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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Turner Field hosts the Nationals for a big weekend series with the Braves. |
Medlen, you may or may not realize, is 7-0 with an 0.81 ERA since he was moved out of the bullpen and into the rotation. The Braves, meanwhile, have been victorious the last 19 times the right-hander has started a game, dating all the way back to May 29, 2010.
The Nationals won't have one of their big sluggers in the lineup to try to end Medlen's streak, with Michael Morse again sidelined by a bone bruise and torn sheath in his left hand. Morse is scheduled to take batting practice later this afternoon, but you've got to think he's still going to need some more time before returning to play.
Ross Detwiler gets the nod for the Nationals, seeking his 10th win. Updates to come live from Turner Field, so please check back...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 78 degrees, Wind 4 mph in from LF
NATIONALS (89-54)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
LF Roger Bernadina
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Ross Detwiler
BRAVES (81-63)
CF Reed Johnson
LF Martin Prado
RF Jason Heyward
3B Chipper Jones
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C David Ross
SS Andrelton Simmons
RHP Kris Medlen
UMPIRES
HP Fieldin Culbreth (cc)
1B Marvin Hudson
2B Marty Foster
3B Tim Timmons
7:37 p.m. -- We are underway on a beautiful Friday night in Atlanta. 79 degrees as Kris Medlen delivers his first pitch to Jayson Werth.
7:46 p.m. -- Wow, Medlen looked pretty unhittable in the top of the first. Bryce Harper did manage to stay back on a curveball and drive it back up the middle for a base hit, but that was the only ball the Nationals put into play. Werth struck out on a sinker, Ryan Zimmerman struck out on a curveball and Adam LaRoche struck out on a changeup. Nasty stuff from Medlen there.
7:55 p.m. -- Ross Detwiler got himself in a bit of trouble in the bottom of the first, allowing back-to-back, one-out singles (though neither was hit particularly hard). The lefty came through with some big pitches to get out of the jam. He induced a grounder to second out of Chipper Jones -- the Nats nearly turned a 4-6-3 double play, but Desmond couldn't get a lot of the throw with Jason Heyward barreling down on him -- and then got Freddie Freeman to fly out to left. So it's scoreless after one.
8:09 p.m. -- Good stuff from both pitchers so far. Medlen already has five strikeouts through two innings and is doing his best Greg Maddux impersonation, catching guys looking at 90 mph sinkers on the inside corner. Detwiler, meanwhile, is pounding the strike zone, having thrown 20 of 29 pitches for strikes so far. Still scoreless through two.
8:28 p.m. -- Wow, a bang-bang play at first base, with Desmond firing a throw to just barely get Heyward (though honestly, it was tough to tell even on replay whether it was the right call). Heyward certainly disagreed and slammed his helmet to the ground (a la Bryce Harper). Except ump Marty Foster didn't eject him. Can you say double-standard? Still scoreless through three.
8:51 p.m. -- And the Braves strike first in this one. Freeman leads off the bottom of the fourth with a double into the left-field corner, then takes third on a 3-6 fielder's choice (though Desmond nearly pulled off a spectacular play to throw behind Freeman and catch him off third base). Andrelton Simmons' sac fly to right was deep enough to bring him home, so Atlanta takes a 1-0 lead as we move to the fifth.
8:56 p.m. -- Medlen, meanwhile, continues to cruise. He's got 10 strikeouts through five innings, and he's thrown a manageable 72 pitches.
9:10 p.m. -- Bernadina with another spectacular catch to rob Heyward of extra bases, slamming into the left field fence and somehow holding onto the ball. Roger did, however, come down clutching hit right shoulder/collarbone and appeared to be in serious pain. Davey Johnson and a trainer hustled out to check on him, but Bernadina stayed in. Detwiler then got out of another jam. He's had to pitch his way out of some stuff tonight, but he's through five innings having allowed only one run.
