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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Nationals Park hosts the potential NL East clincher tonight. |
Officially, the Nationals have four shots to win one home game: three against the Phillies, then (in a worst-case scenario) a tiebreaker game Thursday against the Braves. Needless to say, they would really prefer to finish this thing tonight and not subject themselves to anymore torture.
John Lannan is on the mound, hoping to duplicate his solid start in Philadelphia last week. He'llLannan be up against a Phillies lineup without Ryan Howard or Jimmy Rollins. And his teammates will go up against Kyle Kendrick (who they knocked out in the third inning last week at Citizens Bank Park).
If you've got tickets to the game, hope you enjoy the experience. If you're watching at home, be sure to check back here for updates and analysis throughout...
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Cloudy, 64 degrees, Wind 6 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (96-63)
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 John Lannan
PHILLIES (80-79)
3B Kevin Frandsen
CF John Mayberry
2B Chase Utley
C Carlos Ruiz
1B Ty Wigginton
RF Domonic Brown
LF Darin Ruf
SS Michael Martinez
RHP Kyle Kendrick
UMPIRES
HP Gerry Davis (cc)
1B Manny Gonzalez
2B Greg Gibson
3B Phil Cuzzi
7:05 p.m. -- Meaningful October baseball in Washington is underway. John Lannan, who got the biggest ovation of anyone in pregame intros, fires a strike to Kevin Frandsen to get this one started. Fans still streaming into the park. It won't be a sellout, but it's going to be a good-sized crowd.
7:11 p.m. -- A solid first inning for Lannan. He gave up a leadoff single to Frandsen but immediately erased him with a 1-6-3 double play. Chase Utley then flew out to left to end a 12-pitch inning and bring the Nats to the plate.
7:20 p.m. -- A 1-2-3 inning for Kyle Kendrick, who got Jayson Werth to ground out, Bryce Harper to pop out and Ryan Zimmerman to ground out.
7:29 p.m. -- Uh-oh, that didn't look good. Darin Ruf's two-run triple into the deepest corner of left-center was bad enough, but potentially worse was Harper slamming into the fence trying to make the catch. He hunched over for a few moments and looked shaken up, but he remained in the game. Lannan, meanwhile, managed to strand Ruf at third with one out, but the Nats now trail 2-0 as we move to the bottom of the second.
7:44 p.m. -- The Nats gave themselves a chance in the bottom of the second, putting runners on second and third with two outs. But they were victimized by their spot in the lineup. With Kurt Suzuki at the plate, Carlos Ruiz held up four fingers and intentionally walked his counterpart to load the bases for Lannan, who grounded into a fielder's choice on the first pitch. So it's still 2-0 as we go to the third.
7:59 p.m. -- Another double-play grounder induced by Lannan off Mayberry's bat in the top of the third, but his teammates haven't been able to do anything yet against Kendrick, who retired the side in the bottom of the inning. Meanwhile, the Braves just took a 1-0 lead on the Pirates in the top of the third.
8:11 p.m. -- Well, the Phillies have had Lannan on the ropes tonight and had him close to a knockout punch in the top of the fourth when they loaded the bases with one out. But then the lefty got Michael Martinez to rap a sharp grounder to first, and LaRoche took care of everything else. He stepped on the bag, then fired home to complete a sweet 3-2 double play and keep this a 2-0 game in the middle of the fourth. Even better news: The Pirates have tied it up at PNC Park. Now 1-1 in the fourth.
8:19 p.m. -- No, Lannan hasn't been sharp so far. But it wouldn't matter if he was perfect, because the Nats' lineup has done nothing against Kendrick. Only two of the 15 batters they've sent to the plate have gotten the ball out of the infield. He's retired the last seven batters, all on groundballs. Still 2-0 after four.
8:29 p.m. -- Nice job by Lannan in the top of the fifth. He struck out Utley to end the frame and keep this a 2-0 game. At 80 pitches and due up third in the bottom of the inning, that might be it for him. Craig Stammen continues to warm in the pen.
