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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Ross Detwiler tries to lead the Nats to a playoff clincher tonight against the Dodgers. |
Ross Detwiler will be the man on the mound for Davey Johnson, and he's actually been the Nationals' most effective (and consistent) starter during the season's second half (posting a 2.86 ERA in 12 outings). Detwiler certainly appears to be peaking at the right time, because he's going to be needed to pitch several more big games before this season ends.
Fellow lefty Chris Capuano gets the start for Los Angeles, facing the full regular Nats lineup (including Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa).
Updates to come...
LOS ANGELES DODGERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv, MLB Network (outside D.C. market)
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), ESPN Radio, XM 89
Weather: Clear, 71 degrees, Wind 6 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (90-58)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Ross Detwiler
DODGERS (77-72)
2B Mark Ellis
LF Shane Victorino
CF Matt Kemp
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Hanley Ramirez
RF Andre Ethier
3B Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis
LHP Chris Capuano
UMPIRES
HP Mike Winters (cc)
1B Mark Wegner
2B Brian Knight
3B Alan Porter
7:07 p.m. -- We are underway with a strike from Ross Detwiler to Mark Ellis. It's another gorgeous night here, 68 degrees at gametime.
7:11 p.m. -- It would have been nearly impossible for Detwiler to look any better than he just did in the top of the first. He struck out Mark Ellis on three pitches, got Shane Victorino to ground out and then struck out Matt Kemp. Ten total pitches, eight strikes from the lefty during a dominant first inning.
7:28 p.m. -- Six up and six down for Detwiler, who looks fantastic here in the early going. He's throwing his fastball for strikes and he's got good movement on his breaking stuff. Long way to go, obviously, but so far, so good. Scoreless in the middle of the second.
7:38 p.m. -- Good news: Michael Morse led off the bottom of the second with a base hit to center field. Bad news: Morse was shaking his right hand as he ran to first base, then was grimacing after he got there. Clearly the bruise is still bothering him, and that could be a real concern.
7:45 p.m. -- Nine up, nine down for Detwiler. He's got four strikeouts. Only one batter has hit the ball out of the infielder. He's thrown 32 pitches, 22 strikes.
8:00 p.m. -- And the Nats take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third thanks to a base hit by Jayson Werth and a double by Ryan Zimmerman, but more importantly the hustle of Bryce Harper (who scored from first on Zim's double) and the hustle of Zimmerman (who bolted home to score on a wild pitch). Just like that, Detwiler has a 2-run cushion as he takes the mound for the fourth still having not allowed a man to reach base.
8:07 p.m. -- Yeah, so much for that perfect game tonight. Mark Ellis destroyed Detwiler's 1-1 fastball into the left field bullpen to open the fourth inning. So the Nats' lead is suddenly cut in half, it's now 2-1.
8:25 p.m. -- Except the Nats got that run back in the bottom of the fourth. And then added another one for good measure. After Desmond drew a leadoff walk -- yeah, Desmond drew a leadoff walk -- Espinosa roped a double into the left field corner, bringing the first run home. Espinosa also advanced to third when Hanley Ramirez's relay throw sailed to the backstop, bringing Suzuki to the plate with a chance to drive in another run. Which he did at the end of a really solid at-bat. He fouled off several two-strike pitches from Capuano and then lofted a fly ball to right field, plenty deep to score Espinosa and give the Nats a 4-1 lead after four.
8:55 p.m. -- Detwiler is starting to labor a little bit, but he's through six innings having allowed only the one run. There was some action in the bullpen in the top of the sixth, and Cristian Garcia is still warming, so that might be it for Ross. Still 4-1 Nats.
9:08 p.m. -- Detwiler is indeed done for the night as Garcia enters for the top of the seventh. Ross' final line: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 82 pitches, 52 strikes.
9:16 p.m. -- And there's another dominant, 1-2-3 inning of relief from Garcia. He struck out a pair and got a fantastic assist from Zimmerman, who scooped a shot to his right and fired to first for the out. In seven big-league innings now, Garcia has allowed one run on four hits, striking out nine. Still 4-1 at the stretch.
9:37 p.m. -- Ryan Mattheus in to pitch the top of the eighth. Davey Johnson said this aftenroon Tyler Clippard is available after appearing in both games yesterday, but you wonder if he might go with Drew Storen for the ninth instead.