9:16 p.m. -- Bryce Harper certainly doesn't appear to be fazed by Medlen tonight. He's reached all three times he's stepped to the plate and just hammered the first pitch he saw in the top of the sixth deep to left field for a game-tying homer. That's Harper's 19th of the season (second most ever by a teenager) and it extends his recent hot streak. Over his last 20 games, he's now hitting .360 with seven homers, raising his season average to .266 and perhaps making a late push for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
9:32 p.m. -- Corey Brown pinch-hits for Detwiler in the top of the seventh, ending a strong night for the left-hander: 6 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 94 pitches. And then Brown promptly becomes Medlen's 13th strikeout victim of the night. Medlen gets a standing ovation from the Turner Field crowd as he departs the field at the end of his spectacular night. It's up to the bullpens now, with Ryan Mattheus in for the Nats in a 1-1 game.
9:46 p.m. -- Mattheus and Michael Gonzalez get the job done in the bottom of the seventh, with Suzuki also doing his part to nail Jose Constanza trying to steal second base. Gonzalez then got Heyward to swing so hard through a 93 mph fastball, Heyward lost control of the bat altogether. Still 1-1 as we go to the eighth.
10:05 p.m. -- I'll tell you what: Michael Gonzalez has done a fine job for the Nationals since he arrived earlier this summer. He's played a key role in this whole thing, and I think it's safe to say nobody could have seen that coming. Tonight, the lefty retired all three batters he faced, striking out two. That set the stage for Drew Storen to enter and retire Uggla to end the eighth inning. We're still tied, and here's Craig Kimbrel in for Atlanta to face LaRoche, Desmond and Espinosa in the top of the ninth.
10:10 p.m. -- Sweet Fancy Moses, Kimbrel is good. Struck out the side in the top of the ninth, giving him an astounding 101 of them in only 54 1/3 innings this year. Bottom of the ninth upcoming, Storen still in to face the bottom of the Braves lineup in a 1-1 game.
10:20 p.m. -- And the Braves win. Sean Burnett gave up a couple of one-out singles to Simmons and Bourn, putting the winning run on third. He got Tyler Pastornicky to hit a sharp grounder to short, and Desmond had a play at the plate. But his throw sailed way wide, and Simmons scored the winning run. Nats lose 2-1 and their lead is down to 7 1/2 games.
GYFNG! Beat the Braves!
ReplyDeleteWell, Medlen is due for a big loss then!
ReplyDeleteGYFNG!!!
Best defensive lineup.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great evening for Adam to have a multi-hit game. Feels like he's due.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, Johnson said he would not use Strasburg as a pinch-hitter, even if Strasburg’s ability – his slash line currently sits at .277/.333/.426 in 53 plate appearances – made it tempting. But Johnson insisted he was not joking about the possibility of Strasburg batting.
ReplyDeleteAs I thought would happen loooonnnng many moons ago. Even though Davey said naaah at the time.
The Nats will have a 24 man playoff roster because one slot will be reserved for Stras. As they should if they truly ARE not just interested in this year but in the long-term fortune of this franchise. Stras must be on that playoff roster ready to pinch hit if need be. .277 for a pinch hitter ain't bad at all.
So - is this a game where we need the reverse lock in our favor? If Detwiler is on, he is brutal. I hope that's the case and nothing happens early in the game to rattle him. Medlen is mortal, just like Dickey was mortal.Our line- up can hit anyone, anywhere - it might take them a while into the game. They might have to knock someone out that they can't solve, but everyone of OUR players is a tough out at this point. I have wanted that to be the case for a very long time. I hope they make they Barves pitchers work and work and work and wear them down.
ReplyDeleteFirst time Medlin goes to a 3-2 count, let's all shout at our TV's and see if it really does work. If he throws ball 4 or gives up a hit, we'll know it does. You could blow your vuvusula instead of shouting.
ReplyDeleteSo - is this a game where we need the reverse lock in our favor? If Detwiler is on, he is brutal.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best defensive lineup you could have. That should lean things decidedly in Detwiler's favor.
Harper's on a tear, let's see if they can ride him the rest of the way ... meanwhile Ziim keeps putting up numbers to prove he's their best hitter. Its a nice #1, #2, #3 ... maybe the best they've ever had in the history of this franchise. And it shows with the recent winning tear.
ReplyDeleteOn second thought, no vuvuzulas. That would introduce a second variable and screw up the test.
ReplyDeleteI would never use my vuvusula to an unfair advantage.
