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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Ross Detwiler faces Adam Wainwright tonight at Nationals Park. |
Detwiler has been nothing short of fantastic through his first three starts of the year, posting a miniscule 0.90 ERA while pounding the strike zone with almost nothing but fastballs. It's been an effective formula for the lefty, who really has blossomed since late last season, perhaps his biggest start coming against the Cardinals in Game 4 of the NLDS.
The man who started Game 5 of that series for St. Louis, Adam Wainwright, is also on the mound tonight. Though the veteran right-hander has been strong so far in 2013, the Nationals have had considerable success against him. In four head-to-head encounters in 2012, the Nationals twice pounded Wainwright for six runs and knocked him out early.
Updates to come, so please check back...
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 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), XM 89
Weather: Clear, 62 degrees, Wind 5 mph in from CF
NATIONALS (10-9)
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
LF Bryce Harper
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
3B Anthony Rendon
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Ross Detwiler
CARDINALS (11-8)
CF Shane Robinson
1B Allen Craig
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
2B Matt Carpenter
SS Pete Kozma
RHP Adam Wainwright
UMPIRES
HP Cory Blaser
1B Jim Joyce (cc)
2B Jeff Nelson
3B Jim Wolf
7:07 p.m. — We are underway on a chilly, though very pleasant night here on South Capitol Street. Ross Detwiler starts off Shane Robinson with a fastball (what else?) and Robinson skies it to center field for an out.
7:12 p.m. — Solid top of the first for Detwiler. Though he surrendered a bloop single to Allen Craig, it came on a broken bat. As a matter of fact, Detwiler shattered two of the three bats he faced in the inning, getting Matt Holliday to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to end the frame. Good stuff from the left-hander early on.
7:22 p.m. — Man, talk about bad luck. Denard Span and Jayson Werth each hit the ball hard, only to be denied by fantastic defensive plays, Span by second baseman Matt Carpenter, Werth by left fielder Holliday. Bryce Harper did record a broken-bat single, but Adam LaRoche struck out, continuing his struggles and ending the first inning with no score.
7:30 p.m. — More great defense in the top of the second, this time from Danny Espinosa, who went way to his right to grab David Freese's hard grounder, then flipped backhanded straight from his glove to Ian Desmond to start a slick, 4-6-3 double play. Detwiler has put two men on base, but he's faced the minimum through two.
7:42 p.m. — Another inning, another double play turned by the Nats defense. This one was another doozy, with Kurt Suzuki firing to second base on Wainwright sac bunt attempt and starting off a rare, 2-6-4 twin-killing. The Nats were so stunned to have turned it, they didn't even leave the field. Hey guys, that's three outs. Still scoreless, though it's been a highly entertaining game so far.
8:02 p.m. — Finally a hiccup for Detwiler in the top of the fourth. And no double play to bail him out this time. The Cardinals strung together four straight hits to open the inning, with Allen Craig and Carlos Beltran each delivering RBI hits to right field. Perhaps they're starting to guess right on Detwiler's fastball-only philosophy? 2-0 Cardinals moving to the bottom of the fourth.
8:11 p.m. — So, it might help if the Nats, you know, scored every once in a while. They've yet to do so tonight and just struck out in succession against Wainwright in the bottom of the fourth. This lineup has now scored one run in its last 22 innings. That's not going to cut it. Still 2-0, heading to the fifth.
8:19 p.m. — OK, that's more like it. Another double play turned by the Nats defense. And this one was another doozy: 5-4-1 on a sac bunt by Wainwright. It ended with Kozma trying to go all the way from first to third, only to be denied as Detwiler made a very heads-up play to race over and cover third, applying the tag. So, if you're keeping track, that's four double plays by the Nats defense in five innings. Won't matter much, however, if they can't score themselves. Still 2-0.
8:24 p.m. — The Nats made Wainwright throw all of four pitches in the fifth inning. When you're struggling to score runs the way they are, you might want to make a guy work a bit harder than that.
