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Associated Press Wilson Ramos high-fives Denard Span after homering in the sixth. |
Hitting highlight: Sure, Harper and Werth and Desmond's homers were nice, but they didn't carry as much emotional meaning as Ramos' two blasts surely did. Making his first appearance at Great American Ball Park since tearing his ACL last May, and standing only a couple feet away from the spot where he suffered that fateful injury, Ramos launched a two-run bomb to left-center in the top of the sixth. It was his first homer of the season, his first since he homered in this same ballpark only two innings before tearing the ACL. Then he punctuated a fantastic afternoon with another bomb in the 11th, launching a 438-foot rocket to center. Ramos enjoyed that one, standing at the plate and admiring it for a second before rounding the bases. Given what happened to him the last time he set foot on this field, can you blame him?
Pitching highlight: Needing a quality start barely 12 hours after Dan Haren was roughed up by the Reds, the Nationals got even more than that from Detwiler. The left-hander allowed only one (unearned) run over six innings against a very tough Cincinnati lineup. Most impressive, he got some big outs when he really needed them, inducing inning-ending double-play grounders out of both Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. That was a big-time performance from the Nationals' No. 5 starter, on a day when they really needed one. Even with Haren's implosion last night, the Nats' rotation sports a 2.17 ERA. Not bad at all.
Key stat: Desmond has now committed four errors in five games this season, most in the majors.
Up next: The series wraps up with a superb pitching showdown at Great American Ball Park. Aces Stephen Strasburg and Johnny Cueto square off Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
80 comments:
This WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO brought to you buy Craig Stammen!!!
I am going to go vomit now
Cardiac Nats strike again!
HAHAHA WOW. Way to battle guys. The ORIGINAL NATS get it done. That was big.
I am so so happy for Wilson. Way to take back THAT park, Wilson! His second dinger made the difference. And how clutch is Craig? I love love love him.
That is the Steve Hayes effect on your stomach Michele.
Great win...
I expect the same type game tomorrow
Advice from from old Mick, that I learned last season from Coach SJM... try not to post during the games as us emotional guys get carried away.
Let me just state this about Ian Desmond, I am sure he knows 4 errors in 5 games is not good, but time and time again he always comes through with the bat. Soriano looked like Henry today, I hope that was a glitch. overall, what CHARACTER game!
Detwiler deserved better, but all that matters is the win. It is starting to look like Mr. Ramos is all the way back.
+1/2St.
yes, I think Wilson Ramos has recovered, LOL
Det is going to win 20 this season. Stammen showed the mental toughness that may force Davey to consider him as a closer at some point. these are all good problems
Great game nats. Why are Trolls attacking me. I don't even know you.
If you cant talk baseball in this forum but personalize everything -- just leave. No one needs you.
One of the most impressive things about Det's pitching was how he was totally unfazed by all the bad calls in front of him and errors behind him. Up until at least the beginning of last season, he would lose it when that stuff happened (thinking of the grannie he gave shortly after he didn't get a blown "out" call at first in the 4th (Sunday) game of the opening series with the Reds at home last year.
No longer. Calm and unflappable. As he showed in Game 4 last October.
Det deserved a better fate. Him being the #4 starter is truly a joke.
Good to see Ramos untracked -- If Desi and Ramos are getting untracked, along with a rejuvenated Desi, we might even make up for Morse's exiting power
I meant to say "a rejuvenated Espi"
Now, let the O's wipe out Minn. and the day is complete
Wise Words Mick!
Don't post during the game threads.
Did love that Det pitched really well. Storen got hosed by the ump squeezing him and the errors. Clipp was down right Nasty. Umm Soriano.. meh, I am sure it is a bump in the road.
Buffalo with 2 BIG BOMBS. Not a fan when guys Pimp it around the bases, but I forgive him for that, those Bombs were paybacks for his ACL.
And Mr Werth, have yourself a day. Gluten Free! HA.
Ian will be fine. He did crush that ball.
This seems to have been a good day to stay out of the game thread. I followed this one on Twitter. Much calmer and more reasonable.
What is it with Oriole fan haters here? I saw Orioles fans referenced several times today like their bad people. I believe if you're a true baseball fan, you root for both teams -- especially since their in different leagues and were our only baseball teams for4 40 years
Thank God we won this one. I had had with the negativity of some posters. I will refrain from making some remarks.
Anyways, have I ever posted here that I do not like this park? Don't get me wrong, this park would be great for a HR derby contest but for a baseball game? I am not so sure.
Steve
Because you complained about everything Nats, including personal attacks on players, the entire game.
There is no question this site is filled with Nats kool-aid drinkers, and I would guess that by tomorrow the regulars will have started to skip all your post. So as pointed out earlier, "you will be talking to yourself"
Dave, Are you for real?? This was a calm calm day. I recall last year seeing some real ugly games. a couple people were crazy angry here today, but it was kept to a minimum -- but very insulting
Steve Hayes- Angelos continues to hinder the Nats. That's the basis of our ill will.