ReplyDeleteDitto NatsJack from an earlier thread-for me, every game now is a like a Super Bowl. I'm thinking of taking time off next week so I can get to those weeknight games. I lived and breathed Redskins and Bullets (remember their championship?) and this excitement is far more palpable.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are cracking me up!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNatsJack wrote: "I hate the Braves stupid 7:35 start."
ReplyDelete-------------------------------
I'm more concerned about tomorrow's start time. I don't get Fox and I'm going to have a pretty hard time convincing my local bar to switch the TV from the Ducks' football game to the Nats (assuming it's even an option). But you gotta take the games one at a time, so I'll address that tomorrow.
Det likes facing the Bravos, right? Go, Det! Go, NATS BATS!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I LOL'd, NatsJack. Wasn't that Jerry's girlfriend in the Junior Mint episode? :-)
peric, you're joking about Stras taking up a roster spot for the playoffs right? No way, no how, never going to happen in a million years. And if they did it, it would just start up the rumor mill that they intend to use him as a closer, or in Game 5/7, or something. So that's another reason it's never going to happen. No way.
ReplyDeleteperic, you're joking about Stras taking up a roster spot for the playoffs right? No way, no how, never going to happen in a million years.
ReplyDeleteWatch and see. The talking heads will continue to say whatever they want ... I mean I couldn't believe Jimmy "Kitty" Kaat! What a jerk he owes some folks an apology in my opinion. Medical science has advanced light years since he was pitching ... early onset of Alzheimer's if you ask me.
They have to put Stras on the playoff roster. He is a big reason they are in the playoffs. His shutdown (albeit consistently done with all young pitchers they have since Rizzo took over) is unprecedented. And he is hitting .277 in 53 at bats. That's better than Matt "Stares" Stairs.
Its all about wanting to ensure Stras feels like he is a part of the team effort and contributing ... very, very wise move to put him on the playoff roster if they want to keep the guy long-term and not lose him.
ReplyDeleteIMHO these professionals work in an environment similar to the one we all work in. If the boss can make you feel good and it doesn't cost him anything, he might do it if he thinks it's in his best interest. If it costs him anything - like a roster spot - there's no way. This can't be a serious notion, can it.
ReplyDeleteI can see it now. Davey puts Strasburg on the NLDS roster and he pinch hits for Burnett in the bottom of the 10th in Game Five. He hits a game-and-series winning home run, whereupon the national media demand he be turned into an outfielder. The Yankees offer Lerner a billion dollars for his contract so they can build a new shoppping center to be called Nannette
ReplyDeleteMall. Stras, now nicknamed The Strasbino, goes on to rewrite the home run record books, while the Nats, as if cursed, fail to reach the world series again for decades. NO, NO, DAVEY! DON'T DO IT!
Interesting that Bernie isn't manning CF when he's in the lineup. Seems like a prime opportunity to slide Harper to LF without risking any defensive range in center while also having Harper get a bit of a rest in LF.
ReplyDeleteStras over an extra bullpen arm or Corey Brown who can PH, run, and play defense.
ReplyDeleteSorry Peric, not happening. He will get to travel with the team.
Glad Morse is sitting and should until his wrist is 100%
ReplyDeleteJD at 4:23 on the previous thread. Nice summation.
ReplyDeleteAdd Bryce, Detwiler and Mike MGonzo to positives and add Wang and HenRod to negatives.
CN - the regular centerfielder is in the lineup. That's why Bernie isn't there.
ReplyDeleteI am curious to how others feel about Medlen pitching in the bullpen for 4 months and then going into the rotation. He had TJ surgery within a few weeks of Strasburg. The Braves method may be the blueprint moving forward.
ReplyDeleteCN -- Harper has a much better arm than the Shark, and at this point has just as good range, and reads liners as well as the Shark. That's why he's in CF -- he's got a rep for outfield assists that's not that far from Ankiel territory.
ReplyDeletejesse -- would you want to be in the Braves position and not have had Stras as a starter for the first 2/3 of the season? Not have had the NL pitcher of the month in April? Like people say, a win in April counts as much as a win in September.