9:42 p.m. -- And Mattheus gets the job done during a scoreless eighth. It remains 4-1 and the Nats are now three outs from clinching a playoff berth.
9:51 p.m. -- Here we go: Drew Storen is in from the pen for the ninth, the Nats leading 4-1 and a playoff berth clinching victory hanging in the balance.
10:01 p.m. -- That's it! It's all over! The Nationals are going to the postseason. Final score: 4-1. They've clinched at least a Wild Card berth, and lowered their magic number to clinch the NL East to 8.
157 comments:
Hanley wants to be the only star on the Dodgers team. He put his strategy in action yesterday:
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1404047/Picture_1.png
Go Nats!!!
If I were at the game to-night, I'd have a few signs for what passes for a MLB ump, most notably Alan Porter.
A man without shame, obviously!
I was just catching up on the previous threads from the day. I agree with JD that this is a very uncomfortable time. Watching Philly, Boston and Atlanta implode last year left me with the heebie- jeebies. This last set of series seems like mount everest. Every little thing that goes awry seems magnified. What I have to do is focus on the outstanding year the Nats have had, how many great things have happened this season and how the Nats have turned everyone's heads. Then - whatever happens, happens. During this last week we have lost at least 3 one-run games on bad umpiring and errors. That does not sit well with me. Hoping the regulars play a good game tonight.
If the Nats had cojones, Teddy would cross the finish line first in tonight's Presidents Race. Then he would be declared the loser because Ryan Zimmerman tagged out George, Tom and Abe before he crossed the line.
Swami,
I think that this is the reason we are all so pissed about the blown calls lately. The team is busting it's tail to get over the hump; most of the regulars are hurt or worn out and to lose games because the umps are lazy and/or not paying attention is really hard to take.
Feel Wood -- love it! Sadly, won't happen, for the same reason they never replay close calls on the telescreen.
Doc -- Hope everyone sitting on the third base side gives Porter a really hard time. And gutless Winters the crew chief too, behind HP (oh joy).
Great lineup for the Nats, especially with RH Danny and His Cortisone Shot!
So we don't even get an acknowledgement of wrong?
Feel Wood,
That's hilarious.
PChuck,
I imagine (I hope) the league raked the ump crew over the coals. They are probably not in the mood for introspection.
The last few games have me worried about vulnerabilities as we face the playoffs.
I have totally accepted that Davey Johnson is a Ph.D in baseball and I have a 9th grade education in the great game. However two things worry me:
When I watched A-Gon steal second last night with Clippard pitching, I thought about close playoff games where not holding runners is a huge liability. Every team knows we don't hold runners. Big concern.
Very concerned about disdain for bunting in DJ's philosophy. Setting all the bad umpiring aside, I think we could've won 2 of 3 in Atlanta if we'd bunted late in games with bases loaded or guys on third (flash Eury Perez in one case), and people like Espy and Shark at the plate--also very fast players who put pressure on the defense. Instead we racked up lots of K's and ran up too-large numbers of men left on base.
If we lose winnable games down the stretch, or in the playoffs, I believe these two factors will be a big reason why.
Very concerned about disdain for bunting in DJ's philosophy. Setting all the bad umpiring aside,
Simple, with the "smart ball", small brain philosophy the Nats were always doomed to finish .500 or below.
Davey doesn't believe in your philosophy do1teach1 because you lose!! And you lose opportunities when the bunt fails! That happens an awful lot. Speed not-withstanding. You give up lots of outs and help the opposing pitcher as a result.
Smart ball == small brain and the proponent of that idea is now managing in AA.
do1teach1,
- I too am concerned about opposition teams stealing easily however your example is not a good one. They let A-Gon steal he was not the tying run and there were 2 outs in the 9th so his run was irrelevant; all teams allow this to happen.
- There has been a great deal of study put into the effect of sacrificing vs. swinging away. It has been statistically proven that you will score more runs swinging away vs. giving away outs.
As far as worrying about the playoffs; I am just focused on getting there. That in itself will color this season as a success. The playoffs are a crap shoot.
