has not been a particularly well-played game by the Nationals. Though on the bright side, Stammen and Flores did just combine to throw a basestealer out.

3:15 p.m. -- Good stuff again from Christian Garcia during a dominant top of the eighth. It's only three major-league appearances, but so far the right-hander looks really impressive. Still 6-3 heading to the bottom of the eighth. On the bright side, Buehrle is out of the game, so the Nats get to take their hacks against Miami's suspect bullpen.

3:40 p.m. -- Sure enough, that Miami bullpen made this a game again. A.J. Ramos hit Harper, served up a two-run homer to Zimmerman and gave up a single to Morse. Ozzie countered with lefty Mike Dunn to face LaRoche, who then singled to right to keep the rally going. So in came right-hander Ryan Webb to face Desmond, who grounded into a fielder's choice on the very first pitch he saw. Desmond stole second, giving the Nats the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on second, but when they needed a simple base hit over a drawn-in infield, they instead saw Espinosa strike out and (after Chad Tracy was intentionally walked) Roger Bernadina strike out. So we move to the ninth, with the Nats now trailing 6-5.

3:55 p.m. -- Onto the bottom of the ninth, but the concern now is a MAJOR storm fast approaching from the west. There are reports of a tornado spotted in this system. If this game doesn't end in about three minutes, we may have a major disaster on our hands.

3:57 p.m. -- And it has arrived. Huge winds, monster rain, everyone running for cover. Game in a delay. Be careful, everyone.

4:27 p.m. -- OK, here's the latest: The rain is easing up, but there's standing water everywhere, especially around the warning track. Most fans are now heading for the Metro, though some are staying. MLB executive Kay Feeney happens to be here today, and I just asked her about the possibility of suspending this game and finishing it before tomorrow's finale. She explained that's not an option and only would be if the Marlins had taken the lead in the top of the inning. So basically, they either have to wait this out and finish the game today/tonight, or else it's called an official game after 8 innings, with the Marlins winning 6-5.

5:00 p.m. -- The latest update: It's still raining, though not very hard. The field looks much better than it did 30 minutes ago, but there's still a lot of standing water and work for the grounds crew to do. But it does look like this game will resume at some point. When it does, a question: Do the Marlins leave Heath Bell in for the bottom of the ninth after he did a full warm-up before the delay? And if you're the Nats, do you want Bell to stay in, or would you rather face Steve Cishek or someone else out of the Miami bullpen?

5:27 p.m. -- And now the tarp is back out covering the field as the rain has picked up again. Who knows how long this will take now?

5:55 p.m. -- The latest: There's no update. The tarp is still covering the field. It's still raining, though not all that hard. But apparently they don't want to resume this game if they feel there's a chance of the rain picking up again and forcing another delay.

6:17 p.m. -- It looks like we're going to have baseball here shortly. The tarp is being rolled up. Players are emerging from the dugouts. The game is expected to resume at 6:30.

6:29 p.m. -- And we're back underway. Heath Bell on the mound. Jayson Werth at the plate. Bryce Harper on deck. Ryan Zimmerman in the hole. Maybe 200 people in the stands. Nats trailing 6-5.

6:33 p.m. -- Werth. Home run. Game tied. Harper up.

6:39 p.m. -- And then Bell strikes out Harper, Zimmerman and Tyler Moore (hitting for Eury Perez) in succession. Hey, let's go to extra innings!

6:49 p.m. -- Drew Storen strikes out the side in the top of the 10th. So here comes Chad Gaudin to face LaRoche, Desmond and Espinosa in the bottom of the inning.

6:59 p.m. -- Nats win. Nats win. Nats win. LaRoche led off with a single to right, then chugged his way around to third on Desmond's single to right. After the Marlins loaded the bases and brought in an extra infielder, Corey Brown delivered the game-winning single off Stanton's glove in right field. The Nats win 7-6 in 10 innings. Unreal.

186 comments:

baseballswami said...

Anyone else really tired of the Fish? Can't wait to be done with them for this year. Fish that is getting old really starts to smell...

djinFl. said...