ReplyDeleteYou hold out Stras like that and the Nats don't have first place in the NL East for the past 3 1/2 months.
Isn't it likely that Harper staying in CF in a game like this simply means that they now see that as his permanent position (and thus won't be looking for a CF in the offseason)?
ReplyDeleteNCNatsie -- I hope so. He's grown into the position faster and better than could have been expected. I guess Davey has pounded "hit the cutoff man!" into him long enough so that he doesn't seem as inclined to airmail throws to the backstop any more.
ReplyDeleteCN and Eddie -- You don't get it; Harper is a better CF than Bernadina. (A) Harper's arm is better; (B) Bernadina is fine on stuff hit at angles that he can outrun, not so good on stuff hit right at him. The next two nights after he made the catch in the corner of the CF wall against the Astros, he screwed up two flyballs to left, starting back on one where he should have come in, then reversing the mistake and starting in when he should have gone back. Harper stays in CF until (1) he outgrows it or (2) the day-to-day wear and tear of covering Morse's half of left-center field wears him out.
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ReplyDeletei aint afraid of no medlen
ReplyDeletegyfng
jesse campion said...
ReplyDeleteI am curious to how others feel about Medlen pitching in the bullpen for 4 months and then going into the rotation. He had TJ surgery within a few weeks of Strasburg. The Braves method may be the blueprint moving forward.
September 14, 2012 5:41 PM
I don't think the Braves knew Medlen was going to be this dominant, and Rizzo needed Stras to help the Nats get off to a good start.
End result should be Nats as Division winner and Braves loss in the Wild Card playoff so you tell me who is better off.
jesse campion @ 5:41: One thing that was rarely (if ever) noted about the way the Braves handled Kris Medlen was that Mr. Medlen started out as a reliever (at least as a professional; I don't know his high school/college history). If I'm reading his pro stats correctly, he was only converted to a starter a couple of years ago, not long before the TJ surgery. Thus, to have him return to the bullpen upon his return made a lot of sense. Presumably he was comfortable with the relievers role, but also understood the process of stretching himself out to move into the starting rotation.
ReplyDeleteIn Stephen Strasburg's case, my understanding -- backed up by his pro record; again, I'm not sure about high school and college -- is that he was never a reliever. To have started him in the bullpen would have been asking him to learn a role he's never had (at least in the past four or five years and certainly not as a pro) in the midst of his comeback. I'm certainly not an expert on pitcher development, but that doesn't strike me as a smart approach.
Eugene, good points as Stras as a reliever but again the impact of Stras from April thru early September is immeasurable. I think Rizzo did it right and Strasburg hit the wall like JZim did last year.
ReplyDeleteNo Michael Bourn against Detwiler.
ReplyDeleteTheo -- your apparent need to throw in gratuitous personal shots at someone who agrees with you -- and who said nothing in conflict with your position -- is quite remarkable to behold.
ReplyDeleteEugene! Last Friday during my sons rehearsal dinner in Portland, they were showing the Nats and I didn't even ask them to! Shared the screen with two or three other teams but more than half the time it was Nats. Brix Tavetn in the Pearl. Go there!!! They will have the real game on if you ask and maybe even if you don't ask!
ReplyDeleteGYFNG ! Tuesday home game is getting closer by the minute. Meantime may Ross be his nastiest self yet.
Morse out all weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe team has been saying for years that they consider Bernadina's best position to be left field, not center or even right. He was only playing center because they didn't have anyone better. Now they have several better center fielders (Harper, Werth, Eury Perez, Corey Brown) so Bernie is playing left.
ReplyDeleteSome Goid point of view on Stras in light of how the Braves handled Medlen.
ReplyDeleteDivision vs Wild Card
I just came home from my MA (maloox anonomys) meeting. Been on wagon 3 days now.
ReplyDeleteSo far I am relaxed.
I just came home from my MA (maloox anonomys) meeting. Been on wagon 3 days now.
ReplyDeleteSo far I am relaxed.
JaneB @ 6:47: Thanks for the suggestion; not an option tomorrow (100 miles away), but I'll remember Brix Tavern -- we're up in Portland regularly for one thing (skating) or another (track). Did you get to Powell's Books?