+1/2St.
Djin?? are you serious? Turning around your trollish behavior on me? Grow up, old man.
You're on perpetual ignore -- you don't deserve any thing more -- geez -- again, Grow up
Perpetual, Hard to like Angelos
I understand a bit now
But I'm passionate about both teams -- go to both cities for the games -- I just like more baseball -- but my sentiments on Angelos: Why have the Angels allowed him so much earth time? haha
Steve Hayes, you are a textbook example of projection.
Too bad you're not a textbook example of anything
Steve Hayes-
I think you should enjoy the O's if you wish. They are pretty exciting this year, too. It's good that you see where we are coming from, though.
There lots of Trolls here who don't like new people who talk -- lots of immature folks -- but I like talking baseball and do not like personal attacks.
Looking forward to talking baseball with nice people. Trolls, please stay away
Joey Votto is the new Lance Berkman.
Yes it is good. But Angelos has been there since the 90's -- and I never let an owner come between me and a team that I like.
Nats fans shouldn't either. Plus, the Orioles catered to Washington fans for decades -- the moment we get a team O's fans are shunned and insulted because of the O's owner?? Sorry, that makes no sense to me --
Pchuck haha McCellan sure tried to bail his arse out, didn't he?
This site is a riot. Just talking baseball is considered perslnally attacking players. Commenting that a player like Haren, is washed up -- you're attacked for personal attacks?? Ludicrous. I do hope these Trolls aren't regulars here -- if they are, they are going to get awfully sick of me by July 4. For I talk the game of baseball -- if you like Drama go watch a soap opera -- but don't talk to me, thanks
Steve-
Angelos did his best to keep the Nats out of DC, he makes sure the O's get better coverage on MASN than the Nats, and he has delayed resolution of the TV deal that would give the Nats more payroll flexibility for over a year. This is active agression against our team. That's different than us disliking someone like Hank Steinbrenner, who only runs a team we might dislike.
You don't have to agree, friend. I just think we have a pretty good case.
Dave, that is the beauty of Twitter.
Nice game by Detwiler. 4 of our 5 starters have pitched very well. I'll give Haren a month of starts before I start looking for a replacement but if the Nats need one I'd think about stretching Stammen out. Yea I know we need him in the bullpen but it's easier to replace a bullpen arm.
I also think Cincinnati should seriously think about using a humidor like Colorado does. Their field does not play like a MLB field.
Haven't read the past two game threads and didn't watch this game as I had to work. That said, my two cents' worth: root for whatever team(s) you choose, but don't lecture me or anybody else regarding which team(s) to root for. It's a personal choice. That said, this being a Nats blog, there is always plenty of Nats talk here.
Fox-
I don't know if Great American is as bad as Coors used to be, but I have to say that I find park effect to be one of the charms of baseball. It's almost sad that Candlestick was replaced in SF, given its windy quirks. I think that many would disagree with that, but the potential for something random like a gust to alter the game just added to the painful suspense.
Det.. Clip.. Stam brought it today... And by June Ramos will be catching 2 outta 3 games..
... peric & steve hayes are annoying
How many more games to the Nats play at that joke of a ballpark? It is arena baseball.
Bob, Zimm said the other night after the Marlins sweep that they'd be done with the Reds by the end of April, so sounds like this is our only trip but I haven't looked at the schedule.
Positively: I am well aware of all things O's and Nationals -- being a very avid fan. Even so, I can separate my high disdain for Angelos and the like of his team. I understand why some can't. No problem there with me. But I like Buck, and I like the makeup of their team. I root for the O's and a light a candle for Angelos to repent and become a nice person
Positively: another note. When I refer to the Nationals I would say "my' team. When I refer to the O's I would say "their" team. That might summarize the intensity of my support for each team.
Just finished reading the gamer, I'm envious of those who were wise enough to skip it... ugh.
How many strikes does Votto get? Jeesh, that was terrible on the HP ump's part, but as MicheleS so eloquently stated, we won the game in spite of the blue.
Once you get past the closers the Nats had the advantage with their bullpen. Time for Stras to settle things down tomorrow.
Also, this blog is called Nats Insider. Not DC/Baltimore Baseball Insider. Talk about O's stuff all you want, just not here. I'd be glad to search for an O's blog if needed. I hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.
NatsLady retweeted this, from a Reds fan, thought it bore posting here:
Mr. R @MisterRedlegs
Nats color analyst F.P. Santangelo called each pitch of Stammen sequence to Bruce—fastball to get ahead, breaking pitch, slider in the dirt.