I was concerned in the Atlanta series because it seemed like our offense had become one-dimensional. Home run or nothing, basically. I was relieved to see some good situational hitting in yesterday's first game, though. Yes, the Nats have vulnerabilities. Every single team does - ours seem magnified right now because we are living and dying on every single pitch. We have strengths, too. We have good pitching -- some of the guys have struggled recently, but then, look what happened to Beckett last night :) He was cruising and things changed in an instant. It happens. We have a great defense, a solid cast of back-ups and power throughout the line up. No one team has everything all the time. That being said - I think we are in line for some luck right now.
NatsLady is the one who gets to be insufferable..
IT'S CMW for Sunday start.
And on the umpire:
Chase Hughes@chasehughes
Davey also said that umpire Alan Porter apologized to him during yesterday's game for his blown call. #Nats
Yep, CMW starting Sunday.
MicheleS
So NatsLady gets to be insufferable--and others will be too, just without permission?
At least the umpire was willing to apologize for his mistake, which is appreciated. But it would have been a lot nicer if he had gotten the call right, especially since it seemed to be an error of concentration more than anything else.
I agree with Swami--some good luck would be nice right about now.
swami @ 4;32 -- well said!
Heading for the game tonight and hope to see the Det we've come to love as the summer progressed, and that Capuano will continue his bad streak facing our potent lineup reasonably healthy and reunited. A powerhitting Morse makes everyone better as his high average includes a game-breaking threat once again, and maintains the opposing pitchers' tension working throughout the lineup (including a RH Danny Now With Cortisone!).
GYFNG!
Hiram.. YUP! Can't stop the ones that don't have permission. But NatsLady get a special honor because she called it in the previous thread!
Swami, I agree with you. Honestly, if the Nats lose out the entire rest of the season, they've still improved by ten games for a third year in a row AND played meaningful September baseball. The fact that these two things no longer seem satisfying is a measure of exactly how far we've come, not how far we have to go.
That comment from Davey about Porter apologizing during the game is interesting. When did Porter realize he screwed up?
Two thoughts on the Dodgers' base stealing in the 9th yesterday. In both games yesterday, the Dodgers started the runner on first with two outs, but not with one out. It seemed to me that it is much more important to take that base with one out because otherwise the game could end on a double play. With two outs, our chances of getting the third out don't go down that much. I'm afraid I didn't notice whether the Nats' 1B was holding the runner with one out but not with 2 outs. Did anyone see that?
On the other hand, while Ellis's potential run was irrelevant in the first game because we were up 3-1, AGon's run was certainly not. If he had scored, that would have put the Dodgers up by 2 runs rather than 1 going into the bottom of the 9th. And Clip threw a WP after that, moving him to 3rd. He came very close to digging us a deeper hole, not that it ended up mattering.
I know they ruled that Gonzalez took second on defensive indifference, but I thought it was because he got such a huge jump that there was no chance to get him. That was on Clip, and the Nats definitely need to work on that. I sure hope we're not indifferent to a runner taking second late in the game when we're down by a run.
I know these are age-old debates, but a few questions:
Statistically, does bunting for a hit have a lower probability of putting a ball in play than swinging for a hit?
I'm not certain to be honest, but I thought the Nats attempted to throw out A-Gon stealing. If they didn't care if he got to second, why did they try to throw him out?
If the batter singles and A-Gon scores from second, we're down two runs instead of one. JD you're saying teams don't care if they're down 2 runs or 1 run in the bottom of the 9th? Is the probability of scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th the same as scoring 1?
Ok, fingers crossed for CMW. At least this way, Stammen is available today or tomorrow, plus Sunday if long relief is needed.
do1teach1,
I confused the 1st game with the 2nd game. In the 2nd game it was a legit steal but I am not sure Moore was holding the runner because you also don't want to leave a gaping hole in that situation.
Small ball does not necessarily = small brain.
I understand DJ is not a proponent of it and that is okay with me however other managers, including some very successful managers like HOF'er Whitey Herzog and Billy Martin, (two examples) were strong proponents of small ball when used at the right time.
do1teach1 makes a good point and to make such a broad generalization otherwise is leaving one open to a lot of criticism.
NatsLady get a special honor because she called it in the previous thread!
I'm all for special honors of insufferability, in which case Ghost gets one because he called it in the thread before the previous thread.
Feel Wood I like your Teddy thought.