ReplyDeleteTime for the Nats to turn Medlin into a pumpkin...as Davey said, "We owe this guy one"...
ReplyDeleteBTW -- and this may be old news to some -- I saw today that Brandon McCarthy is out of the hospital and well enough to walk around his neighborhood. That was scary.
ReplyDeleteSo it sounds like everyone on tv and twitter agrees that we have no chance to win this game because Kris Medlen is a god and will win the cy young for the next ten years. I guess I don't need to watch.
ReplyDeleteFor all the complainers about "soft tossers", Medlen seems fairly good at 88-91mph.
ReplyDeleteNatsJack in Florida said...
ReplyDelete22 pitches for Medlen in the first. I like that.
September 14, 2012 7:48 PM
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Do it again and again and again and again and he will be gone by the 5th.
My third least favorite ump Tim Timmons behind the plate. Still ticked from the Saturday game vs. Yankees.
ReplyDeleteSo far 2 defensive swings for 2 singles by the Braves.
ReplyDeleteMartin Prado is batting a thousand against the Nats--why would they ever give him a pitch to hit. Heyward is another Braves hitter that the Nats pitchers can no longer get out.
ReplyDeleteWerth , Zim , and LaRoche, all looked over matched. Harper Seemed to have a lot less problems.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo much for getting that pitch count up. Desi typical 1st pitch swinging.
ReplyDeleteUnknown @ 7:55: Right. And both of them got weak, opposite-field singles.
ReplyDeleteWhich means the Nats pitched them the way they were supposed to.
Manassas Nats' Fan said...
ReplyDeleteWerth , Zim , and LaRoche, all looked over matched. Harper Seemed to have a lot less problems.
September 14, 2012 7:55 PM
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Werth wasn't over matched. Just waiting for Medlen to make a mistake. Good to see a lot of pitches.
I also think Medlen did his homework. Had Espi perfectly pitched to that 2 strike swingback fastball inside.
Desi has been great all year swinging at the first pitch, I have no problem with that..
ReplyDeleteMedlin has been good, but it's still all soft junk, kind of a right handed Lannan...He's a bad match for the free swinging Nats, but not impossible...
Study the first time, think the second time. His stuff is good but it looks like he might fall into predictable patterns.
ReplyDeleteStriking out Espi not hard leads NL
ReplyDeleteSwift, you are correct on Desi but I think against Medlen it has to be patience as the strategy for all batters as the goal is to send him to the showers early.
ReplyDeleteGood point Gonat...Medlin is throwing so many strikes though, it's hard to wait too long or hitters will find themselves down in the count
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the plan is to try to get ahead and jump on his fastball...as always
From NJ on Davey Johnson on clinching the Wild Card:
ReplyDelete"That’s not a big moment. It’s a nice moment, but it’s not a big moment. The additional wild card, to me, just really put more of a burden on the manager, because nobody wants that one. A one-game playoff to get in? The other format, if you were the wild card, you’re in the playoffs. So clinching a one-game playoff doesn’t have any appeal at all to me."
Haha..I want to Knock him out...not Pitch Count him out!
ReplyDeleteSwift, Werth ambushed him!
ReplyDeleteJunk, Junk, Junk....He's pretty young to be so "crafty"
ReplyDeleteYep Gonat, Werth jumped on a fastball up, at 88 mph that's BP...
Chipper takes one away from Zim.
ReplyDeleteGreat play by a HOF 3B...Man is he retired yet? Longest farewell tour ever...
ReplyDelete88 mph fastball to Zim and just got on top of that. A shame. I thought the Nats may have had Medlen in a spot he's not used to.
ReplyDelete48 pitches so far.
Jewish scare of Harper more than Zim we will see more of that by 2014
ReplyDeleteGood to know Mark is there, and you all. I can catch up on the game.
ReplyDeleteRoss should think about the pitch around when Prado is up...I believe he's hitting about .600 against him
ReplyDeleteAuto correct. Jewish = Medlen
ReplyDeleteAtl broadcasters just called Ryan's throw "Weird-looking"...have to agree
ReplyDeleteSutton added that Ryan never makes an error when on the run
Prado absolutely owns Detwiler...14-22 career per Gameday
ReplyDeleteI just don't know where you pitch Prado. His cool zone is on the outside where he got the 2 hits on Det.