8:40 p.m. -- This ballpark desperately wants a reason to explode, but the Nats just aren't giving them the opportunity. The place really perked up in the bottom of the fifth, first when the scoreboard showed the Pirates taking a 2-1 lead on the Braves on Starling Marte's homer, then even more when Kurt Suzuki went first to third (?!) on an errant pickoff throw. But with Suzuki on third and two out, Werth took a 2-2 slider on the insider corner to kill the rally. Onto the sixth...
8:47 p.m. -- A dominant top of the sixth from Stammen, who struck out the side. Impressive stuff. Figure he's back out for the seventh. Now, if the Nats could plate a run or two against Kendrick...
8:59 p.m. -- Another great chance for the Nats in the bottom of the sixth, with Harper doubling and then taking a big risk to tag up and advance to third on Zimmerman's popup to second base/shallow right field. But LaRoche popped up on the first pitch he saw and Morse (after getting a gift on a check swing that should've been strike three) struck out looking at a 3-2 pitch. Pretty much everyone but Harper is playing nervous, trying to do too much right now. Still 2-0 after six.
9:06 p.m. -- Make it six batters faced, six batters struck out by Stammen. What a performance in a huge spot. Still 2-0 at the seventh-inning stretch.
9:15 p.m. -- And still nothing for the Nats lineup against Kendrick, who retired the side in the bottom of the seventh and got Suzuki on a check-swing to end the inning. Still 2-0 as we go the eighth. The Pirates, meanwhile, still lead the Braves 2-1 after seven, with Jeff Locke and Jeff Karstens holding Atlanta to two hits so far.
9:40 p.m. -- Another opportunity squandered in the bottom of the eighth, with Zimmerman and LaRoche failing to drive in the tying or go-ahead run. But the Braves are now down to their last three outs, so the Nats are on the verge of backdooring their way to the division title.
9:46 p.m. -- It's over in Pittsburgh. The Braves lose 2-1. The Nats are NL East champs!
9:53 p.m. -- It's over here, too. The Nats lose 2-0. But nobody cares.
245 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 245 Newer› Newest»Heading to the park soon - not soon enough, but I feel guilty. When I sat down to watch the game yesterday with my wife I said "I hope they clinch tomorrow when I am at the Park". She was shocked and said - "so you are rooting against them?" I said of course I wasn't but it would be nice to be in that moment when they clinch. So blam me - not Det - for yesterday. I promise I will never be selfish again oh baseball gods, just let me off the hook this once and let them win TONIGHT.
Go Nats
Uh, your lineup has Gio.
Gio Gio Gio
Sec 103 here we come.
As a matter of fact, I do have tix, and I'm really, really hoping to enjoy the game, if you know what I mean. (wink wink. nudge nudge.)
John-Boy, if you could reach back and pull out a start that will put us in line for a curly w tonight, it would be ever so awesome. I know you have it in you. All y'all position players can help out there, too, with your gloves and bats. Which is not to forget our wonderful bullpen. Oh, and our super duper manager. (Hi, Davey!)
Go, Na-ats; it's my birthday.
Go, Na-ats; it's my birthday.
(no, really, it is) :-)
And it sounded like they would have to be eliminated on or before the play-in game in order for all the processing to take place to stop that 10/10 billing.
That's alot of money for them to make interest on for a month until the refunds kick in. So be it. Seeing those World Series tickets "in the flesh" will be worth it, even if we don't make it that far... this time.
Interesting -- no Rollins, and Wigginton at 1B instead of moving Ruf to his natural position. I guess it's better for the Phils than moving Ty to LF.
;-)
GO NATS! GO BATS! GO JOHN!
WE GOT THIS!
and Happy Birthday 1A.
Poor old Suzuki, this is his 9th or 10th game in a row. The guy needs a break, even though he's been swinging a hot bat lately.
Zuke can rest Nov. 2
Go Nats!
Some of the posted lineups for tonight's game have Lannan, others have Gio!
What gives??????
Game 160. Hard to believe.
That's alot of money for them to make interest on for a month until the refunds kick in. So be it. Seeing those World Series tickets "in the flesh" will be worth it, even if we don't make it that far... this time.
Yet another reason many STH probably made the decision not to buy extra postseason strips to try to cash in on the secondary market. Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.
