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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The postseason comes to Washington at last this afternoon.
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About three hours from now, the postseason returns to Washington, with Edwin Jackson delivering the first pitch of Game 3 of the National League Division Series to Jon Jay as a sellout crowd on South Capitol Street roars with approval. It's an event so many people in this town have looked forward to experiencing for so long, but the mood will be dampened significantly if the Nationals don't emerge victorious.
How important is the outcome of this game? Well, there have been 39 five-game series in baseball history that were tied 1-1. The team that won Game 3 proceeded to win the series 30 times, losing only nine times. So, there you go.
Be sure to get here early for the pregame festivities, which include the full introductions of both teams, plus Frank Robinson throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. And for those not fortunate enough to be able to attend in person, you of course can get plenty of updates and analysis right here...
NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES - GAME 3
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:07 p.m. EDT
TV: MLB Network
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), WTEM (980 AM), XM 183
Weather: Sunny, 66 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to CF
NATIONALS
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Edwin Jackson
CARDINALS
CF Jon Jay
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
2B Daniel Descalso
SS Pete Kozma
RHP Chris Carpenter
UMPIRES
HP Joe West (cc)
1B Jim Joyce
2B Alfonso Marquez
3B Ed Hickox
LF Paul Emmel
RF Marvin Hudson
1:00 p.m. -- Just about ready to get this one started after a rousing pregame ceremony. Seriously, the Nats entertainment folks have been known to go overboard with some of their schtick over the years, but they did this one right. Great ovations for players, Davey Johnson and especially Frank Robinson, who strolled to the mound wearing a No. 20 Nats jersey and threw a ceremonial strike to Ian Desmond (also wearing No. 20). After a military national anthem, four F-16s buzzed over the stadium. Great stuff all around. Now, all that's left to do is ... play ball.
1:10 p.m. -- We are officially underway on a spectacular, 64-degree Wednesday afternoon in the nation's capital. Edwin Jackson starts of Jon Jay with a fastball outside for ball one.
1:16 p.m. -- And Jackson's first-inning troubles strike again. He looked sharp in getting two quick outs to start the game, but then served up a base hit to Matt Holliday and then a double down the left-field line to Allen Craig. With Michael Morse slow to retrieve the ball in the corner, Holliday scored easily, not even drawing a throw. Just like that, the Nats trail 1-0 as they come to the plate.
1:34 p.m. -- I think it's safe to say we've got a playoff atmosphere here today. Wow. Fans are into every single pitch like I've never seen in this town before. They really wanted to explode in the bottom of the first, but the Nats couldn't quite give them reason to do it. Jayson Werth led off with a single, and then Bryce Harper (sans batting gloves but wearing red-tinted contact lenses to combat the Sun Monster) drove one to the warning track in right for a very loud out. After Ryan Zimmerman reached on an error, the table was set. But neither Adam LaRoche (fielder's choice) or Michael Morse (strikeout) could complete the rally. One positive, though: The Nats made Chris Carpenter throw 25 pitches in the inning, which is significant for a guy who only made three starts at the end of the season.
1:46 p.m. -- Uh-oh. The second inning comes back to bite the Nats again. Just as Jordan Zimmermann did in Game 2, Jackson gives up hits to the first four batters he faced in the inning, the biggest blow Pete Kozma's three-run homer to left on a first-pitch fastball that tailed back over the lower, inside corner of the plate. It's 4-0 already, and now all that playoff energy in the stands through the first part of this game has been replaced by some major nerves.
1:59 p.m. -- Carpenter gets out of the bottom of the second inning after allowing a single to Desmond. Espinosa bunted him over to second and was called out at first on a close call by Jim Joyce (remember him?). Replay showed Espinosa was probably safe and the crowd let Joyce hear all about it. Carpenter retired Suzuki and Jackson to end the inning having thrown 15 pitches. He is at 40 through two.
2:09 p.m. -- Matt Holliday got on in the top of the third with his second hit of the day to lead off. Jackson was then able to strike out Craig and get Molina to ground into a double play. Jackson has only thrown 39 pitches through three, but has allowed seven total hits. Top of the order up next for the Nats.
2:23 p.m. -- Jackson retired the Cardinals in order in the top of the fourth. He began by striking out Freese, then got Descalso to fly out to deep right, then walked away after striking out Kozma. 53 pitches through four for Jackson. Oh, and the Presidents Race featured a "Gangnam Style" dance in the middle of it.
2:34 p.m. -- Desmond hit a one out double to right-center field, but the Nats again stranded a runner after Espinosa and Suzuki flew out. The Nats are now 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position today and 3-for-22 in the series. Still 4-0 Cardinals as we move to the top of the fifth inning.