8:54 p.m. — Big chance for the Nats in the bottom of the sixth ... and they squander it. With runners on the corners and one out, Werth popped up on the very first pitch he saw. After Harper walked — incredibly the first issued by Wainwright this season — LaRoche stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. He battled but ultimately couldn't check his swing on a high, 2-2 fastball. So LaRoche is now 0-for-9 with six strikeouts since mid-game Sunday. And the Nats still trail 2-0 heading to the seventh.
9:03 p.m. — A five-pitch seventh for Wainwright. To be fair, both Rendon and Espinosa smoked line drives. They just happened to both be hit right at Cardinals. A frustrating night for the Nats, to be sure.
9:19 p.m. — Two scoreless innings from Henry Rodriguez. Who saw that coming? Would be a shame to waste that kind of performance in a loss, but that's where this is headed unless the Nats can rally over the next two innings.
9:29 p.m. — Nothing doing for the Nats in the bottom of the eighth. They do have Wainwright up to 101 pitches, but there's currently no action in the Cardinals bullpen as the top of the ninth begins. So Mike Matheny may just let his veteran go the distance. Still 2-0.
9:34 p.m. — Here we go. It'll be Harper, LaRoche and Desmond in the bottom of the ninth against Wainwright, though Edward Mujica is warming.
9:49 p.m. — That's it. Wainwright didn't go the distance, but Mujica finished it off, sending the Nats to their second shutout loss in three days, again by a count of 2-0. They've lost eight of 11 and are now playing .500 ball for the season.
90 comments:
Game 20. Time to boogie. Go Nats!!!
Go gettem, Ross. Hope its not too cold out there for you. I'm going to be in front of my TV nice and warm tonight.
I think the time has come to move Suzuki up to 7th and Espinosa to 8th.
On the road long distance tonight -- and then on my way back to DC during the afternoon tomorrow.
Thankfully . . . I'll get to hear Charlie and Dave on XM pretty much the entire time!
GYFNG!
MLB now-- terrible show, by the way, is listiing an upcoming topic-- Nationals overrated? I am going to force myself to watch because I am curious.
Actually intelligent discussion. It's early, still a good team, etc. but HR expressed concern about the lack of fire and urgency-- something we all see, too. BK said this--- if Gio is not struggling that's two more wins and no one is worried. Interesting point. Voting thingy running across the bottom of the screen did not show a clear answer. Anyone else see it? Pretty fair.
T, I think Espi should be moved down as well. I also think that having the rookie hit ahead of him in the order should have subtly lit a fire under him also. But it hasn't so far.... Maybe in time.
I am concerned about the struggles of the team so far this season, but put me in the "let 'em play about 40 games" camp and then see whats up. They will come around, I am sure of it.
I think the time has come to move Suzuki up to 7th and Espinosa to 8th.
Then its time to MOVE Adam LaRoche to 8th and Suzuki to bat behind Harper because LaRoche is also sub-Mendoza and leads the team in K's. That means he is worse than Espinosa.
Too cold? It was 23 degrees at game time in Colorado! Broke the record by 5 degrees. Hasn't stopped JUp and Gattis from hitting HRs.
Also, the Marlin's owner insisted the the phenom pitcher (Fernandez) go for the afternoon game instead of the night game, slap in the manager's face and messed up the preparation of both pitchers. Heaven save us from owner interference. Kid gave up 4 earned in 5 innings.
Loria [spit]
Also, the Marlin's owner insisted the the phenom pitcher (Fernandez) go for the afternoon game instead of the night game
Why?
Because he is an evil moron?
No clue, and they didn't say. It could be a logical reason, like if it's 23 degrees for a day game, what the heck will it be tonight? Or what if the game gets postponed again? It makes no sense to me, I'm just reporting what I heard on TV. Maybe there is some chatter on a Marlins blog.
Makes me wonder what they say on Marlins blogs. I know what people post on here when our team is winning- can't even imagine how they must hate their owner.