Cunegonde and I both had to be away from most of the game this pm. I managed to catch a few innings of it at the gym. When I finished my workout, it was 5-1. When I got out of the shower, it was 5-3. When I pulled into our driveway, it was 5-5.
I couldn't stand to watch, so I went and watered the flowers.
Cunegonde came home, and I asked her what the score was when she got out of the car. It was still 5-5.
Again, couldn't bear to watch. Went inside, looked at my twitter feed, and MicheleS has a one-word tweet: "BUFFALO!!!!!!" so I figured something excellent had happened.
Went downstairs and turned on the TV. Cunegonde and I went through a quart of Maalox and a gallon of bourbon and went to the ER to have our stomachs pumped.
Okay, that last sentence is not entirely accurate...
Anyway, just before we turned off the TV, Cunegonde said, "I want to watch tomorrow's game and learn to keep score."
Cunegonde is a good woman.
Nats never quit. Plate umpire also gave 2 HBP when neither Red was touched and Wilson was safe at first. Umps have not had a good series.
My compliments to Cunegonde. Depending how much delving she wants to do, she might like to look at Dickson's "The Joy of Keeping Score." I used that when I first started learning, and I scored a number of games while listening to the radio (or watching tv) before breaking out my scorecard at the old ballgame. Also, good that she didn't try to start with Spring Training games. They can lead to very messy scorecards what with all the personnel changes. :-)
NatsJim, I will try to pass on it for a while.
Not that anybody cares, but I grew up a Senators fan. I never liked Baltimore's baseball team. I liked individual players, and a couple of their managers,but never the team. I went to hundreds of games at Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards because I love baseball. Also, as I remember, Baltimore fought DC from baseball returning long before Angelo's.
Also, softball was mentioned earlier. I never played any organized slow pitch, but I played men's fast pitch into my mid forties. I assure you men's fast pitch is not for sissy types. You gotta be nuts to play it.
As for the game, Det was great as expected. I agree with those who thought it a mistake to pull him after 6 with only 82 pitches thrown. Clip was awesome, Drew was hurt by Desi but fought through it admirably and mitigated any damage that might have been done by Bryce's youthful indiscretion. Soriano seems like he's still in Viera, that's two rough outings in a row - he needs to fix that. Did Matheus teach Stammen is 2-seamer? His sinker was awesome today.
Offensively things are coming around - the 2-8 hitters all have 20+ HR power, we're going to score plenty of runs this year. I'm giving Span a break on the Phillips double, I think the angle he was coming from made him think he had less warning track to work with then he actually did; he certainly made up for it with his catch later. Desi is just in a defensive funk - he's thinking about it too much, good to see his bat coming alive.
All in all, that was a tremendously entertaining April ballgame... awesome win. We'll take the series tomorrow, and that 15-0 won't matter a bit.
Candide, I'm LMAO! Thanks, I needed it after today!
Candide
Cunegonde is a keeper.
1a, thanks for the recommendation. I got her a scorekeeping book as a Christmas present; it's real non-threatening and has the words "Don't Panic" in large, friendly letters on the cover.
Seam, glad to bring a smile to your face.
And MicheleS, yes, I know.
so candide, just want to confirm that GG-for-Davey bobblehead trade is good. I can't remember whether I said yes to you.
Mick: have to go grill burgers and will post after that but thank you for the acknowledgement
What a great game!!!
Will have an adult conversation with Steve Hayes when I return
Go Nats!!
so anyone here who has MLB.tv, can you watch any of the 3 games that started at 4 PM?
You're welcome, Candide. I like the slogan on the book you got for her. :-)
Whatever is going on with Werth's left wrist is working. He needs to duplicate that with his right wrist.
I give Span a pass on that shot off the CF wall. The man nearly had his career ended by a concussion, and he doesn't need to collide at full speed with a wall.
There is nothing wrong with the Nats offense. Last year at this time La Roche was all they had. They are scoring more runs early in this season than last, by far, with more power from more guys all up and down the lineup.
I hope Detwiler does not become this year's Jordan Zimmerman. He pitched a great game, and the guys behind him let him down.
A team built on pitching and defense cannot have its shortstop unable to either catch the ball or throw it straight. Desi needs to clean it up.
Can we please stop talking about Zim's throwing? Once again, he made a great diving play, stood up, and threw a strike to first - sidearm. The defensive problem is not at 3rd base.
Stammen was great, considering the umps gave Votto 2 extra strikes and a free base, and prolonged a game that should have been over.
Is Ramos that good?
Espinoza had a very productive game on both sides of the ball, especially working that 2-out walk just before Ramos came up and hit that 2-run homer. He is definitely making more consistent contact with the ball and is more selective in his approach at the plate, so far. And he was great in the field, leaping to grab what looked like a sure base hit and racing later racing into short CF to snag a blooper that could have been a game-changer had it fallen in.