2:46 p.m. -- (Chase here taking over for Mark) Jackson got out of the fifth after allowing a leadoff double to Carpenter. The Cardinals pitcher crushed a double off the left field wall and missed the home run by inches. Carpenter was then moved to third on a bunt by Jay. Beltran got on with a walk, but Jackson was able to work his way out of it with a fielder's choice to get Beltran out and a strikeout of Craig.
3:01 p.m. -- The Nationals loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, but once again left with nothing to show for it. Werth walked with one out and was joined by Zimmerman who hit a two-out single. LaRoche then walked to load the bases for Michael Morse. Morse got behind in the count and then popped out to right field. 4-0 Cardinals as Craig Stammen comes in for Jackson to start the sixth.
3:15 p.m. -- The Cardinals got another one across after an eventful inning for Stammen. The Nats' reliever began the inning by plunking Molina. Freese then doubled off the scoreboard in right-center and Molina was knocked in on a sacrifice fly by Descalso. Now 5-0 Cardinals as Desmond leads off for Washington.
3:31 p.m. -- At this point I should just copy and paste. Once again the Nationals get runners on and leave them stranded. This time Desmond led off with a single and was joined on base by Lombardozzi who pinch-hit for Stammen. Werth came up with two outs and worked the count before popping out to Craig the first baseman. 5-0 Cardinals with Christian Garcia in to pitch the top of the seventh.
3:48 p.m. -- Now 6-0 Nats as Garcia walked a batter home in the top of the seventh. The inning started with back-to-back singles by Jay and Beltran. Craig was intentionally with runners on second and third before Molina was walked to score Jay. Harper gets things started for Washington.
4:17 p.m. -- After a three up, three down inning by the Nats offense, the Cardinals bats once again got going. Jay singled off Garcia before Beltran hit a ground-rule double to put two men in scoring position. A Holliday single in the next at-bat scored both base runners and St. Louis now goes into the eight up 8-0. A Nats Park record crowd of 45,017 hasn't had much to cheer for this afternoon.
4:25 p.m. -- Nats are once again retired in order as Morse flew out at the wall, Desmond flew out to shallow right field, and Espinosa struck out once again. Drew Storen will come in for the ninth.
4:33 p.m. -- Storen sets them down with no action from the Cardinals' lineup. Suzuki starts the bottom of the eighth as the Nats face an eight-run deficit.
4:42 p.m. -- Score stays at 8-0 as the Nats go down in the ninth. Werth walked with two outs, but Harper flew out right to Jay in center field to put this one in the books. Nats now face an elimination Game 4 tomorrow.
206 comments:
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Cant believe the day is here. I will be in some red today. Also, I guess with this 1:00pm start time, the Learners are determined not to pay Metro to stay open late, lol. Seriously, lets make this place go crazy today. GYFNG!!!!!
John C. said...
Geaux Nats! Will be heading to the park at 11:30 (I work in walking distance). Will be rocking Section 311, hoping to join in many NATS cheers today :)
October 10, 2012 9:49 AM
_____________________________
Geaux Nats from a Ragin Cajun!
Terpman, you know MLB sets the game time, under orders from the TV networks, right?
Det says his routine the day before a game he's scheduled to start is to eat continuously throughout the day. No mention of donuts!
Ikimashoo Natsu! Let's Go (boys of) Summer!
I'll be there in 402, Row K with my wife daughter and mother. Unfortunately my father is too ill to attend today, but we'll be rooting for him as well. I imagine with the massive crowd it'll be a bit more difficult for folks to come by and say hi, but I'd rather have it like this than the days where all the fans could sit in one section :) We will definitely be decked out in our red!!
I MADE IT! Only took an hour!
GYFNG! GO EJAX! GO BATS!
Totally jacked!!!!!!!
Go Nats! Lets take another step today.
I can't wait! I'm sitting at work watching minutes tick by until I can leave for the stadium.
GYFPNG!!!!!!!!!! (P is for postseason, you know!!!!)
How important is the outcome of this game? Well, there have been 39 five-game series in baseball history that were tied 1-1. The team that won Game 3 proceeded to win the series 30 times, losing only nine times. So, there you go.
Here's another sobering statistic I heard on the radio this morning. Edwin Jackson has made 31 starts for the Nats this year. Their record in those games is 12-19. Think about that. The team won 98 games and lost 64. 30% of their losses came with Jackson on the bump, and only 12% of their victories. He really needs to prove that he's a different pitcher in the postseason than he is in the regular season.
Section 222 said...
Det says his routine the day before a game he's scheduled to start is to eat continuously throughout the day.
Then clearly his routine the night before his starts must be refunding.
Go, EDWIN! Go, NATS BATS!!