Looking forward to being there in person for some Nats history. Go Nats!
Doc said...
Some of the posted lineups for tonight's game have Lannan, others have Gio!
Lannan will be wearing #47 tonight to try and fake out the Phillies. If necessary he may even take a header at some point during the game.
The hard part for Lannan will be his attempt at duplicating the cocked hat and the hairdoo.
Also, nobody can take a header like Gio!
They're working on his 'do even as we speak. :-)
Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.
That hasn't seemed to stop the entrepreneurs from putting them up. Good seats in the Infield Gallery available for Game 1 in DC, whenever that is, starting at $125 and going up to $500.
Should be heading out in another half hour or so. You may wish to cover your ears now. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! Okay, I'm good.
LOL Feel Wood! If LannEn takes aheader,then we KNOW he reads this blog.
Happy Birthday Natsfan1a - I hope you get your birthday wish!
Mark Z. - Really? You sold us short here. Why can we not be AT the game and ALSO check back for updates, and even to post? We do have those fancy wireless typewriters, you know. (MicheleS has one that works in St. Louis!!)
And, as others have noted, there is a different lefty starting.
Section 222 said...
Also, imagine what it would be like trying to sell those tickets on StubHub now with them not even made available for transfer yet.
That hasn't seemed to stop the entrepreneurs from putting them up.
Yes, but if you sell tickets on StubHub via the Nationals STH site, you pay less service charge and can transfer the tickets with one click electronically, which is how buyers like to get them. Mailing physical tickets is a hassle and makes your tickets for sale less desirable.
Not me, as I have a not-so-smart phone. Usually the best I can do is send out the odd random text to buddies and do my player of the game vote. :-)
Thanks on the b'day wishes.
Doc said...
The hard part for Lannan will be his attempt at duplicating the cocked hat and the hairdoo.
You overestimate the Phillies. They're not that smart.
A lineup w/out Howard defeats the advantage Lannan "might" have. On the other hand, there's no alternative.
We are bringing a large group tonight and meeting up with MicheleS in the 6th inning. This time she has to watch the rest of the game with us!
Hoping to be partying in the streets after the game if you know what I mean.
Sorry natsfan1a, I didn't realize Mark Z. was addressing you directly! ;-P
But you can still use the tweeter!
I'm not sure 1a has a tweeter.
And if she did, she would never use it to her advantage.
ehay, I was replying to you:
We do have those fancy wireless typewriters, you know.
I will have you know that I do not have a tweeter, nor have I ever tweeted. (Well, maybe once, when I was startled by a sudden noise.)
I'll be there! Can't wait.
GYFNG!!!!!!!
Seriously, though, I'll tell you what I do have. Butterflies. Big time. And I don't have to do anything other than sit there and cheer my little heart out. How the heck do those guys do it every day? Go, NATS!!
Yes, but if you sell tickets on StubHub via the Nationals STH site, you pay less service charge and can transfer the tickets with one click electronically, which is how buyers like to get them. Mailing physical tickets is a hassle and makes your tickets for sale less desirable.
Have you ever sold tickets on StubHub? The fees are the same (15% off the top) regardless of how you sell them. And no one selling tix through StubHub is mailing them. If you buy one now, you'll get it electronically. You just won't get it until the seller has it. Check out some of the listings and you'll see what I mean.
The Nats better have a scouting report on the Ruf kid. Go get 'em John!!!
I just checked and even though I haven't actually received my playoff strips, they are now "available for transfer and StubHub resale" on My Nationals Tickets. That does not include the World Series, presumably because I haven't actually been charged for them yet.
natsfan1a - I (jokingly) implied that Mark Z. knew you didn't have a fancy wireless typewriter so his note to "...enjoy the experience." was aimed at you.
sigh, another weak attempt at humor requires an explanation longer than the joke itelf. :-(
Has the game started yet? cuz I am going nuts until is does!
ehay2k said...
sigh, another weak attempt at humor requires an explanation longer than the joke itelf. :-(
Welcome to my world.