NatsJack are you getting the game? My MLB Extra innings is blacked out since the game is against the Marlins, but the Marlins network is showing Tulane vs Tulsa.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Harp in against Buehrle.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Det doesn't get the 2-2 strikeout call then promptly gives up the HR

Exposremains said...

Like said last night, I don't understand why the Nats can't beat up on the Marlins. Guy with 1hr and .160 average, hits HR. They always let Stanton beat them. I don't get it.

baseballswami said...

Well - if you are watching this game, you will see that centercut fastballs are now apparently balls.

Jim Webster said...

Gio ejected. Don't know why.

Exposremains said...

swami,

I'm blacked out. But still, this is not the 1st time.

baseballswami said...

If you read my above comment then you will know why gio got ejected. Balls and strikes were soooooo very bad. Ross got nothing - should have been out of the inning before Stanton's hr. Let's just say the strike zone was not the same when the fish were pitching. Hope Ross can recover. McCatty has been out already and had some colorful words for the ump. I am sensing an ejection in his future.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Det is getting that fastball up. Also, can't throw all fastballs to a batter like Stanton.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

4 pitch walk to a .179 batter who hit a HR off of him.

Exposremains said...

This time around, on pitch FX against Gorky.It should have been 3 strikes and 1 barely a ball.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Expos, what Pitch F/X.are you looking at?

JaneB said...

Why doesn't someone do something about it when an ump has two strokes zones going? There should be some sort of review possible, even if only after the game (when it's too late, I know), so that these guys are on notice.

Why do we ever pitch to Giancarlo? Other teams pitch around ALR.

Shutting down Stra should help our guys focus on the task at hand. Hopefully sooner tha later.

baseballswami said...

If you are blacked out -- Det is not necessarily serving it up. The strike zone is tight, but the fish are hitting some pitches that most hitters don't get to. Det has thrown some really good pitches in there that they are getting to. Their hitters are looking very hitterish. Won't matter a lick if the nats don't get their own offense cooking against Buerhle.

Exposremains said...

I meant to say Gameday.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

This Solano kid has a nice quick stroke. Hate to walk a .179 guy to have to face the .295 guy.

3-0 deficit which shouldn't be regardless of this POS ump.

Flores looks unprepared. I'm not happy.

baseballswami said...

Our offense looks very weak and impotent. Last night I thought the guys were having bad AB's - more of the same today. They have a big offensive series and then fall in love with the home runs. I am not seeing smart approaches. They have been hitting against young, inexperienced pitchers with the cubs. Not so now.They must adjust. Won't matter what Det does if we don't hit.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Expos, Gameday strikezone is about as accurate as the calorie counter at McDonalds.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

LaRoche saves at lease one Zim error that inning.

MicheleS said...

JINX

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

baseballswami, give it time. Only 2 innings of ABs

Anonymous said...

with a huge amount of emotion floating around this club in the past few days--or more--it's no surprise that they are unfocused. Let's get this fish crap over with and get out of town. Whatever happens from here, let's not forget that we have a great team and it's only going to get better. I look back at the last four teams that have gone to the WS and their collective record is 2-16. Two have come back, two went south. These guys are getting hardened, and the harder the rest of this year is, the stronger they will be next year. I waited 60 years for the Red Sox, whom I followed since the 1940's, to win a WS. I can wait one year more.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

See Swami!

MicheleS said...

I only use my powers for the good of the team.

Swift Eagle said...

BOOM for Jesus...Going to take more than 3 runs to beat us...

Is Stras in the dugout today? Didn't see him during the HR celebration

djinFl. said...

That is fine with me MicheleS,
and thank you very much.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Game of inches. Harp misses the foul pole.

Section 222 said...

Watching today's game in air-conditioned comfort at home after last night's marathon. Painful loss, but a very entertaining game I have to admit. (I have not read the comments, and don't plan to.)

I noticed someone commented on TSA type security at the gate these days. I agree. We arrived at 6:55 and there was a large crowd outside the Centerfield gate. When we finally got through the line for the alleged STH entrance (which was clearly not being enforced in the least), I dutifully opened my 2006 Miller Lite Nats carry bag (best promo swag ever, by the way) to display two bottles of unopened water and a portable iPhone charger. I was then asked to empty my left pocket which displayed a slight bulge. The contents? -- I kid you not -- my keys. Seriously? Needless to say we missed the first pitch.