ReplyDeleteWhy wasn't Heyward thrown out?
The umps apparently don't HAVE to throw you out when you throw equipment, but they can...Apparently they can assign a fine, which is what the home plate ump did to Heyward..
ReplyDeleteAt least that's what the Braves radio guys are saying
I like Det's pitching. Just need something different with Prado.
ReplyDeleteHarper tossed for throwing helmet when he was mad at self. Heyward throws helmet as hard. Karat ump not tossed. Proves point umps have it in for Harper
ReplyDeleteSwift, you are correct. Just a good comparison on the disparate treatment of the rookie Harp and a 3rd year guy like Heyward.
ReplyDeleteMedlen missed pitch #2 to Desmond by 2 gloves and unfortunately he wasn't hacking.
ReplyDeleteActually fine is what they do.usually. was what Harper should have had
ReplyDeleteLook at Espi. Check swings on the high fastball and then he gets the inside fastball.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Espi can bunt next at-bat.
That was not a strike to Bernadina. Come on ump. That's just helping a guy who doesn't need it.
ReplyDeleteThe ump seems to be as caught up in Medlin as Carp and FP.
ReplyDeletenot a strike
ReplyDeleteI told everyone I hate Tim Tmmens. Remember he is so inconsistent
ReplyDeleteHe gives Det nothing like he gives Medlen
ReplyDeleteShark played that like Morse
ReplyDeleteUggla's red shirt appears to be even tighter than his white, blue or grey ones...if that's even possible..
ReplyDeleteDesi good play
ReplyDeleteDet needs a K here real bad.
ReplyDeleteAm I right that Mr. Detwiler cost himself that run (i.e., that he should have been covering first on the potential double play)?
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame with the pitcher on deck. That is where Ross needed to be working the K instead of a possible doubleplay.
ReplyDeleteEugene, I didn't see that angle but I don't think Desi was comfortable going back to 1st.
ReplyDeleteThe runner would have beat it that is why Desi faked throw and then went to 3rd
ReplyDeleteYou may be right Eugene, but there's a lot for Ross to do on a play like that...If the ball gets through the infield he has to be backing up home, so he may have been stuck between on that play...tough one
ReplyDeleteGonat, MNF, and Swift: Fair enough.
ReplyDeleteEugene got 3 opinions quickly. Last year Desi would have forced a throw to 1st. I like the smarter Desi this year.
ReplyDelete10 K 7 called. not good.
ReplyDeleteReed Johnson with a doinker.
ReplyDeletePrado 10 for 12 v Detwiler this season...
ReplyDeleteThey get lot more foul balls on two strike counts then Bats get.
ReplyDeleteManassas Nats' Fan said...
ReplyDelete10 K 7 called. not good.
September 14, 2012 9:02 PM
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Also helped on 2 K's. I'm not surprised but will be happy to maintain a 1-0 deficit and get the Nats into the bullpen.
To the person complaining about Bernadina playing like Morse in LF, that was spectacular.
ReplyDeleteGreat catch by Shark. much harder than the play he didn't make last inning.
ReplyDeleteOuch.
ReplyDeleteEugene, Powells is a haunt for me 3-4 times a year. I'm powerless against them,
ReplyDeleteI hate Tim Timmons. And Martin Prado, whose batting average has at least .100 more because of the games he plays against us.
I'm in the hunter,ands of NC again, and "watching" on gameday and reading Mark's live blog. Ross seems to be doing okay, and Medien pitching more tha Ross, so we knock him out and then we strike.
Seriously. If my heart can be in my throat as much as it is, just watching a CARTOON on gameday, how do our guys stay in their own skin? That more of a miracle than hitting a 95 MPH fastball, in my view,
Ok, Nats, time to put some pressure on Mr. Medlen. I'm not a fan of Roger Clemens, but let's keep his 20-starts without a loss record on the books.
ReplyDeleteThank you NatsJack for that. I probably wouldn't have been so diplomatic.
ReplyDeleteLegion of Doom at work.