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Now you are in the middel OF me! (my posts, anyway.)
ew
UPS just delivered my tix--had to sign. Ten more minutes and I'd have left for the Park
All right, folks, have a great game. I'll check out my tape of it later on, to see how y'all did.
Man, I hope Mayberry doesn't take Lannan deep in the first.
OK, that could have been phrased better, ehay.
Is "get outta my posts!" like "get offa my lawn!"?
Geez, start the baseball game already!
Sofa, I'm not sure about that....
LOL (Oh, the game REALLY needs to start)
Can't stand it, gotta go early. Will try to tweeter from the park, but that's hard to do with the first-baseman's mitt on. Sitting in foul ball territory, might even get a dinger on rebound off the pole, you never know.
Nice plug for Duffy's in the Post today, for those of you familiar with it, or would like to be: Duffy's: The real home of Nationals fans
I'll be in the Vidro #3 First Opening Day jersey, down the RF line.
I just received delivery of my playoff ticket strips via UPS about 5 minutes ago.
Off to the park my NI friends to see history!!!!
Feels as exciting as opening day.
Wish I was there.
Enjoy the party, everybody! And Happy Birthday, 1A. No better place to celebrate.
(Insert long sigh here)...I am stuck on my night job. (with a telly, however).
Mick, we are on our way and the sun has disappeared! I'm hoping Davey treats this game like its a post-season game as it should have that type of intensity from the Nats dugout.
Thought I didn't have to sign for the tickets, but my wife answered the door and she just told me she signed for them.
Oh, BTW, Happy Birthday natsfan1a!
Gio named starter of Game 1
Davey, asked if he'd like to win Manager of Year: "I have bad thoughts about that. Last time I got that award, I also got my pink slip."
Happy Birthday 1a
Actually, I think this is one where Werth and Harper need to take it up a notch.
As for Suzuki needing rest ... he had plenty while the A's were grooming former Nats prospect Derrick Norris to take over his job. Lots of rest. I'm certain he feels that he needs playing time and is good to go.
The Teddy EyeBlack is actually EyeRed.
You guys all sound so excited, I'm green with envy. But I am going to get to come up for a playoff game, thanks to a friend with corporate season tickets. Can't wait.
Have a great party. See You Later, as they say.
I'm working the night shift at my library tonight, so I won't even get Charlie & Dave until just after 8 and Bob & F.P. around 9. Here's hoping that we see a great ball game tonight with a great big celebration at the end. :-)
I guess that we don't have to worry about Davey batting Wang tonight---or pitching him, for that matter!!!!
peric - agreed, Suzuki should be fresh as a daisy and I am sure that he would rather be here,playing every day, than in Oakland sitting the bench.When I saw game 160, I about choked. Seriously. So - NatsLady - how are you managing to teach private lessons? Just finished up a couple of hours and my mind is wondering tons - so hard to focus. Rehearsal tonight also and no opportunity to check even my phone. So hard to concentrate. Cheer loudly for me everyone!!! I will be checking in at about the 7th and hoping to see some good news.
Gio named starter of Game 1
Mark's tweet suggests it's a bit more complicated than that. The worst result would be if Gio has to pitch a full 7 or 8 innings tomorrow night because the Nats haven't clinched yet. Don't think he'd pitch in Game 1 on Saturday on short rest if the Nats don't get the No. 1 seed, do you?
So let's get this over with tonight, and hope the Cards kick some Reds butt too.
For those of us who don't live in the DC area anymore, how about wearing signs to future games with your NI name? Then I can identify all my "imaginary" friends as I watch on MASN!
(my spouse thinks we're all a little strange)
Have good feeling about tonight. I think it is about time to start the play-off beard.
222, yes I have sold tix via StubHub. Misrembered about the fees, but the process IS easier via the STH site. And it is too possible to sell paper tix via StubHub. Buyer pays shipping, and obviously it can't be a last minute sale.
Lets get an early lead.
I see Gina Davis is calling balls and strikes tonight. OOOPs I read that wrong.
Still misting lightly, not quite a drizzle, but some open umbrellas.
Hey Zuck! That was me giving you a shout behind nats dugout just now. Thanks for being the best nats writer! Love your blog and what you do! GYFNG!