When the crowd is 42,000 instead of 28,000 this could be a serious problem. Maybe they are practicing for the post season when we can probably expect "tightened" security. Let's hope that "tightened" doesn't include taking your shoes off.

Holden Baroque said...

Swift, I saw Stras on an earlier shot.

Swami should get reverse credit for that tater, unless Michele activated his jinx. Needed just a little more English on the Harper shot--that only missed by about a foot.

NatsLady said...

Good, Det getting into a rhythm.

Holden Baroque said...

BATS! We need more bats!

Same guys can be swinging them, we just need more bats.

baseballswami said...

Ghost and Section 3 -- point taken and would you like me to do it again? I have learned a great deal about negativity this season :) Serioiusy - ball is carrying like crazy. Det has made some adjustments and apparently the hitters are beginning to. I really want RZ to do something special on his bobblehead day. He just extended his hitting streak!

Section 222 said...

Our offense looks very weak and impotent.

Really? Last night they scored 7 with all those bad at bats. And 77 runs in the 10 games since the team meeting. I'll take that kind of impotence any day.

Gonat said...

Give it time for Buehrle to make some mistake pitches.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Harper's hit. How foul.

from our se looked fair

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Manassas, it was almost a grazer as it was that close. It was foul.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

baseballswami, yep, that's what I'm talking about.

mick said...

Ozzie ya SCHUMCK, lol walking Flores

mick said...

going back and firth Nats and Terps, Terps are impressing me

BRAVO to NATS for ending the Strass issue, excellent move!!!!

mick said...

after watching 6 field hockey games, I will relax the rest of day and watch Nats comemback, lol

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Det is an auto out. only starter who is

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Mick, Ozzie isn't always as dumb as he looks.

mick said...

you don't need water boarding, just have the terrorists watch B swim meets and field hockey.

if my daughter sees this post, I'm done, lol

mick said...

Ghost... i would have done the same as Ozzie

baseballswami said...

All right, you guys, I deserve this. The ab's did improve last night during the game and look to be getting better today. I bow to your superior nats knowledge.

mick said...

help me out gang, how did Marlins get their 3 runs... i missed it

mick said...

Natsjack your at the right place, with NI lol

mick said...

HP ump starting to bug me a little

Holden Baroque said...

Mick, FP and Bob are letting Tichenor have it from the booth, too.

djinFl. said...

NJ, at least I have Charley and Dave on the computer. They say Det has to lay it down the middle to get a strike.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

From watching from down the line strike zone deems bigger for fish pitching. on TV is it

mick said...

#4 if your around, as Coach Buddy Burkhead would say.... "Come on Blue"

Gonat said...

Oh no Adam LaRoche leads to 2 unearned. He may have been screened but still have to make that play.

mick said...

I know Adam should have had that, but that AB should never had happen, I hate when an umpire destroys a game... its not about you blue, nobody came to Nats Park to watch you.... and if they did, I hope its the supervisors of umpires and he fines or fires you. man that ticks me off!!

baseballswami said...

mick - it's actually 5. 2 solos in an eventfuly first. Another one on hits in the second. Horrible strike zone. Det settled in. Then LaRoche error scored number 4, Morse is a terrible outfielder and another one scored, but he was saved when the runner tried to go home and was out at the plate for the third out to avoid further damage. Nats were weak at first, but the bats appear to be heating up.

Holden Baroque said...

Bad luck, bad luck ... good luck. Still cost them two unearned runs.

Bad luck getting a strike zone "the size of a tuna can," according to FP; bad luck getting screened on a ground ball to LaRoche for the E-3; and good luck having the Marlins run themselves out of an inning that was totally going their way.

mick said...

dj... Det has to throw it over a match box

mick said...

Sofa.... yup

mick said...

thank you swami

mick said...

see you later BiG Boy does it again

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Bryce didn't miss that one by the foul pole!

Holden Baroque said...

Upper deck! 18!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Both walks score. number 1 pet peeve. WALKS

Holden Baroque said...