Been pondering this all day, and finally concluded that the game could be appealed. It was not a judgement call that Porter called the runner safe at all. (the call itself was), but the attention the umps gave to it was not judgement it was mal practice. Flores heard them all saying they thought the bases were loaded (which they were before the wild pitch). Thus it becomes not a judgement call as such to me as they had thrown judgement away and didn't watch it. Torre should then review it like they did the George Brett play and for the good baseball rule on the appeal.
I know they would never win, but at least they would have to face Torre.
I have to be at back to school tonight so I had to give my ticket up or I would have been there booing Porter and Winters as much as I could.
I believe the next CBA between umpires and M:LB should include and mandatory appearance to a poll reporter when requested. Mike Winters is a real wimp like person for not even being man enough to face the press.
How could Porter apologize during the game. Did he leave and go see a replay. If he was sure Kemp scored in the 4th, why before he saw the films would he change his mind. And if he changed his mind that would be what they call in basketball a correctable error. 2 or 3 points shots etc. Correct the error.
Apology need not be accepted. Do your job Porter and stay focused. Don't apologize after you have made a costly mistake caused by laziness. And that goes for the other 2 jokers as well. (Th 3rd base ump gets a pass because he had to concentrate on the tag play).
Go, Det! Go, NATS!!
Re. the ump: someone once told me to always accept three things: an apology, a breath mint, and, er, I forgot the other thing. :-)
Post of the day lock:
Feel Wood said...
If the Nats had cojones, Teddy would cross the finish line first in tonight's Presidents Race. Then he would be declared the loser because Ryan Zimmerman tagged out George, Tom and Abe before he crossed the line.
Alan Porter, you have earned your way into this this infamous foresome: C.B. Bucknor, Balkin' Bob Davidson, Country "The Buffet is Half Price on Tuesdays" Joe West and Angel Hernandez.
Figure out among yourselves which one didn't touch the plate in time, and call yourself out. Because heaven only knows, Alan Porter won't.
CMW starting does not mean Stammen is not pitching. How long do you really think he can go? Sorry for being negative, but I hope Stammen is ready from the very beginning of the game and CMW is pulled immediately upon any shenanigans ensuing. I predict CMW for innings one and two, maybe and Stammen 2-6. They will actually both be starting as far as I am concerned. We just cannot afford any messing around with him at this point.
Swami,
You have to consider the possibility that this is likely a really hard game for us to win in any event because none of the available solutions are very appealing; the trick is not to allow this one game to affect all the other games.
Others on the umpire Wsll of shame. Laz Diaz and Tim Timmens and Marvin Hudson
Nancy Faust, the organist, once got tossed for playing "3 Blind Mice."
OOOOH OOOH, that's it....
Everybody sing "3 Blind Mice" at points throughout the game.
All the players could change their walkup music to Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano songs.
Okay, folks. I think Matt Kemp will ground out to first in hits first at-bat.
If he does, how long do I get to be insufferable?
Scooter, starting from when?
The Nats just sent out the email announcing the sale of playoff tix to the general public, tomorrow at 10 am. Only Tiebreaker, WC, and NLDS tickets are on sale tomorrow. But there is now a link (maybe it existed before, but I hadn't seen it) to the full list of prices for NLDS, NLCS, and World Series tix. Going to the World Series is going to cost a pretty penny. Read it and weep.
You can go a little gloaty touchdown dance.
Deuces, you knew that already, right?
Sec3. Indeed I did. And my bulging credit card balance knows it too.
OK, just looked at the prices. It's actually less than I thought.
Means I'm probably going to have to hitchhike to Florida next year, but wth.
I am confused about Porter's apology. Davey said in his postgame interview that when he complained about the call, Porter claimed he saw the play and the run counted. Did Porter have a change of heart and tell Davey later in the game that he blew the call? Davey didn't say that in his postgame (or I didn't hear him say it anyway). I would feel a little better about Porter if he fessed up.
McCutchen is amazing. The Pirates might win a game. Just let them win against Atlanta, please.
Yeah, but I called it months ago. Said until I was blue in the face we hadn't seen the last of CMW...
Section 3, My Hitterish Sofa said...
All the players could change their walkup music to Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano songs.
September 20, 2012 5:11 PM
Now that is lol funny.