Hope to leave in half an hour, or as soon as my hubby gets home. Also, carrying forward for JaneB.
JaneB said...
I've already packed the car. Made a sign. Planned what I'm wearing.
Imaginary Friends coming to the game! Let's meet each other and say hey up behind section 312 tomorrow! We'll be there at least an hour before the game, but I know many will leave for our seats FOR PLAY OFF BASEBALL by about 20 before 1:00. Free Maalox for all who show up. You're on your own for the bourbon. Though I'm hoping you won't need any.
October 09, 2012 9:03 PM
Here's a stat for you, I have a .750 winning percentage in games attended with my hubby this season. :-)
(Yeah, small sample size. What-ever. :-))
Feel Wood, I'm more in favor of non-sobering stats.
Let's hope to-day's statistics lead to some champagne tomorrow!!!
I'm so nervous and stoked...don't think I needed those 2 cups of extra caffeinated coffee this morning...
Still 2+ hours to first pitch...Let's go Nats!!
Me, too, on the nervous and on the second cup of coffee. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Uh, no pun intended. Heh.
A large part of the reason that the Nats went 12-19 in Jackson's starts is that they give him the lowest amount of run support of all their starters, by far. The Nats gave Jackson only 3.94 runs of support per start. They gave Detwiler 4.11 runs per game, which is a bigger gap than it sounds like when you remember that Jackson handles a bat and the basepaths much better than Det and also pitches deeper into games. The other starters got 4.39 (Strasburg), 4.91 (Zimmermann), and 5.36 (Gio).
The W-L record in Jackson's starts is more on the team's performance at the plate those days than on Jackson. If they hit the way they normally hit at home today you can throw that statistic out the window.
GO TEDDY. NATS NATS NATS! World Series bound! #4DCBro'!
Adding to bowdenball's point, EJax has substantially better splits on W-L, ERA, BAA, and WHIP at home than away, as I posted yesterday (and Det's are better still for both W-L and ERA).
So home EJax is more frequently Good EJax, and our run support has increased sharply post-ASG.
GYFNG!
you guys at game - or even in front of a tv - have a great time. i am seldom this jealous of anyone.
time for gameday and charlie and dave - and teaching a class that starts at 4.
maybe a short game so i can hear the final fireworks?
gyfng
On metro with 1,000s of my closest friends.
There's always another relevant statistic.
You can look at EJax's meltdown in St. Louis in late September, and you can look at his 8 IP 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 10K domination of the Cards in late August here in Nats Park where he's pitching today.
And we'll see what happens shortly.
GO NATS!!! I've been waiting since we finished second in the AL in 1945. Let's get back to playing like you did from April thru early September. Beat the Cards!
GYFNG
Beautiful day. See some of you soon!
There have been 39 five-game series in baseball history that were tied 1-1. The team that won Game 3 proceeded to win the series 30 times, losing only nine times.
Which is about what you'd expect if they were flipping a coin, come to think of it. Which is not to gainsay the importance of winning game 3.
WYFNW!
Bueller?....... Bueller?.......Bueller?
A righteous dude.
Heh. Just did the math, and Section 3 is exactly right. A coin flip results in the winner of game 3 winning 75% of the time.
Whatever. Let's win this game.
Stats, stats, stats, ... Only this one matters ... The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins 100% of the time. The Nats did that more than any other team in baseball this year.
Feel Wood
I hope the "good" EJax shows up today too, and from inning #1 (which isn't always the case with him).
But those W-L numbers you cite aren't really a fair reflection of his performance in many of those starts.
To use a stricter standard for a quality start: EJax started 15 games this season in which he pitched at least 6 inn and gave up no more than 2 ER. JZimm had 20 starts that meet the same criteria. Their comparative records in those starts:
EJax: 7-4 (4 ND)
JZim: 12-2 (6 ND)
EJax: ERA at home: 3.35
More important stat, relating to FeelWood's comment:
EJax overall this season, when the Nats score three or more runs -- has a record of 10-2.
(EJax's poor record, as noted above, is because the Nats score zero-to-two runs _nine_ times when he pitched).
(Scary stat: his ERA is close to 7 for the first inning)
How important is the outcome of this game? Well, there have been 39 five-game series in baseball history that were tied 1-1. The team that won Game 3 proceeded to win the series 30 times, losing only nine times. So, there you go.
This is consistent with the Nats record in 3 game series that I noted yesterday. Yes, this is a very big game starting in less than 2 hours.
I work about a mile away . . . I'm leaving now! See you at the pre-game-meet soon!
Pregame discussion topic: Which is the more pathetic individual, the guy wearing the customized replica Matt Stairs Nationals jersey or the guy wearing the customized replica Manny Acta jersey?
First playoff game ...