Go Nats
People at the park, how is the weather looking? I just can't stand it if it's rained out!
Go Nats
Go Nats
Christina wants to be doused tonight
I am teaching, but will keep the game in my ear. Hopefully by 9 pm. we will be leading 10-1 in the top of the 8th and I'll get to see the pile. Go NATS!!!!!
I'm so rooting for John L. to pull this off; it just seems... appropriate somehow. I got his autograph on a ball when he was a P-Nat in early 2007. Just another prospect then... but on August 6, when he kept Bonds from breaking Aaron's HR record for another 24 hours, it was VERY impressive! That alone merited his two opening day starts!
Step 1: get the lead. Step 2: hold it. I could be in the booth. An NFL booth, that is.
Go nats
Wanted to be out there, but a health issue is keeping me home on the couch with MASN-HD and my imaginary friends. Let's get this done!
That graphic said that Lannan's average change is only 3 mph slower than his average fastball. Interesting. How do they know they aren't all fastballs?
Arggg lead off walks usually the kiss of death.
Ok ... Two runs. Not great, not fatal
Come on, guys, get the bats going!
70% Of lead off walks score. When will pitchers learn?
Harper had a greatlj try but ee needed the catch.
Get those runs back.
Look at Lannan's walk/K ratio. He walks a lot of guys. In the minors he got demolished as a result ... on numerous occasions.
In the majors he has yet to give up a home run ... and that's the difference and why Lannan is 4 - 0, that an fifth inning rescues by Davey, saved from losing in an implosion by his offense and the bullpen.
Need runs immediately
That graphic said that Lannan's average change is only 3 mph slower than his average fastball. Interesting. How do they know they aren't all fastballs?
If there's no sink, or they aren't spotted properly? Batting practice.
Espi beat that out.
Man I hope Espi makes the same leap Desi makes in the offseason
Espi needs to shorten swing and quit swinging at balls to make the improvement.
Espi put a real damper on the inning where he could be a hero.
That's exactly why I hate the no DH rule in the NL.
Frasden led off first and third with singles. Much better than walk
Elias has said for years lead off walk 70% score. lrad off hit 40% Score.
That walk better not come back to haunt them.
also when Werth both get on we usually scores. No brainer guys get on.
Does amyone know where the Nats have gone... and more importantly when are they coming back?
For the first time I;m more then just a little worried about this team.
I hate the DH. I want real athletes at pitcher
All but 2 hitters are not doing the job.
Into I'm worried. Obviously so are FP and Carp. They are totally preoccupied with braves pirates. And why not. Looks like pirates are only chance.
Gio is our best chance. What's 26 more hours among friends
Our hitters taken night off so far. Get serious guys
I hate losing each and every night
Who's managing the nats? Davis Love.
Without Strasburg's presence in the rotation, the Nationals just aren't as intimidating a team to face for opposing clubs. Psychologically, it has an effect going into a series.
Still hoping for the best.
Lannan you see how Kendricks ball is sinking? Your ball is staying on the same plain.
A Stammen sighting....welcome sight
Gotta get some runs NOW
Pirates tie it
Ow hitters get serious. I am tired of losing. No reason to stall
C'mon bats ....pirates tied it up, lannan escaped a big jam....lets put one across the plate.
Double play by Adam La Roche and Kurt Suzuki was sponsored by Weight Watchers....
Manassas on fire tonight. I with you brother. COME ON
The DH Rule is one of the greatest abominations in the history of mankind, but we all know that already....
Lannan has this.
Just not gonna be tonight. Can't hit. FP congratulating guys for hard outs. PLEAAAAAAASE
Sgt. Snorkel playing first base for the Phils....
I'm switching channels and rooting for pirates. At least they have a run. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
What channel are the Pirates on? MLB?
Usually this is John's last inning. If his control stays and he keeps the sink he'll make it ... if he elevates those soft tosses he's toast. The sink is the way he gets to 7.
Compared to what we saw this weekend, Lannan is pitching like Greg Maddux....
Lannan's closing in on 80 pitches. He hasn't been allowed past this point since one of the early double headers I reckon. And there's the walk, and Davey's sign to pull out the hook.