Sonny,
He didn't even know he had to make a call of any kind until the Dodgers squawked. Then they all thought the bases were loaded (I am not sure why that matters) and then they all got an easy call wrong. Why does it matter that he apologized?
pay attention and get the easy calls right; that's all you need to do.
But, I promise not to go on an "I told you so extravaganza..."
Assuming we're a) not the wild card (heaven forbid) and b) we have the best record in the NL, if I'm reading the postseason schedule correctly, Nats will be home Wed-Thurs-Fri Oct. 10-11-12 (with obviously Games 4 and 5, if necessary).
That is how you all are reading this thing, correct.
And a word from a Mets fan who bought playoff tickets years ago to games that were never played, MLB does not refund service charges (which used to be $6 per ticket. I have no idea what they are now).
But a little clarification on the possible first round home dates, please...
JD -- agreed that they can't sacrifice other games to tweak things for Sunday. But they also can't afford to let things get out of hand with our little pitching experiment gone awry. Stammen needs to be ready for some loooooong relief. I hope he doesn't have to be burned in the games leading up to it. Then we are looking at gas-can Gorzo and Zach Duke, who are lefties and they want a righty.
If there's a real close play at any base or if the umps miss a trapped ball; any call that takes 2 or 3 replays to sort out then that's ok. We are all human and make mistakes but what happened last night wasn't close and was missed by laziness and lack of focus; that's inexcusable.
According to Lavar and Dukes (106.7 FM), Alan Porter apologized to Davey last night
And stop all the chicken counting before the proverbial hatching has occurred. You are making me nervous! I am not listening to you - LALALALALALALALALALALALA.
Get Andrea Bocelli to sing the National Anthem.
All the players could change their walkup music to Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano songs.
Blown call in Pirates/Brewers cost a run.
Sec3: I was thinking, starting from about 39 years ago or so.
Re: apologies.
I used to apologize all the time to my first wife. That didn't stop her from leaving me.
Get the calls right, doofus, and know the rules.
Or maybe you'd like to try your hand as an NFL replacement ref. You'd fight right in, Porter.
Thank you sunshine !!
Okay, my first and only comment on the umpire: it doesn't matter if they thought the bases were loaded, because Zimmerman didn't try for a force play.
Carry on.
I want to know what Porter is apologizing for?
He said he saw the run score
my question is apogizing for not telling the truth or for guessing wrong?
Also why did Winters wimp out? Did he apologizing for not overuling Porter as letting a partner miss a call is just as bsd.
Did Marvin Hudson apologize?
The only thing worse than the umpires' blown call is the endless complaining about it.
Ok, it's not really worse. But it is really tiresome.
Hilarious, feelwood. I wish they would!
I'm still mad at Alan Porter. I want to hear every syllable of his apology. Did he apologize to our guys?
I have never wanted to win a game as much as I want these guys to win this one. Please, Det, be lights out. Nat Bats wake up. Umpires, pay some f-ing attention. Danny and Zimm, may your cortizone shots pay mega dividends.
GYFNG! x1000
Oh - NatsLady - you are just so naughty for saying that! And for all of you non-Bocelli fans - he is blind. But I would truly love to hear him sing at NatsPark!! Heard him at Verizon Center last December - sheer bliss. He is amazing.
Could also throw in some Doc Watson and Blind Lemon Jefferson for the sake of musical diversity.
Section 3, My Hitterish Sofa said...
All the players could change their walkup music to Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano songs.
September 20, 2012 5:11 PM
But...but...you said it first! ;-)
NatsLady said...
But, I promise not to go on an "I told you so extravaganza..."
September 20, 2012 5:34 PM
So this is kinda cool, imo. Remember Shawn Hill? No doubt Barry Svrluga remembers his sinker (sigh). Anyhoo, he was the winning pitcher in a World Baseball Classic qualifier that was called due to the mercy rule. (So they don't only do that in Little League? Who knew?) Good on you, Shawn. And hat tip to MLB Scoreboard.
Recommendation for next CBA: Umpires should be required to hold a press conference after every game.
Re playing 3 blind mice. Call me pedantic, but it would seem to raise the question which of the crew could actually see. The song used to be played at hockey games back when there were only 3 officials. It was played night after night when they first skated onto the ice at the start of the game.
Cincy got their x for clinching. I WANT ONE, TOO!!!!!! Go, Nats.