BOOM
ReplyDeleteHarper
I'm no doctor, but I'd prescribe a cortisone shot for Berni...maybe he'll hit .380 with 20 bombs...
Harper
ReplyDeleteAnd does that pass Mel Ott?
ReplyDeleteAmbush
ReplyDeleteFollowed by the Legion of BOOM to oppo boppo!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think that ties Mel Ott at 19
ReplyDeleteI am SO in the tank for The Kid. Doesn't pass Mel yet. He will, though. No doubt.
ReplyDelete8 Called k
ReplyDeleteDetwiler back to getting the Nats in a manageable 1-1 game.
ReplyDeleteFive away from Tony C.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Kid!
Ok, so how about passing him in the next at-bat?
ReplyDeleteFive away from Tony C.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Kid!
1-1 is like a do-over. We start clean. This time, WE WIN. Tim and Martin be damned.
ReplyDeleteFiguratively, of course.
ReplyDeleteRoss is filthy tonight, very impressive
ReplyDeleteDon't have to throw a strike to strike out Danny tonight..
ReplyDeleteJacob Turner of the Marlins is shuting out the Reds so far after 7 innings.
ReplyDeleteSwift Eagle said...
ReplyDeleteDon't have to throw a strike to strike out Danny tonight..
September 14, 2012 9:25 PM
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That is where Lombo is so good as a contact guy.
The Wave in the Atl...Notice they aren't doing it while the Braves are trying to hit...
ReplyDeleteDetwiler showed you how you beat an Ace - you go Ace yourself.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive.
Medlen throws a ball outside on pitch #1 and gets the call. Just have to hate helping him out.
ReplyDeleteRoss matches Stras with a 3.16 ERA.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the thinking was having Brown up instead of Tracy with 2 out and a runner on 1st.
ReplyDeleteFirst 2 pitches to Brown were hittable...He was toast after that...
ReplyDeleteDavey usually waits for runners in scoring position to use Tracy...Suzuki could score from 1B on a HR (I think) but that's about it
ReplyDeleteBerni again
ReplyDeleteYah, Bernadina fields like Morse. Laughable.
ReplyDeleteHaha..Gonat, not worth your time...same stuff all season
ReplyDeleteMedlen gone. 1 inning more than I expected but adios. See you next year!
ReplyDeleteThey always seem to have men on when Prado is up...Ugh
ReplyDeleteDetwiler pitched better than his final line showed. This kid just looking great.
ReplyDeleteMattheus needs the pitchers best friend here, the doubleplay.
ReplyDeleteBraves radio says Matheus is too concerned about the base runner....There's a new one!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGhost Of Steve M. said...
ReplyDeleteDetwiler pitched better than his final line showed. This kid just looking great.
September 14, 2012 9:39 PM
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Agreed, a lot of doinks and dink hits.
Suzuki with a bullet.
ReplyDeleteI bring in the lefty reliever here. I don't like what I see from Mattheus
ReplyDeleteI trust Ryan, though. And the whole bull pen. Especially Garcia now.
ReplyDeleteLove it. Davey playing it like post-season baseball.
ReplyDeleteMattheus didn't have it tonight.
He's out -- just like when he saw the sponge bath at the hospital.
ReplyDeletePhew...Nice job bullpen...The Braves are tough! Going to be a bullpen battle tonight. Hope the Nats can avoid Kimbrell
ReplyDeleteTop of the order. Need a few hits, maybe even a run? Pressure, pressure, pressure, please.
ReplyDeleteMattheus wasn't that bad, seemed just like a normal matchups switch on Davey's part, especially with expanded rosters.
ReplyDeleteOkay. When we picked up Gonzalwz, for the pen, I said, huh? In addition to asking WWDD, I now totally trust Rizzo.
ReplyDeleteIsn't this a fun, albeit Maalox-inducing, period we are in? We're about to win this game, even though it's not obvious to others yet.
I thought Det had on his post season game face tonight. None of the big smiles we saw as he became comfortable with his return to the rotation. Just all business. I am very comfortable with him assuming a major role in the post season rotation.