How many $ is that going for now? Of course, those things are always a better deal when you don't live in the MASN area.
Now, the Cat visit to give Garcia time to warm up ... John needs to get this out now if he wants into the 6th.
How many $ is that going for now? Of course, those things are always a better deal when you don't live in the MASN area.
You can do the same thing with mlbtv. Fewer commercials. graphical displays ... great stats plus a "scout" giving you his observations. Not sure I trust the scout.
Does Davey pinch hit for Lannan? Looks like it.
Shark time! Common Bernie, get a big knock here!
Shark is going to feed on some Feelies.
Bucs' Starling Marte just homered. 2-1 Pirates. Bottom of the 5th.
Braves are getting nervous that the Nats refuse to win a game and end this thing....
Now McCutcheon has doubled to the deepest part of the park. Maholm is now officially hittable. Come on Bucs, bring it home for us. As FP and Carp said, no such thing as backing in.
Need hit Werth
Thanks. It is a shame that you can't pick a package of 2 or 3 teams, but that must not be profit-maximizing.
4 innings is an eternity unless Wang comes in to pitch....
I guess TB has been eliminated. They have the best run differential in the AL, or they did until the Red Sox laid down tonight.
1 through 4 is 0 for 9 so far...
Let go guys, got do better then this.
My extra inning package was $179For season. have had it 6 seasons now.
MLBTV is around $100 for the entire season. You get an iPhone app to watch games on those devices away from home.
It's a shame we are scoreboard watching and trying to back in. I feel so cheap..
The Barves must smell it ... Thursday playoff. They might be better off losing to the Nats so that they don't have to waste Medlen on that game.
You can get MLB.TV pretty cheap for the rest of the year, but it doesn't let you watch your home team. Good if you travel a lot though, and for watching the team you are battling for the division. I've heard enough of the obnoxious Braves announcers to last a lifetime.
SWM, I'll do cheap at this point...
Why did Erth stand with not swinging. We needed the run. Did het temporarily brain locked. Right over the middle low.
most of our hitters are topping the ball exactly what Kendricks wants. So swing in the middle or bottom of the ball.
Ah spoke too soon ... looks like gameday's server is really pegged fro this game ... can't get it back ... but mlbtv is up.
Nice stirrups!
mlbtv is always in HD. If you subscribe to milbtv you even get some of those games in HD. Surprisingly.
Gameday server pegged with tons of DC and ATL fans I imagine.
The Indians running the mlb site must be going crazy right now.
The Braves have no desire to win a meaningless NL East Pennant. Nats fans will claim a co-championship regardless. I honestly don't care that much whether we win again in the regular season but I would love to see Harper hit 3 homers.
The trick is to get the the Phillies bullpen before we get to their backend. Might already be too late.
Gio on for win #22. Let's hope.
Harper hits venter of ball like I asked
Doubles are good, too.... Does anyone still think Harper needs to go back down to the minors? I know that was more of a July thread, but still....
I am not sure you can say backend on a family blog....
The Kid does it again!
I have never, ever seen anyone who plays like this guy.
Luv the crowd. Luv the excitement. Now lets deliver for the fans.
Is it just me, or is that #34 kid pretty impressive?
We need a hit LaRoche. Zim needed a lttle less height
The Braves have no desire to win a meaningless NL East Pennant.
To avoid the 1 game wildcard playoff? Sure they do. But now, to do that they will still have to play a 1 game winner take all contest.
So, I guess you are right.
The only real advantage is making the Nats do the same wasting Gio.
Not even Harper can score on that....
Yuck. Big guns suck tonight. What a dissappointment
Damn it. no top a ball instead a cheap pop up. what was that all about?
Somebody tell me why it was possible to steal home in the past but now is rarely attempted. I am not talking about delayed steals like Harper had earlier against the Phils....
Hoping Joel Hanrahan can help his old team tonight.
Morse too away some fan fun by changing his walk up music? What's up wit that Mikey? Bad karma don't you think?
Baseball, unlike football and basketball, does essentially nothing to make the regular season matter. It is more like hockey, where the play-offs are mostly luck.
