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Associated Press photo Edwin Jackson starts Game 3 of the NLDS tomorrow afternoon. |
But on Wednesday Jackson will face his toughest test yet: Put the Nationals in position to win a pivotal Game 3 after two games where their starting pitching all of a sudden wasn't sharp. A strong start from Jackson could set the tone and sway the momentum of the series back in Washington's direction. It's a place he has been before and hopes to draw from the experience.
"The thing about postseason baseball is, the game can speed up real quick," he said. "You have to kind of control the pace and control the tempo. And having experience in that, it definitely helps when you get in those situations, being able to slow the game down and kind of take the crowd out of the equation and just think about concentrating on what you have to do."
Jackson has pitched in seven postseason games in his career, including twice in the World Series. Wednesday might not be an elimination game, but Jackson understands what is at stake for the young Nationals. Most of his teammates have never been in the playoffs, much less had to battle from behind in a series.
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21 comments:
Let's go EJax, show us how it's done! GYFNG!!!
We got Edwin EXACTLY for this moment. I am sending vibes for him to be a break out leader for this team, on the mound and swinging the bat for us. Bring it Edwin!
GYFNG!
Points for a good start from EJax:
Pitching on six days rest, NOT the eight days rest that likely at least contributed to throwing Gio and JZimm off.
2012 home ERA: 3.35 Away ERA: 4.78
2012 home BAA: .231 Away BAA: .255
2012 home WIP: 1.11 Away WIP 1.34
These two splits even better for Det for Game 4:
2012 Home W-L:8-2 Away W-L: 2-6
2012 Home ERA: 2.59 Away ERA: 4.38
(BAA and WIP not significantly different, which suggests that he gives up a lot more XBHs on the road.)
So if these two pitch well in games 3 and 4 consistent with these splits, we may have been extremely lucky to have had Games 3 and 4 at home and not on the road.
But if we get into the NLCS, we'd better win games 1 and 2 at home, because these are our game 3 and 4 starters on the road. Although if we do get into the NLCS it will clearly be against the Reds, and EJax did pitch at least OK against them in Cincy on May 13: 5 IP, 5H, 3R, 0BB, 4K -- though he did give up TWO solo dingers to Mr. Votto. Game lost on Harp's lost ball in the fog and Votto's GS vs. HRod, not EJax's pitching.)
Meant WHIP not WIP!
You can do this Edwin!!!!!!!
If Edwin doesn't do well, we will end up with an E-Ject! Now, back to my bunny hole.
I love this guy, and I love this quote:
"The thing about postseason baseball is, the game can speed up real quick," he said. "You have to kind of control the pace and control the tempo. And having experience in that, it definitely helps when you get in those situations, being able to slow the game down and kind of take the crowd out of the equation and just think about concentrating on what you have to do."
Don't worry for a second about the crowd, EJax. We are ALL in your corner. You're a big-game guy, and this is a big-game situation. He's going to do fine. We'll take care of the crowd noise, don't you worry about that.
Soaking the throat with herbal tea and lemon tonight.
I liken EJax to Trent Dilfer, a "game manager" on the pitching staff. If he can get us to the seventh inning without giving up more than four runs, we've got Game 3.
Hoping our bats can return the favor tomorrow.
Regarding the Section 312 meet-up for our imaginary friends at noonish Wednesday, Post of the Day candidate goes to Feel Wood for this gem:
Feel Wood said...
Just pick the most dysfunctional looking family and you'll have no problems.
October 09, 2012 5:19 PM
I'll be the most dysfunctional-looking tall guy with a straw hat, the one with the bottle of Maalox hanging out of his back pocket. Y'all can try and sneak in the bourbon...
Steady, on the rotation for NLCS, that depends on whether this NLDS goes 4 or 5 games. If it goes 5, Gio won't be able to start again until Game 3 of the NLCS on the following Wednesday. E-Jax is probably your Game 2 starter on regular rest. If we can take this series in 4 games, Davey can go back to the NLDS rotation if he wants.
No matter how you look at its a learning experience ... and looking down into the minors sure looks to me like more help is on the way ... as Davey likes to say, "I'm not worried."
I will be in my Desmond Shirsey or possibly the Werth Jersey
222- You're right, Davey could put EJax earlier in the rotation if he wanted to -- and remembering how EJax's best game of the season was against the Reds here at home, he may want to in the case you described.
Equally, JZimm was lights out in his Cincy start, so there's that. But we can't avoid a Det road start. (Though if he can shut down Votto and Bruc as he can FO with good LH hitters, a loss may not be a foregone conclusion,)
But let's get there first!
By the way, are the Gianta a pathetic-hitting team or what?
2 R 7H in a 5-2 game 1 loss, 0 R 2H against Bronson freakin' Areoyo, and now they're tied 1-1 after 5.
Homer Bailey is no-hitting them.
Hey, MicheleS, we've got to pool our jinx power for the Nats tomorrow. Five minutes and three batters after I wrote my last post, Scutaro got the Giants' first hit!
Eddie.. supposedly the Nats upgraded the WiFi service (no one could use the Delivery to your seat food service b/c reception was soo bad). I will have the phone for just that purpose, plus extra phone batteries.
Wait, you guys are going to jinx E-Jax's no-no? Please don't. :)
No jinxing. Go, Edwin! Go, NATS!!
I will have my not-so-smart phone today, as always, so will not be posting once we've left for the game (which I hope will be before 11).
I am just watching this "Catitude" kitten camera (note bedraggled cardinal): http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/exclusive-drop-everything-and-watch-this-live-kit
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