Matt stairs by far.....and i was really hoping to see a change at 2b...i think we all know how danny is going to do vs a guy with such a good breaking ball.
Basically EJax was paid 11 million to be here today as the plug-in replacement for Stras after he was shutdown.
The real scary is the fact that he dropped Boras as an agent, the guy who got him that 1 year deal to do that.
I still wonder about that.
i think we all know how danny is going to do vs a guy with such a good breaking ball.
Oh well, at least he is a gold glove fielder unlike Adam Dunn ... and he's young and still learning. Rome wasn't built in a day dude.
I don't think I'm gonna watch. My opinion of Jackson has been stated on numerous occasions. I think being proved right would be too painful to watch. I think I'd rather look up at 4:15 and be pleasantly surprised that, this time, I was wrong. Maybe the Nats will win 16-15. That seems the most reasonable thing to hope for.
I agree peric, he will be better. Hopefully he makes the Ian Desmind jump...side note-looks like a lady had a red rally towel with natitude on it. I hope they are giving them out and we see them flying!!!
Wow, all these classic playoff videos bring chills....hopefully nats will have one of these....
Good news: hes keeping the ball low.
Bad news: i dont know if we can hit......
You always wonder, is it the good Edwin or the bad Edwin... c'mon buddy, no more two out runs
Get it back and more
I never want to hear again this is not a baseball town.
I can not describe how great the crowd appears on TV.
Amazing for a bunch of bureaucrats.
C'mon boys stop gagging with RISP. Play like the best team in baseball. You haven't yet this series.
on the bright side, I think I just saved bunch of money on playoff tickets.
When Edwin is bad he is really bad. It's one thing to give up a double to Freese but Pete Kosma for cripes sake?
Jim Kaat is already into his Steven Strasburg shtick -- and we've already had that supremely irritating Washington Area Hyundai commercial. Oh, also, Jackson can't throw the ball where he wants to.
Nats may as well learn now who is ready for prime time and who is not and Ejax is simply not and it would be a blessing if this was his final game as a Nat.
LaRoche and Morse at bats really very bad
Faraz Shaikh said...
on the bright side, I think I just saved bunch of money on playoff tickets.
I have tickets for tomorrow and I almost went today, I was trying to be positive about Ejax, I really was and deep down I knew he would let this team down, but, not much Davey can really do about it. I just want the heart of the batting order to play like they have all year.
thanks a lot ump, Cards do not need any help
wait, fans are shouting Strasburg?
Jim Joyce..... clown umpire and needs to retire, I thought MLB got rid of the garbage in post season
Brett Anderson had twenty days off before pitching his gem last night. Can't use layoff or inexperience as an excuse here for EJax.
you owe your team Ejax, big time!!
That's 2 sac bunts by Espi already in 3 games. This dude needs to learn how to swing a bat. Down by 4 we can't be giving outs away with Suzuki and Jackson to follow.
rogieshan said...
Brett Anderson had twenty days off before pitching his gem last night. Can't use layoff or inexperience as an excuse here for EJax.
BINGO... layoffs are BS in MLB period. In fact, they hurt a team by throwing them out of sync
OK everyone; deep breath. It's not over yet.
mick, i have 3 really expensive (by my budget) tickets for NLCS. the way this game is going I am trying to be positive about it.
JD, I know it isn't over but very nervous about this series.
Faraz Shaikh
I am going to remain positive, I am going tomorrow and we will tie it up at 2-2 a piece, Gio will dominate game 5... this game is DONE and we can thank Ejax... i think his performance (if you can call it that) effects the team today in a bad way. Det I bet pitches 6-7 innings and gives up maybe 1 run tomorrow.
but... if we cannot hit, all this not matter
What is up with the pitching!!!!!
Mick,
I know you are frustrated but Jim Joyce is a very good umpire; one of the best.
Its over. We need to replace some of these younger players with more experienced players in the off-season. The core position players should be Harper, Desmond, Bernadina, Moore, Lombardozzi, and Zimmerman (I include Zimm only because no one will eat his contract). Espinosa can't hit. The core pictching rotation should be Gio, Stras, Zim. Jackson is gone. Det is possible, but I would consider packaging him as a trade. Burnett and Clip should be gone for more power arms in the back-end of the rotation. The goal should be to raise the average age by 5 years and triple post-season experience. Experience matters.
Out here by the right field fair pole, the board says Edwin's ERA just dropped under 15.
Woo Hoo!
Mick,
This game is NOT done !!!
Faraz,
Me too. I said all along that St.Louis is the worst possible opponent to face. I wanted San Fran but there it is.
DJB. This team will be experienced next year. And a year older. So there you go.
Ugh. I'm at work and finally got a chance to check the score...very disappointed at such a bad start. The game isn't over though. Go Nats!!