You think if he gets to 35 they have to give him ROY?

Unknown said...

Some baseball guru should do an analysis on the reasons why the sad sack Miami Marlins have owned the Nationals for eight seasons. This is getting very old.

Holden Baroque said...

OK, I meant to type 25 there. 35 might lock Player of the Month, though.

mick said...

Harper is now tied with Mel Ott for most homers by a 19 year old.... not bad

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Is the zone normal size for Burlhe

mick said...

Unknown said...
Some baseball guru should do an analysis on the reasons why the sad sack Miami Marlins have owned the Nationals for eight seasons. This is getting very old.


its weird, because every time I watch the Marlins, I doa double take at their record an can't figure out what happen to them.

mick said...

so what do you all think of Garcia and Duke, i think they will definitely helps us

mick said...

I may have complimented the Terps too soon, oh well

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

He brings Stammer 1 inning late.Det was up bases. loaded in 4 th. great tome for Limbo. I told my buddy it was the love except Davey was not ready no One in the bullpen

baseballswami said...

Clevenger (cubs catcher and mma specialist) got a one game suspension for his part in Thursday night's tickle fight. And I also sometimes wonder, Mick, why the Marlins aren't a better team. They have some very good players, especially hitters. What's our season series look like against them? I think it's better than years past.

mick said...

swami... glad to hear that about Clevenger, that seems fair

Secret wasian man said...

Game is tied in my book. Set through 3 strikes and ump walks in on four. Although laroche error was awful. Just another bad game.

peric said...

Strasburg is very, very good and may become the very best ...

But the best thing that happened to this team. The guy who, without any quibbling, set the tone for this season is Bryce Harper. I can see him getting the MVP award before he's 21.

Holden Baroque said...

Swami, just Clevenger, or is Quirk still "under investigation"?

Secret wasian man said...

Marlins own us. It's a shame. If fish sweep the nats Ozzie might keep his job. Ughhhhh

baseballswami said...

That's all I saw on twitter - just clevenger. Still can't believe their pitcher didn't get ejected. Worked out fine, because he was awful and got removed soon after.

Secret wasian man said...

Pitching stinks in this series.

djinFl. said...

A friend in Atlanta says they have been wondering why they have not been able to beat us the last few years. Just one of those quirks of sports.

Section 222 said...

mick, I agree on Garcia and Duke. If Burnett doesn't get healthy, I can definitely see either of them taking his place on the playoff roster. And the other might take the place of our 5th starter. Duke pitched well last night to put us in a position to win.

And speaking of lefties, any word on whether MGonzalez will get any further punishment for being tossed after the "brawl" the other night? Sure hope not. Throwing him out him was kind of ticky tack, almost seemed like the umps were looking for some Nat to toss in order to even the score just a little.

Section 222 said...

Ooops. Guess I owe someone a beer.

Secret wasian man said...

Why is lee swinging ump gonna put him on for free.

peric said...

Throwing him out him was kind of ticky tack, almost seemed like the umps were looking for some Nat to toss in order to even the score just a little.

I believe Davey pretty much said as much in his post-gamer.

Section 222 said...

Zim is in serious need of a sports psychologist.

baseballswami said...

In case some of you are not watching, Detweiler did not pitch badly. The strike zone was a postage stamp for him and there were errors made behind him. The big plus for me was that he never lost his composure at all. He just kept pitching his game. That is progress for him - big time. Please don't throw Det's pitching today in the same category with SS last night. Two totally different things. Also - Donovan Solano, Reyes, Stanton, Lee - not exactly a picnic pitching to them with that strike zone. Stammen has been a bulldog but is struggling to get that third out. Need more offense - 3 won't do it.

peric said...

Zimmerman doing a great job of convincing Rizzo and the FO that he belongs at first base with Anthony Rendon in the offing.

Secret wasian man said...

Wow is this team really in first place? They really have their heads up there you no what's.

Gonat said...

baseballswami, Det allowed himself to get rattled. He pitched good and better than what the scoreboard showed although that HR pitch to Stanton was in his wheelhouse.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Zim giveth and Zim taketh. That's what happens when LaRoche is having an off-day.

happy 2 pylon said...