ReplyDeleteDetwiler will do great when he starts Game 4 to complete the sweep of the NLCS...He'll be a little rusty since he won't be needed in NLDS
ReplyDeleteBryce struck out on a ball off the plate. Note to ump, make sure the Nats pitchers get that same call.
ReplyDeleteSwift Eagle...exactly right!
ReplyDeleteMy problem with the Shark'd non catch was the ball barely got to the track. Freeman a little shallow and said that to my son as he came up.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of the bullpen. Time for the Nats bats to get this W for Drew!
ReplyDeleteKimbrel in...Danny homered off him in the 0-9 nightmare game...
ReplyDeleteDanny hit him oppo boppo
ReplyDelete15 Ks, 1 walk...and it's tied in the 9th!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was just 3-curve abuse K on LaRoche.
ReplyDeleteand 3 fastballs at 98 to Desmond. Stay. Beg. Sit.
ReplyDeleteKimbrel is the best pitcher I've seen this season...Amazing
ReplyDeleteThis ump is a joke. Ball at the ankles is now a strike.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least Espinosa saw 4 pitches.
ReplyDeleteOh, my.
So, will they bring Mr. Kimbrel back in the 10th?
ReplyDeleteSo much for the Nats getting some runs against the Braves bullpen. Have to get this into the 10th!
ReplyDeleteThat dude's got some serious giddy-up.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Kimbrel will stay in...Freddie over used him last year and learned his lesson..remember, the Braves are just about locked in for the WC...They can't risk it
ReplyDeleteDavey is playing chess here.
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh. My wife and granddaughter come in and wife told gd that Bats batter looked like her when she plaid in P.E. couldn't touch a thing.
ReplyDelete17 K now against Nats
Swift, exactly. Venters hasn't been the same.
ReplyDeleteThe second strike to Espinosa was a little low, but I wouldn't say "ankles."
ReplyDeleteDesi with a Web Gem! Nice!
ReplyDeleteburnett almost gives 2 hits, really, is that the best guy out there.
ReplyDeleteget burnett out of there
ReplyDeleteNeed a K here..Prado on deck
ReplyDeleteTough loss...Braves are good
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame.
ReplyDeleteOk. Go get 'em tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteand burnett cost another game to the Nats. I don't care if DJ is trying to make him a man. He's costing this team big time.
ReplyDeleteIan??????
ReplyDeleteIf Desi is at double play depth, its tailor made. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteNot going to get upset about that one; good, tight game. Having the final AB is a big part of home field advantage.
ReplyDeleteCan not win them all, well played game. What i learned from this is that Burnett would be shaky in post season .Ian's throw really bothers me;
ReplyDeleteExposremains said...
ReplyDeleteand burnett cost another game to the Nats. I don't care if DJ is trying to make him a man. He's costing this team big time.
September 14, 2012 10:21 PM
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How? 1st 2 batters ground to the 5.5 hole and one gets in for a hit. Bourn gets bat on ball that drops in. Pastornicky hits a ball right at Desi and he made a lousy throw.
Desi made a bad throw on a questionable desicion not to go for two.. I disagree Expoosremains.
ReplyDeleteThe infield was in, going for 2 was not an option...He made a bad throw (physical mistake) but not a bad decision
ReplyDeleteDesi has to make that play.... no excuses period
ReplyDeleteI have lost all confidence in Burnett Lat 5 or 6 appearances he has failed to execute. He is working his way off post season roster in my mind.
ReplyDeletehad we were only 4 games up maloox would have been taken.
I will look up last 6 game stats
Gonat
ReplyDeleteIf not for Desmond thats 3 hit. Thats on the pitcher.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletemick said...
ReplyDeleteDesi has to make that play.... no excuses period
_______________________________
And don't worry, Desi will take the blame.
Joe
ReplyDeleteEvery time Burnett goes out there he gives hit after hit, Desmond was only trying to save the game as a last resort.
Exposremains, I must have watched a different game than you.
ReplyDeleteNo complaints on anything but his 2 seamer was up against Bourn.
I was not saying Shark'd route was like Morse. First playing too shallow for Freeman and on that catch he didn't take a direct route. The poor position probably biggest problem.
ReplyDeleteIan given error on last play. Good throw close but no guarantee . Bad throw guarantee. out.