Why does Harp get to 3-0 and not get on base!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The young teams - A's, Nats, and O's - are on the ropes. The old teams - Yankees, Cardinals, and Tigers - are doing well. I don't know how to characterize Cincinnati. You need age and experience. Go older.
Still think it is to early to concede.
I think we can hit Carpenter.
Yes next year we will be even better and experienced,
but we can still win now.
DJB
Actually; the reason we are 4 runs behind today is an experienced Edwin Jackson and poor hitting by an experienced Adam LaRoche.
How are O's on the ropes? Also Tigers are barely older than A's. Only reason Tigers are ahead right now is because of stupid system that had A's start on the road. Tigers should not even be in the playoffs. Only reason they made it was because of White Sox collapse (much tougher schedule than Tigers at the end).
Better older players. The Cards got rid of Jackson for a reason. LaRoche has always sniffed the playoffs but never been a regular. Pujols was past his prime when the Cards let him go, but they didn't replace his bat with a 19-year old. Experience just matters, and you can't develop it. You buy it.
where was that slider in the 2nd inning?
Cain, Bumgarner, Freese, Posey. Few names that were responsible for winning last two World Series. They were all playing first WS or not much experience, but did well.
This is very disappointing. Ejax is terrible. (despite what PERIC says) We lucked out in game 1. But this is 3 straight terible starts by our pitchers. We are totally overmatched by the Cardinals. This series is over. And I want to go cry.
Secret,
Great idea. Go ahead.
DJB sounds like you should become a yankee fan.
DJB,
Oh got you. We should just go out and sign Miguel Cabrrera and Ryan Braun. Right?
This sux
Secret wasian man said...
This is very disappointing. Ejax is terrible. (despite what PERIC says) We lucked out in game 1. But this is 3 straight terrible starts by our pitchers. We are totally overmatched by the Cardinals. This series is over. And I want to go cry.
I don't here a fat lady singing just yet. Keep the faith, we're still have a few inning in this game and two more after that.
Go Nats, Just Win Baby!
Wow did that just happen
The freaking pitcher hits a double!!!! That's says it all!!!
I think E-Jax is playing his way off this team for next year...
We had a chance at Pujols or Fielder, but went young. I'm not a Yankee fan, but just realistic. You don't build baseball rosters like basketball rosters. You need age and experience.
How about 15 throw overs to 3rd!
Manny Ramirez for OF next year then?
Good job E-Jax! That may have saved it (if we hit)
Wow, a lot of negativity on here considering our club went from one of the worst in baseball two seasons ago to the best record in the majors, an NL East title, and a 1-1 tie in the series so far...
3 innings in a row where the Cards have not scored!!!
Uh oh! Bullpen gets the call!
'We had a chance at Pujols or Fielder, but went young'.
Really?
The man playing the position for us where these 2 would have fit in is at least as old and experienced as they are and oh by the way his production was better than theirs for the year.
JD...I agree with you. ALR was also better on defense.
Guess the Reds are glad the Nats took the first seed.
DJB,
When you build a team and that team wins 98 games (best in the majors) criticizing this effort is just plain asinine and stems from a predisposition to criticize no matter what.
What happens in a short series cannot undo all the positives of the season.
And BTW we are still very much in this thing.
umbo you can't blame people for being dissappointed on this teams biggest stage so far we have seen a team that has laid a goose egg. Stars need to play like stars and that is not happening right now for the home team. Lets hope it changes soon.
rogieshan, yeah Reds will skip NLCS and advance directly to WS, without having to face Cardinals if they win this series.
Completely off topic....when do they announce all the awards for the season?
Love that werth hussle.
ALR please deliver some of that production!!!
Faraz, I like my odds better in a best-out-of-seven.
Kirbs, I believe 2-3 weeks after WS.
Come on mikey! Hell of an AB by ALR.
Beast time
The good news about all this is that I truly believe that we can win two in a row at home.
How many stranded now?
Glad Mark is in the stands. It's about time we get some runs!!!
We had a chance at Pujols or Fielder, but went young. I'm not a Yankee fan, but just realistic. You don't build baseball rosters like basketball rosters. You need age and experience.
As usual, DJB, You don't know what you're talking about. You don't understand baseball at all. And as JD said, and I've pointed out before the Nats have a 32 going on 33 first basemen who has playoff experience. He also had stats that were comparable or better than the two you mentioned.
Bandwagon fans.
Our offense has been seriously impotent in the post season. Very sad to watch the opposite of clutch. Not legion of doom, love these guys for this season, but they don 't look like that team that won 98 games. Why Stammen every day? Hasn't been very effective..
Dang Morse you had a chance to really change this game.