Can't afford to drop to .500. Lets go boys. Don't make me watch hockey.
Get rid of the old man Davey.
Team has no energy, seems listless and not focused.
Incredible temperatures for baseball games. How can anybody hit? Where is Al Gore and his global warming?
Let's go, NATS!!
[Moneyyeat? Urp.]
Hamels, Price Cain--- zero wins. Lots of other struggles going on throughout MLB. There is too much talent on our team for them not to pick it up. We are definitely missing the offense that Zim and Ramos can provide.
Swami,
Speaking of Ramos. Any news that you've heard of?
taeyyenom said...
Get rid of the old man Davey.
April 23, 2013 5:29 PM
Won't solve the problem. Anyone named to replace him will simply become, like Davey, one of the 30 dumbest people in the world. It's a magical condition that descends inexorably upon every major league manager. Once you become a major league manager, all of deep wisdom, psychological insight and baseball acumen possessed by the any anonymous internet commentator or fan drains completely out of you.
It's as old as the sport, and incurable: the 30 managers of major league teams are the dumbest people on the planet. Followed, incidentally, by the 30 major league general managers. Pity them, too!
On a happier note, I'm on my way to Nats Town. Let's see about a Curly W, ladies and gentlemen!
I did read somewhere that Ramos is doing great but can't remember where- sure I did not dream it, though. Mark? Chase?
Swami,
I researched a bit and it seems that he is good to go and will join the team as soon as he's eligible (4/29 I think).
On Ramos: He's currently rehabbing here in D.C., but Davey said yesterday he'll be going to Viera sometime soon to get at-bats in extended spring training. The Nats believe he'll be ready to come off the DL when he's eligible (Apr 29).
That is awesome news! I am really pulling for him. MLB just did a breakdown on Det-- lots of love and they explained that he throws different kinds of fastballs.
Hanging at the tables by 315 for a while ...
Might want to re- think that Chris Young option. He is serving up many runs in Syracuse. Yeah, I know, it's early.
Good first 12 pitches
I love love love Ross Detweiler. I want a Ross bobble head. But mainly I want a win tonight.
This problem has reared his ugle head already.
Harper 25 hits. 7 homers. Only scored 13 runs meaning of his 18 non homers he only scored 6 times. Also with 7 walks means no production behind Harper.
Two DP already.
Good point, manassas - that illustration says it all about this offense. adding worst defense in baseball, a bullpen with an e.r.a. over 6+ couple of young producers buried under favored non-producers -- tough start
Watch for my new book
"Buried Alive: How Lombo and Moore survive Davey's Bench"
Espinosa lets first pitch down the middle strike one --- fake bunt -- strike two -- Curve in dirt -- swing and miss with crippled uppercut srike three.
He does this all the time.
1st pitch: takes -- strike 1
2nd pitch: either takes or swings and misses for strike two
3rd pitch: ball in dirt -- He always swings strike three.
Yes, he is that predictable. Pretty sad
if he missed strikes i wouldnt ride him he strikes out more often on a ball not a strike. (Speaking of Espi)
well he putting things on outside and they are hittibg to right. SOMETHING we refuse to do.
Det must move the location around. All 3 hit pitches pretty much in the same spot.
That is wat I was talking about last night. They have approach.
now 4 in a row Det must adjust.
Would it kill Suzuki to call something besides a fastball?
Hmmm, hitting an outside pitch to the opposite field? Now why didn't Eckstein think of that?
Why? Because useless as I have said last 3 years. We never have a plan it appears.
Meanwhile Lombo has just as many hits and just as many rbi's as Espinosa in roughly half the number of AB's.
Nice defense by the Nats. Question: when we cannot even buy a run at this point, how can you not play Lombo?
Four DP's. On that last one, on the bunt, Espinosa took Rendon's throw to first, then Espy fired to Detwiler who covered third. Not bad for a team that didn't take spring training seriously.
Four pitches? Seriously? Once again, Det is this year's JZim. No run support.