Wow is this team really in first place? They really have their heads up there you no what's.

wA-hole

baseballswami said...

Werth also having an off day. Can't afford both of them. Morse has been looking very flat to me on offense and defense. Got out of shape during the injury? I always thought he returned too quickly. I still think Det maintained composure much, much more than he did previously when things didn't go well. We have like 5 hits today.

Holden Baroque said...

Wow, this is nice, another power righty with a good changeup.

Secret wasian man said...

Happy to pile love your baseball insight. Did you think of that yourself. Or did you arise from your moms basement and she told you what to say.

Holden Baroque said...

Good talk, Ozzie!

Exposremains said...

They,ve played every team so well, but the way they play the Marlins is embarassing. The poor play, errors, the blowoutsq, the shutout, getting beaten by stanton over and over, gving HR to .160hittets

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Zim giveth. and taketh.

Secret wasian man said...

Yessssssss. Great job, Luv how the boys keep fighting

Exposremains said...

And yes they just hit a HR and they battle yesterday but it shouldn't be necessary against this team.

Holden Baroque said...

And Werth wants a pinch-runner for Morse ...

Section 222 said...

Giveth and taketh and giveth again. So many throwing errors recently though. It's pretty bad when you have to hold your breath every time the ball is hit to him.

Secret wasian man said...

My apologies for wasting a comment attacking a blogger. When I say the team has their heads it means they are not concentrating. To be called an A hole for that is classless. Especially from someone who I've never seen on here before. Go nats.

Holden Baroque said...

I'm not sayin, I'm just sayin:
Listening to Complainers Is Bad for Your Brain

Section 222 said...

Wow. 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. Infield drawn in. Is it too much to ask for Espinosa to get the bat on the ball?

Secret wasian man said...

Gotta swing at that danny

NatsLady said...

Geeeeeez, stop with the stupid FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS. I'm tryin' ta watch a baseball game here!

mick said...

really down on Espi' and Shark, 2 days in a row same situation, all we need is contact. very frustrating

baseballswami said...

I agree - thought I missed it! Well - it was just Danny striking out. Failure to convert - all we needed was a sac fly there. Missed opportunity. Quite disappointing.

Secret wasian man said...

Two games in a row and the shark doesn't deliver.

mick said...

at least least Shark went down swinging, I have no clue what is on Espi's mind taking that last pitch?

Secret wasian man said...

Mick I agree. And it wasn't like the pitch was borderline.

DWS said...

Second game in a row sac bunt, squeeze? Speed at third. What am I missing.

Secret wasian man said...

Heath bell coming in. Keep it close clip. Come on ump. Ridiculous

mick said...

DWS... great point, why not have Espi bunt???????

Section 222 said...

Sorry, FP. Pitch track showed the pitch to Bernadina well inside the box, the pitch just now by Clipp was barely on the edge.

It really seems like Clipp is having trouble finishing batters off these days. Taking lots of pitches per batters and not getting them to bit at the rising fastball.

But then again, he got that K.

Secret wasian man said...

Des. Team seems to have forgotten how to play small ball. Maybe it was al the HRs against the cubs.

mick said...

Davey defeats his whole purpose of having perez pinch run by not having Espi bunt with 1 out out?

Secret wasian man said...

Thanks for the weather carp. It's pouring in Frederick md

Secret wasian man said...

If tue tornado hits do we finish this tomorrow?

mick said...

what is important now is that Clip finishes strong, to get confidence back

Secret wasian man said...

Ok let's get this thing.

Section 222 said...

Quick, text your friends at the park. It's going to rain. Hahaha.

mick said...

its a twister, its twister, DOOOOOROTHY!

baseballswami said...

That eighth inning opportunity that was squandered is looming very large right now. We would be done. Too much long ball mentality. Although, a long ball to the warning track by Danny would have tied the game. No contact. That failure to execute in the eighth with runners on and no outs was not good baseball.

Holden Baroque said...

Wow, really storming in Shaw. Horizontal rain in sheets, massive gusts, gotta be upwards of 60. Expect power outages.

NatsLady said...