Nats in the clutch are gagging it up worse that the SP are gagging the early innings. OK, its about the same.
Our offense has been seriously impotent in the post season.
Its swung back and forth all year long as opposing teams' pitching staffs adjusted to the lineups. Offense has been inconsistent.
Right now they've adjusted to the Werth / Harper duo.
Davey's going right-handed as much as he can in this series. Thus Stammen
Time for Gorzelanny.
The national stage may just be too much for the Nats right now. Still my boys, tho....
Morse, meet Dave Winfield, although I am sure Morse will get a hit when the game means nothing or nobody is on base and the team is down 6-0. The frustration that is setting in is that the Cards made post season by the Dodgers losing on the second last day of the season. Best record means NOTHING and I hope every Nats fan knows this now.
I will go tomorrow to say farewell to a great season as it will end tomorrow. Only Desi has shown me he is a future prime time star, the rest may be the Phillies of 1976 and 1977..... playoff losers in the first round, winning only 1 game in 2 years. I hope Davey's rigidness not playing Lombo (who earned the right to play in post season) over a guy who just can not hit left handed and when it counts will not get in the way next season.
what a disappointing finish to a great season, I just hope I see a competitive game tomorrow, although I now have my doubts.
Rally time.
Sj that is my fear, except for Desi, this gang may be the Caps when it comes to baseball
Sj - have to agree.going from never having a winning season to the post season seems to be causing whiplash. Their rise had been exponential-- a lot in a hurry. I would just like to see them play a really good game. Giant steps this year. Hate to see them go down weakly. Desi came to play!!!
If Desi did not get hurt in July, he would have hit 30 plus HR and exceeded 100 RBI.... terrific player... he deserves better
Everybody needs to rub dezis bat.
Desi...our only offense this series. Rest of the Nats should study his every move.
Nats need to win at least 1 at home, if they do not it will leave a very bitter taste.
Just a a million dollar bet with my wife that danny would strike out.........
so much for Matheny being a rookie coach, he is schooling Davey and his unwillingness to sit Espi and not play Lombo is a good example
Can i get me Lombo tomorrow PLEASE. This is not the time for dannys fellings.
You know , the people that start their posts with " Steve Lombardozzi will never be more than......" Really irritate me. What a good at bat . And he is a part time rookie. Just like Tyler on Sunday. Clutch.
Apparently, our pitching staff is regressing to the mean. It is hard to have much confidence in Detwiler tomorrow. I would rather see Lannan out there. Stammen can't get anybody out anymore. There is a huge difference between 4-0 and 5-0, but Stammen comes in and hits somebody again. I don't think experience has anything to do with it, just lack of common sense....
Terrible hitting, too.
7 runs in 3 games, just pathetic and 3 of them were meaningless garbage time runs....
True that the pitching had been leaky. But the offense ? No situational hitting. And maybe small ball just every once in a while just to get the offense goin?
Starting pitching: Awful
NO Hitting, except Desmond
No Clutch, except Moore
Bullpen: meh
Though to win againgst World Champion
No experience on this team.
Game is going way too fast for them. Now they know what it's like.
Davey needs to pull Detwiler in the first inning, if he gets into any trouble at all. Jackson should have been yanked as soon as someone got on in the 2nd inning. We just can't have any more faith in these guys this year. They either produce in the early innings or they need to be yanked. The bullpen has 6 months to rest.
Moore had a good at bat, but that was hardly clutch. It was a weak blooper, not a drive off the wall. LaRoche and Harper are not doing well. Zimmerman and Desmond are the only ones doing much.
Watch the professional hitters. That's how it's done. Productive out.
7-0.
I'm a Nats fan, but I disagree with Rizzo's strategy. The Cards, though they created the farm system, don't rely on it anymore. You buy the best players in their prime. If we can't hang with the big boys, then just accept post-season futility. This team is not built for October. It's a simple fact. It's built to get butts in the seats during regular season so we can get a better cut of the MASN deal. A fine strategy that will only work so long. The Yankees have won 27 championships, and the Cards 11, buying players to complement a youthful core. Ask any Red Sox fan.
I know the Cards are a storied franchise and defending champs but the bias by the announcers is hardly masked at all.
There is no such thing as built for October. If you believe that, you are about the only one. Baseball Prospectus had a stat a couple of years ago and they discontinued it. What works in the regular season, works in the post-season, you just don't have a large enough sample size.
No one has ever been able to identify any post-season factors of success that differ from the regular season.
That was good strategy.
Not.
Gio Gonzalez must be the greatest pitcher in all of baseball since he held these guys to only 2 runs in 5 innings. We have given up 18 runs in 2 games and this game is not over.... Yikes!