Sunshine, I have it as October 10-11-12 too.
If the bases were loaded there would have been a force play at any base. Doesn't matter if a tag Is made instead of touching the base, it's still a force out.
Thank GOD I don't have MLB Network Tonight - it will be blacked out. Bill Ripken is on the call..no bias there at all.
In umpire-unrelated news
Fangraphs has found that Strasburg's change-up is the least hittable pitch in MLB--he threw over 400 of them this year, batters swung at about 1/2, and they totally whiffed more than half the time (54%).
Any upper deck seat for the World Series goes for $135. I'm okay with that, since as a STH I was able to buy my IF Gallery seat for $100. Also, only $20 service charge for the whole postseason strip.
Ross is doing just what the Nats needed tonight: dominant pitching. Here's hoping the offense can give him a couple of runs!
Have the blind character from Covert Affairs throw out the first pitch?
Thanks, Scooter. Doing my calendar planning.
Looks like standing room for me...
Anybody got an ideas for SRO? The Red Porch? Those little openings in the upper deck? Or somewhere in the infield behind Rows YY?
At Camden Yards, the SRO area is pretty clearly defined by the warehouse. How have the Nats handled it during the Red Sox and Yankees series?
NCNatsie, re 3-out-of-4 Blind Mice--we're cutting the third base ump a break, he was doing HIS job.
NatsJack- I'm going to make a trip over to 235 in the late innings to say hello. What row and seat number?
SO there's a group at the park tonight from the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.
So maybe the Stevie Wonder thing would have been a bit much.
But they are wearing tee shirts that say "We knew the bases weren't loaded."
ALR makes it look easy AGAIN....A great play
Serious jammage - and another trip to the fridge ensues...
ROFL Sofa!
How about when Porter is announced, they play "It's Written All Over Your Face" by Ronnie Milsap?
Great sliding stop by Zuki!
Does "Severe Jammage" warrant a beer?
Ghost Of Steve M. said...
NatsJack, they needed to take 2 of 3 from the Braves and 2 of 3 from the Reds and they did that. Its a huge longshot for the Phillies but 2 weeks from now you will see that they will be at 77-73 or 76-74 as they are playing like a team that is playing with confidence and urgency.
Its that last 12 games that will be tough.
You just never know. I could see them facing in the last series against the Nats pitchers like Wang and Duke.
September 06, 2012 10:36 AM
NatsJack, in an hour and a half, the Phillies will be at exactly 76-74 unless they blow their 8-1 lead.
It wasn't deja vu to last night's game as Detwiler got Adrian Gonzalez with 2 on and 2 out and Lannan couldn't.
Detwiler made some nice pitches when needed. I also like that McCatty came out to settle him down as McCatty didn't at that point last night.
Passing on a hill can be rough.
@ehay:
As founding director of the Bob Carpenter Drinking Game, anytime Our Hero says "serious jammage" it's time to reach for the adult beverage of your choice.
So does:
"Good take by (Fill in player's name)"
"How far is that one going to go? (usually for routine flyouts that don't reach the warning track).
Every serious boo-boo (like the night they cut to commercial with a canned shot of the Kennedy Center and Bob opined, "Great night for anybody going to the Lincoln Center."
Non-verbal reasons. When FP is talking during the pre-game and Bob turns to the camera, bites down on his lips and gives us that All Knowing Head Bob.
As always, no drinking and driving. Ever.
@NatsJack: YOUR MAN IS ON THE MOUND!!!!
Welcome to Washington, my friend.
NatsJack, those 3 losses to Houston will cost them. Cardinals not losing to the cellar dwellers.
I predicted exactly where the Phillies would be and that they would be back in the race. I expected the Cardinals to be 79-71 at this point and they are 1 game ahead if that pace.
Cardinals have the best path to the second Wild Card.
Dang - Zimm is amazing
NatsJack, maybe drinks tomorrow night after the game. We won't pop champagne, only beers!
Sunshine, what do I get for "Target is in."?
Maybe peanuts.
You missed Gio's birthday party last night downtown.
Exactly how many times to the Reds get to play the Cubs?? 20? 30?....They have 45 wins against teams in the crappy NL Central...
I'm liking this Garcia kid.