Storm in Baileys Crossroads, trees look like a hurricane is hitting.

Holden Baroque said...

Odd, the storm is coming from the west, but the wind here seems to be out of the north. Letting up a bit now, the worst is past but there's plenty of rain, maybe an hour?, behind this. Could take a while.

mick said...

swami... well said, the thing that really puzzles me is that Espi can bunt well.... one out 2nd and 3rd, Perez pinch running at 3rd.... what am I missing here???? Davey has been right in 99% of the time, this is a rare game where he did not coach well

Secret wasian man said...

I flipped away. Did they play the bottom of 9th

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

That 8th inning was like deja vous from last night with Espi and Bernadina striking out.

Espi has to start making contact in those situations.

baseballswami said...

Secret - no -- Clip finished the top and armageddon rolled in just as Bell was getting to the mound.

mick said...

Ghost.... between Desi and Espi, Davey should have bunted with Perez on third.... this was simply a coaching mistake.

Secret wasian man said...

Thank you. Will they call it. Or wait to finish.

mick said...

Clip looked good, so that is a good thing

baseballswami said...

And so I am watching the sports news while I wait and see that a college player collided with a teammate, broke his neck and stopped breathing on the field. Looks like they revived him. Between that and the pitcher fracturing his skull, I need to get a grip. It's just a game, it's just a game, it's just a game. grrrrr. I'm trying really hard. The Nats can thrill me to pieces and frustrate the heck out of me. This storm is no joke.

Secret wasian man said...

A bunt may get you one run. A base hit would have given them the lead. We had two chances at it and no contact. Players have to deliver.

Secret wasian man said...

Nats lady I'm with you. Trying to watch mets braves and they have weather on. Ahhhhhh

baseballswami said...

Why is a sac fly ok but a sac bunt not ok? Danny is a decent bunter and may have even reached safely. Don't remember who was on first, but I think it was the speedy Perez?

Swift Eagle said...

Desmond and Espinosa are actually not good bunters...I think Davey has more confidence in just letting them hit...

Have to say I dislike when posters use words like "stupid" and "embarrassing" when describing the poor ABs and other Nats mistakes....Neither of these words should be used in describing the 2012 Nats...

Bad ABs? Yes. Squandered opportunities? Yes. Effort and intelligence has been great all year

Holden Baroque said...

Avec moi, le deluge!

Secret wasian man said...

Swift. Agree. Two bad ABs. Get a hit we win.

NatsLady said...

Lightening up here, but lost my cell phone service.

Hey, Mets, if you hate Larry so much, how about beating his team!!!!?!!!

baseballswami said...

True - bad ab's , bad approach, over- anxious, but good hitters all the same. I dislike it when those words are used to describe the team or the other posters. Not necessary.

baseballswami said...

Apparently mlb has decreed that if we can't finish today, the game goes back to 8 and a half and the nats lose.

NatsLady said...

Ok, so wait it out until 11:59...

baseballswami said...

Anyone follow Mark on twitter? During the storm he said - here's what it looks like at nats park and showed a wizard of oz tornado pic. Now he is showing a pic of dorothy discovering oz with the color pictures and the sun out. Funny guy, our Mark.

Bigfish said...

Just got home from the game. Christian Garcia is the real deal. The change-up he threw to his final batter (can't remember who) was Clip-caliber. And 96 on the heater. Seems really poised out there.

baseballswami said...

Bigfish - glad you are safe. He is looking stronger and stronger. Just in time with Burnett ailing.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I thought Roger was going to bunt. The first baseman was 30 feet behind first on 2-0 it was an easy hit and run.

baseballswami said...

Anyone read that open letter Jim Kaat wrote to SS? Well - he actually wrote it to get attention for himself. Like we really needed him making SS feel like a victim and stirring the pot even farther. I hope they shut up now. I also hope the team plays a tad better when they next take the field - either today or tomorrow. Those two errors are looming as large as leaving all those runners on base in the eighth. Weather should be gorgeous tomorrow. Need a curly W.

DWS said...

A simple bunt yesterday and today might have made a difference. Today with Eury on third? Can't win the game until you tie it. Hope all you people are safe.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Medlen barely getting to 89 on his fastball. Nats will see him Friday.

peric said...