I'm a Nats fan, but I disagree with Rizzo's strategy. The Cards, though they created the farm system, don't rely on it anymore. You buy the best players in their prime. If we can't hang with the big boys, then just accept post-season futility. This team is not built for October.
The Cards definitely rely on their farm system. Where did Pujols come from?
Sheesh someone still doesn't know what he is talking about.
We might as well shoot for a 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates thing and let the Cards get 10 in this game. This game is officially over.
We have two reliable pitchers, Gio and Storen. It is hard to believe how fast our pitching imploded.
Pitching, where the Nats have been the most consistent and, at times, dominant attribute this season just has not been there for this series ...
At least in the first and third games.
Who cares if he fanned the side? He gave up a run.
This is nothing but a game. I think the hitters are the problem to be honest.
I didn't think that losing Strasburg would matter this much, but who knew that Zimmerman, Jackson and Detwiler were all going to implode at once. Johnson made a huge error not keeping Lannan. Lannan might not be a world-beater but he doesn't give up rules like Jackson and Detwiler and Zimmerman have lately.
Can't understand why we didn't use Mattheus. He has been more effective. No use waiting for the inning that is his role if the game has to be held at four instead of six.
Seriously, we need to do what Metheny did on Monday. Detwiler should get no leeway at all.
This team was never the same after Rizzo shut down Strasburg. What we are seeing should not be a surprise to anyone.
As I said before the series, we don't want any part of the Cards. They are a veteran ball club who are peaking at the right time. They bludgeoned us 2 weeks ago. They have pummeled us the last two days, and will pummel Detwiler tomorrow to put us out of our misery. Bottom line.....they are a better team.
And I don't wanna hear anything about Carpenter being a great post season pitcher. He had nothing today. He gave us cock-shots all day to hit at 91-93 with no movement. His curve was of high school nature. We should of knocked him out in 2 innings. But once again....we can't hit in the clutch
And don't even get me going on the Strasburg issue.
Still....it was a hell of a ride this year.
We bludgeoned them a month ago, but they do have a good run differential.
This game is over. Hard to see how we win this series. Time to start thinking about improving this team for next season:
1) need more hitters who grind at bats and strike out less - openings in CF and 1b for those types. maybe a change at 2b as well.
2) need a veteran pitcher for rotation who has a solid postseason record. No margin for error in these short series.
3) need another power arm in the bullpen and not Oh Henry.
I will say that this is a great example of babip. Washington has been very unlucky. We hit two homers and both were without runners on and both in a situation where they didn't matter....
We can win the series if we win the last two games. That is how. There is nothing particularly remarkably about winning two games in a row at home....
We seem to have really streaky hitters. All of a sudden, LaRoche and Harper are useless. Those two are losing the series, along with Espinosa.
Just when you think the Cards have no one else in their bull pen they roll out this guy throwing 100 mph with a nasty hook. Who are these guys?
Not seeing a whole lot of heart from this team right now. Maybe Edwin, being his horrible self early on, broke their spirit.
Really frustrating watching this performance.
After investing heart and sole for over 162 games and being the king of Legion of doom, I have nothing to offer. I have no sarcasm left. I have no negativity left. I'm not frustrated and I'm not angry. I am truly sad. I feel like I just got home from school and my mom told me my dog just died. I wanna cry. Truly I do.
Decisions have consequences. We all assumed that Zimmerman would keep pitching at a level close to Gio and Stras. That has been the difference.
Well, the post-season is random. Cleveland won 111 games and only lost 43 in 1954 and then lost the World Series in 4 straight.
Baltimore was 112-53 in 1969 and lost four straight to the Mets after winning game one.
Those great A's teams of the late 80's and early 90's lost World Series to inferior Reds' and Dodgers' teams....
Gio pitched an amazing game in game 1. No wonder he walked so many guys. It is better than getting pounded. We have two effective pitchers left on the team and yet, we kept Chad Tracy over Lannan....
We are not losing in this series. We are getting our. A---------- s kicked. I need a tissue. Someone please speak words of comfort to me.
Hey, San Fran got stomped at home and they didn't give up. You would barely notice if the Nats lost 2 lopsided games in the regular season. This isn't any different.
Its not over til its over.
1) need more hitters who grind at bats and strike out less - openings in CF and 1b for those types. maybe a change at 2b as well.
Harper and Werth in center and right field. No room at the inn there. Espinosa and Lombardozzi at second base. No room at the inn there.
2) need a veteran pitcher for rotation who has a solid postseason record. No margin for error in these short series.
All rotation pitchers now have post-season experience. Next year Stras is in for the entire season. Be nice to pick up the still young David Price on the left side though.
3) need another power arm in the bullpen and not Oh Henry.
Henry will be back. But they do need replacements for the left-handed side of the bullpen. Might be their biggest need going into the offseason. But, pitching on the right side seems more than adequately covered.