Anyone for Justin's on Saturday? I have tix for that game. Might even finagle a ticket for tomorrow. Awesome times.
CiGar is plain nasty. As I said last month, someone would impress in September to get a spot in October. CiGar is making the best case!
I think I need to purchase a Garcia jersey. Did you see his smirk after the wicked change up?
Section 3, My Hitterish Sofa said...
I'm liking this Garcia kid.
I think he is a BEAST, I love it!!!
Well NI gang, 6 outs and then something special!!!
There's a lot of blue in that 30,000+.
Natsjack.... you called it baby with Garcia KUDOS!!!!
Sofa, if we played the Cubs 18 times/year, we would get an instant 15 games in the win column!
Ghost Of Steve M. said...
CiGar is plain nasty. As I said last month, someone would impress in September to get a spot in October. CiGar is making the best case!
September 20, 2012 9:17 PM
____________________________
CiGar? Is that Christian Garcia's nickname?
NatsJack did have the scoop on him. I never heard of the guy. Best add of all the Sept callups.
So I guess Perry is not ready to start? I was thinking Peric was on to something
OK, as long as we're calling things...
Steve Lombardozzi will be the guy who hits the Aaron F. Boone/Bucky F. Dent home run.
I plan to be insufferable all winter, if I get this. Why stop, I figure.
Can Harper go "oppo-boppo on Paco?" (tm Mark Z.)
Does Rocco Baldelli have a home run off this guy? A Rocco taco off Paco?
10 days ago, with 21 games left to play, the Phillies were 5 games out of the 2d WC slot, behind 4 other teams. Today, with 13 games left, they're still 4.5 games back, and behind 3 other teams.
It just ain't happening.
Bucky F. Dent. Yeah baby! Anyone else miss Kojak?
Kudos to FP for predicting the steal by Werth.
So with Mattheus on for the 8th, I guess we'll see Druuuu for the save.
PFB - who loves ya, baby?
mick said...
So I guess Perry is not ready to start? I was thinking Peric was on to something
September 20, 2012 9:20 PM
____________________________________
Didn't Ryan Perry go home?
Mattheus needs to have a good inning here to get back on it.
3 more outs and we get our X
Victorino with one of those at-bats as if he has a plane to catch.
Mattheus with a good inning.
Swift - as a guy, I'm rooting for a Y, just sayin....
Swift, very true! X marks the spot.
Right on! I want the Z! If the Reds would ever lose!
Playing Games 1 and 2 @San Fran sounds a lot tougher than @Atl or @StL
San Fran fans are the Cameron Crazies of MLB...tough place to win
I have to tell you, I'm getting excited!
I know it isn't the final destination, but we are three freakin' outs away from the first baseball playoff for a Washington baseball team since 1933!
Got home from the wine tasting just in time! Celebrating already! Come on boys bring it home!
Garcia has "Simba"on his mitt anyone know why?
That K pitch to Morse is where Clippard has to be.
Yes Joe, it's pretty cool. But remember these aren't your father's playoffs. Heck, they aren't even your one-year-old son's/daughter's playoffs!
Maybe Garcia is a big Lion King fan?
DRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU is coming in!
Oh My, Drew brought the Big Boy Slider tonight...
I love me some Druuuuuuu! Take a seat Kemp!
Paint! 1 Out
Introducing your Washington Nationals playoff closer:
DRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
CRUSH HANLEY DRUUUUUUUUU!!!!
Hanley, you're going down, pal.
YES!!!!!!
Drew is MONEY tonight...
We're in!!!
Now let's win the whole damn thing.
In sort of remember now why Store was a closer - he is just damn good at it.
Congrats fellow NI imaginary friends - we are in the playoffs!
Playoffs
This is just the best!
HIS - TOE - REE!!!
I want that PLAYOFF Shirt that Ian has on!
A moment of silence for the Legion of Doom.....
Now get me one of those T-Shirts and Hats
Zimm just called this a "pre-party."
Perfect.
Darn, those UVa. guys are smart.
I am getting a little misty!
Can't wait to be there in October!!
Wow, what a great season we've had so far.
Lets get the next step done and win this division.
I know this is the appetizer, and I know there's more to come. And yet, there I sat in front of the tv set, with a silly grin on my face and tears streaming from my eyes. Atta way, Nats! I love you all. <3
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