Moat all of them have to stop behaving like Little League and going for the fences. Perhaps that is fall out from the Cubs series or Harper going on his first true tear. Everyone wants to join or be BamBam? That won't work

Faraz Shaikh said...

glad I left when I did.

FS

Exposremains said...

Sorry Swift but the way they play the Marlins is maybe not embarrassing but close to it. You're right to say that they've had a great year which makes it even more puzzling.
Like DJ said, the game is 99% mental and they have a mental blockage against the Marlins. It would be one team I would be afraid to see them take on a playoff series. Its the good thing they won't be there.

Faraz Shaikh said...

btw that home run by Harper was a blast. Long live Nats and long live Harper!!!

Faraz Shaikh said...

dumb question time, if weather is looking this bad and you know, delay is more than two hours, why not play half inning tomorrow before 3rd game? I understand that this was an afternoon game and lot of time before sun goes down, but what is the point of waiting around for so long.

peric said...

Like DJ said, the game is 99% mental and they have a mental blockage against the Marlins.

Bit of a let down after the Cubs. They seem to have forgotten how certain teams in their division have their number ... like the Fish and the Phillies.

You listen to Jim Kaat and the old codgers talk about the world series. Even with Strasburg does this team look like they will make it that far in their first year in the playoffs? And back in Kaat's day they sent coal miners back to work with black lung. Would you do that now? I don't see any difference between Strasburg and the coal miner. Sure, its his arm and a coal miner could like so that he could continue to work. Is it right?

Swift Eagle said...

BOOM goes Werth, Game Tied...Anyone embarrassed by this team is just...stupid

mick said...

Thank you Jayson! can anyone explain to me the last 3 at bats??

mick said...

I feel like after Werth's HR, we should have won this.

baseballswami said...

Agreed, mick. Can't keep wasting chances. There are fans at the game. Love it.

Swift Eagle said...

Bell was pretty filthy, Mick...a great AB by Werth to get a 3-2 fastball above the belt....Bell made some nasty pitches to the other guys.

Once again, the NL East teams are so much better than the rest of the divisions, no matter what the records say...what other 4th place team has guys like Stanton and Reyes?...Even the last place Mets have D Wright and a Cy Young candidate...

Exposremains said...

Thats my opinion.You have your own, I don't agree with all of them. Insults are not welcome. I dont think they play well against Marlins even if they win today.

baseballswami said...

This is part of the problem I have with the reds. Who do the play? Houston? Look who we play over and over. Our last place team is always dangerous. Be interesting to see what happens next tear when the Astros leave.

Swift Eagle said...

The Reds also didn't have to play the Yankees, Orioles, Rays, and Red Sox.....

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Any One know direct TV channel night for MSN

dabassguy1 said...

Adam bringing the speed. He is our best first to third guy. NOT.

Excellent effort.

Swift Eagle said...

Hopefully they've learned from the poor ABs yesterday...Just need a flyball

Secret wasian man said...

Cmon

Swift Eagle said...

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Corey brown

Secret wasian man said...

Yeeeesssssssss. Just walked in from 5 pm church. Yessssssss. I little prayer never hurts. How did we tie in the 9 th

Swift Eagle said...

Now 9-8 v Miami this year...

baseballswami said...

Peric must be delirious!

Swift Eagle said...

SWM...A monster HR by Werth on a 3-2 fastball in the 9th off Bell

dabassguy1 said...

Werth hit a homer on a 3-2 count in an 8 pitch at bat. Tie game.

MicheleS said...

WOOOOOO HOOOOOO

Secret wasian man said...

To all the fans who hung around, especially since we were behind, YOU GUYS ROCK,

Secret wasian man said...

Thanks dbass guy. I heard a rumor there is football tomorrow. As well as the nats are doing does anybody care. Go nats

waddu eye no said...

heh heh heh

Positively Half St. said...

So sweet. Do what you need to, Atlanta, but you ain't getting any closer.

+1/2St.

SonnyG10 said...

Way to steal a victory, Nats!!!

mick said...

Swift... just read your post about NL East... you are spot on

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