Only position needing replacement will likely be first base where LaRoche is a free agent seeking a multi-year deal. Morse / Moore step in until Rendon is ready and then Zimmerman will almost certainly move to first base to make room for Rendon at third.
Did someone say Matteus was effective?
27 pitches and lucky he only gave up 2 runs....
I hope we don't score. This thing needs to end quickly.
If somehow the Nats win the next two, what are the odds that Lannan is on the squad the next rount?
This is undoubtedly the worse Nats game of the year.
I'm glad this game wasn't played during prime time...what an embarrassing performance by our Nats.
Still my boys, tho.
It is ironic that in their first play-off game at home, the Nats look almost exactly like the Nats we cut our teeth on, from 2006-2009. Just terrible!
I wouldn't want Jackson back because of his terrible early innings. Why can't the guy warm up twice as long or something? Every time he loses, he gets hammered in the first two innings. Jackson lost this game in the first inning.
Espinosa=best strikeout macihine in MLB.
It would take a miracle of epic proportions to win this game. A few runs would be nice to make the boxscore respectable.
I just returned to my bunny hole from being out having fun. I saw the score, haven't seen a box score, and haven't read any of the posts. But, I'll bet we have right around 10 strike-outs. We need bats. Hopefully Rizzo will get some in the off-season. Put everyone on the block except Harper and Desmond and Moore. This year was a gift. Next year it's all the way. SS wouldn't have helped in this playoff. Not with a no clutch-hit-strikeout lineup.
Nah, I would rather lose 10-0. It makes the story better if somehow we win the next two. What has Det done against the Cards except for his last crummy outing?
Who are these guys! Where did they come from! These are NOT the Nats I've been watching all year! No pitching and No hitting in the same game, for really, three games in row!
Hope Davey saved some magic for moments like this.
Worst game of the year? Or was it Monday?
Peric -- Ideally wed get a leadoff CF and Harper and Werth man the corners while MM goes to first. No one can predict rendon's path -- kid hasnt even had significant milb ABs (133 and only 68 above A) and we are handing him a job? he seems brittle to me and we know that physical toll 3b has on guys.
Not sure how that void gets filled -- could be a FA or trade and maybe one of the pieces in a trade is a 2b.
on the rotation - yeah but I want a guy with success. Price would be great. James Shields too.
disagree on the pen. Burnett and Mgonzo are Ok. HRO too inconsistent. Need a 96-98 MPH fastball bridge to Storen. I like Garcia but a veteran presence there with some postseason success would be nice.
You kidding. This team's hitting approach is not built for October. The pithers choke - not built for October. If we were in the old playoff setup, we may have been o.k., but this team is certainly flawed. Rizzo should be fired.
Bottom line.....the Nats go as RZimm goes. I truly don't believe his shoulder is good. He gutted it out, but cortisone will only take you so far. He got his hits, but he really hasn't been driving the ball like a healthy Zim does.
This is a complete team effort to lose. Seems only 3 players came to play Desmond, Zimmerman and Storen. The rear appeared to mail it in. That is 20·4 in the last 2 games
I have been home since bottom of the 7th. Most batters look uninterested.
RZimm is not the centerpiece for a playoff team. You kidding. His career OPS is 830. Never should have gotten his deal.
"Rizzo should be fired" is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. He'll be winning executive of the year for sure. Yes, we've been absolutely dominated this series... but the games were lost on the field mostly by our starting pitching and our horrible offense.
Mattheus had been effective. Now, nobody is. This is just sad to watch. I am so proud of their season, but this is no way to go out.
got our ass whooped !
cant believed I skipped class
Rizzo should be fired. He decided to shut down Stras despite the harm to the clubhouse. This loss will have tremendous repercussions going forward into next season. They know they choke.
Have they started serious Stras talk? Seems JZim and EJax were setting up Rizzo to be critcized. Not good soldiers in this battle.
NatsJack,
You're kidding, of course.
Losing the opener of a 3 game home series would not be so worrisome if the Nats, after playing way over .500 ball for 5 straight months, had not become just a break-even team in the final month.
I would just like to repeat this-- what the Nats did this year was a miracle. I am proud if them. They got to the post season after never having a winning season. They don 't appear to have enough to go deeper. This year. Next year we have a full strassie season, espii more mature?, zim with a good shoulder, and lessons learned this year.
OK!!!!!!!!!!! ONLY 5 strikeouts! That's good. Desmond is ripping them a new one. That's good. But still no clutch hitting. Oh well. Maybe next year. Now I'm starting to sound like a Red Sox fan!!! But really, next year we'll be ok. Come on, admit it. This year was a fluke. A first place gift.
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