Funny how we smacked the hell out of this guy just last week....
What was that all about? I think I might have hit that one, Morse. Phillies seem to care at least a little here.
If anybody thought that the Phillies will make this easy, well...
That's the heart of our order right now?
Maybe Davey needs to get tossed or something. Get some life into this flat team.
Hoping Joel Hanrahan can help his old team tonight.
You don't mean GasCanRahan do you? There are number of Nats fans who don't deserve that.
If the Nats need another starter for the playoffs I would think they'd consider Stammen. Let Duke be the long relief guy. But Stammen hasn't started at all this season after doing it most of last year in Syracuse.
This team is in no way ready for the post season. Deer in the headlights right now. Only guy with any moxey is 19 years old.
Hmmm... could Stammen get a look for the starting rotation next year? Seriously good pitching from him these days.
As Davey would say, Stayman is on fire. No doubt about it.
Laroche, morse and zimm shouldn't take a pay check tonight.
Someone just emailed me that the Nats can change their rosters each round of the play-offs. Is that true?
Thats how you deal with pressure, they should all learn from stammen.
Harper and RG3
Hmmm... could Stammen get a look for the starting rotation next year? Seriously good pitching from him these days.
Seems unlikely. The Nats are a rich team in starting pitching ... that just might go out and get someone like David Price, another lefty. Eschewing Jackson.
BUT, this year the Nats have been extremely luck injury wise as far as the starting rotation. Next year the baseball gods might rebalance things. In that case Stammen might get the call.
No, the Nats would just put Wang into the spot of the injured guy....
Secret - these are the games that prepare a young team for the playoffs.
I'm glad they left Kendrick in - he's due to throw a few batting practice balls.
Someone just emailed me that the Nats can change their rosters each round of the play-offs. Is that true?
Including the 1 game wildcard. Yes.
However, my understanding is that they must indicate what their extended roster in addition to the 25 man they plan on using. But I could be wrong the rules have changed this season.
This is all Lannan's fault. I can't believe he gave up runs.
Pull the tarp, put on black and gold, and root like hell for the pirates.
The Lerners are like, damn Braves! They are screwing up the last two games of our home stand....
I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?
Twive man on third and we take a called third strike to end the iining.
Also all night we top the ball. When we need LaRoche pops to second. Why not top it then?
I firmly believe the offense will get better and become more consistent as the current youth get more experience ... and Rendon arrives. He could be another impact, high OBP hitter with power. Plus if Ramos can come back and play in at least 80 games he adds quite a bit of potential power to the lineup.
Hey, NJ, cut him a break.
He's made maybe 1/3 the comments since first pitch--every one can't be a gem.
I know he swings hard, but something tells me Espinosa is pressing too much to get to 20/20 to match his DP partner.
Not to mention, half of them are tongue in cheek--I really think Saturday night was the clincher, so that is why I am not nervous.
Mattheus stinks - can't even strike out the side! ;-)
William O. Douglas Loeffler said,
"I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?"
'71 Pirates had Roberto Clemente. The '79 Pirates had the Cobra, Mad Dog,and a couple of dope dealers.
Pirates will have at least a 2-1 lead going into the 9th
I guess Sanguillen was gone by then, too. I always liked Steve Blass and Briles in 1971, and I hated the 79' disco and retro hats--and I usually like retro, but those were dopey.
Both beat superior O's teams--baseball is not kind in the post-season, just ask the 1954 Indians, who went 111-43 in the regular season and with fellow losers the 1969 and 1971, O's had the best pitching staff ever and were built for the post-season, lol, but lost 4 games straight.
Pitcher looks nervous with Harper at the plate...
Mala suerte....
Here comes Joel Hanrahan.
Lots of chances no heros.
Zim your killing me.
I think that if Ryan could re-do that play, he would do everything the same but maybe hit it a couple of feet shorter.... It was probably just a lack of concentration on his part....
I love the 1971 Pirates, but I always disliked the 1979 Pirates. Does that make any sense?
From this childhood Bucs fan, the answer is:
No. :-)
Here we go in western PA. Ex nat coming in.
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