Does anybody feel like we may never score another run this season? What a lifeless boring miserable team.
Ross covering 3rd for DP. Very nice.
Light crowd here tonight. I guess everyones watching hockey. Or the lifetime channel.
Espi 9 for 53. Lombo 9 for 27
Time for a lineup change. Something has to change. Ty More to left. Bryce back to center. Lombo to 2nd. Chad tracy to third. Please don't defend Span or Rendon. And Danny is a no brainer.
Swami I agree. I am just sick. You have to try other players. This team is offensively terrible. And Davey just sits there. 10 and 10 is a bad record.
why shark over Lombo?
Lombo with 3 rbi's, same as Espinosa.
Im all for roasting Danny. But ALR hasnt put much wood on the ball lately.
again I ask why Shark?
Close game and needing a hit, lets use the guy with ZERO hits this year while one with 9 sits on the bench.
OK JASON LETS GO.
The Vets on this team just not getting it done. Bryce will K because hes swinging for the seats
Nice job Bryce
And that my friends is why the Nats are not good. I want something to cheer about so bad.
Weinwright is brilliant walks Harper as knows ALR will K again. With a leftt tomirrow Moore better be playing.
IOur Vets killing us Werth was worthless on his at bat too.
How is a guy batting .190 batting cleanup? ALR is an embarrasment at the plate. Doesnt even put the ball in play.
Of course.. ALR strikes out AGAIN and wastes another opportunity. This team HAS to score first or their offense just gives up.
Manassas I hope so also. This is just painful to watch. Anybody know the teams batting average minus Bryce?
On a positive note the pitching has truly improved and is plenty good enough to win games. But averaging 4 hits a game lately won;t get it done.
I hate to go all Legion of Doom, but, blech. Of course, the did actually start getting to Wainwright. Maybe they can hit the pen.....???
Way to keep that "glass half full" attitude. Let Go Nats!!
2 runs in 3 games.
Wouldn't a walk off be a nice boost? Oy, our offense is just terrible:
Davey has given his bench players little playing time this year with the exception being for injury to RZ and Espinoza. Why can't he give Bernie a start now and then in RF especially against a tough rightie? Bernie would certainly benefit from the at bats as it would help keep him sharp.
Werth swinging on the first pitch he saw was almost as bad as ALR doing the same thing against the Mets over the weekend. Two boneheaded ABs by Werth in the last 3 games if you ask me.
Well at least a lot of people are watching the caps and not being traumatized by this. Although, not so long ago the caps were playing atrociously. They turned it around. It can happen.
Lombo with another hit off the bench! Give the man some PT!
Ahem-- Lombo?
Lombo with a hit. I guess Danny will start tommorow.
This just in. Span Stinks also. Let the shark play. Werths up. Swithcing back to hockey now
Adam LaRoche 21K's many more than Danny Tyler Moore will start off the bench tomorrow. Sheesh doh! doh!
This is just pathetic..
Moore starting at first base tomorrow is okay with me. Hope Lombo starts next to him at second as well.
Caps clinch and salute their fans for sticking with them through thick and thin. Ok, now I feel guilty.
LaRoche looks lost when he is at bat.
ALR must be geting bating advise from Eck. Does he not watch the pitches to Harper. There same ones. His head needs to get into the game.
This is just so disappointing.
Pathetic. Detwiler deserved better.
Wow.. Totally worthless.. Harper does his job and the middle of our lineup can't even move him over one base..
If I were Bryce Harper, I would want to get traded as soon as possible. This team is a career killer.
Another game lost. Another series lost. Another terrible hitting night. And now a losing record. Its time to start playing the kids. Minus Rendon. Not impressed with this kid at all.
As old Diz used to say, this is getting plumb pitiful.
DJB I agree. Bryce and Lombo the only non pitchers with any heart. LaRoche is a complete embarrassment. 4 strikeouts??? Now time for Ray to talk about how great the other team is. The excuse bus goes on during the game and now into the post game. BLAHHH just tired of the whole bunch.
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