The Nats cannot be beaten this year, but they can beat themselves, and they tried their darndest today to do just that. They deserved to lose, but they won, in enemy territory. The Reds must feel worse about today's game than the Nats did about yesterday's.
And they do it again, tomorrow. Should be a great game.
What's with Desmond? I remember reading lots in the spring how he put his fielding troubles behind him. Letting that ball go through his legs -- he didn't even have to move -- was a total disaster.
Faraz - Cunegonde confirms Gio for Davey is on. Do not fail her; she's from Texas and doesn't suffer people who disappoint her.
That was a pretty fair game. Noting that the offense wasn't going to fly without continued development by the young players. Desmond and Ramos clutch homers. Plus Harper and Werth.
I still maintain based on last year's statistics that the lineup will still need Tyler Moore to compete with the best the NL has to offer. I know there's no room but they really need to find some and not worry about his fielding.
I don't think the pitching staff needs any help in spite of last night and tonight unless Haren continues the problems he had last season. SYR's starters and bullpen have come out very strong. So, there's very little to be concerned about and Chris Young and his 82 mph fastball don't really seem necessary at this point.
Meanwhile, I am going to enjoy watching an almost major league team in the Syracuse Chiefs.
Jeff Kobernus is now 5 for 7 to start the year. I'm not sure we'll be seeing Anthony Rendon at third base with this guy plus Lombo. And then there's Ricky Hague down in Harrisburg.
Here are interesting facts so far.
When Harper gets 2 hits Nats 4-0
When hets 0 hits 0-1.
When Heren starts starter pitches 4 innings 6 earned runs.
When anyone else starts 25 iniinugs 1 earned run.
Art -- Desi has always struggled to field balls when a base runner is moving in front of him. In the 8th, the guy on second seemed to block Desi's view. Not making excuses since all shortstops have to deal with that, but it seems to be Desi's achilles heal.
oh wow, I am terrified of failing her now. Thanks Candide.
Manassas Nats' Fan, here is an interesting fact: small sample size.
Granted small sample size, but that is all we have to work with so far. Later on facts will change..
Cant ignore early results. Angelscstart last year was a small sample size, but kept them out of the playoffs.
The White Sox beat King Felix. Next series ain't gonna be a walk in the park, either.
NatsLady, I think the schedule is tough for most of April and the beginning of May, with the one week exception when we get the Fish and Mets.
It's always interesting to see if the highest paid players on a team live up to their salaries and who the bargains are.
So far for the Nats, Haren is the biggest stiff, making $13 million, third most on the team. Soriano at 4th with$12M and Laroche 5th with $10M are also questionable. 1-2 Werth and Ryan Zim are pretty much earning their pay.
Biggest bargains are Harper 15th with $2M, Stras 11th with $4M and today's hero, Ramos, 22nd - the 4th lowest paid player - with $501K. Those three will see bigger paydays in a few years.
Watching Cubs vs. ATL. No IDEA why Arizona traded away Justin Upton.
I don't understand why we always blame the umpire. Yes, some of those pitches were "strikes", so what? Don't y'all think we get the same breaks some times? Of course we do. When we try and blame the umpires, we sound like a bunch of whiny babies. This is baseball and things won't always go the pitchers way but he is a PROFESSIONAL, is he not? Just think how many times you have been taken to the wood-shed at work, do you set up pout camp? Quit your job? Throw a tantrum about how unfair you are being treated. No, you take it in the chin, do what you can within reason and move on.
And I got to agree with SteveHayes....one should not decide we won't root for a team because they have a terrible owner. I like the Orioles and except when they play the Nats, I always want them to do well despite ownership which I have never liked. Heck, I root for the Cowboys but I absolutely cannot stand the owner.
Root for whoever you'd like, but don't presume to tell anyone else here who to root for and/or the reasons for doing so... The O's were the team of my youth only because DC lost the Nats about the time I turned 3 and the Bucs were never on TV here (entire extended family is from Pittsburgh). So, I rooted for the O's, and Cal Ripken will forever be my all-time favorite player.
But hating what Angelos did, first to destroy the Orioles and then to prevent us from getting a team of our own (and extorting our television rights from MLB), is a perfectly valid reason to root against HIS team - if they do well, he does well; if they win, he wins. So I will root against them so long as he or his family owns them.
This, only I'm not going to explain why I root the way I do, because I don't feel the need to do so.
Root for whoever you'd like, but don't presume to tell anyone else here who to root for and/or the reasons for doing so...
Oh, I guess I'm repeating myself. Too much computer work for me today. The MEGO effect and all. Oh well. :-)
Random thoughts: Zim always throws good sidearm --- overhand makes me nervous. 13 mil for harren? That's crazy. But let's see after 4 starts or so. hRod-- Plz get rid of him b4 we all need Malox and beam. Lastly, ALR... I agree with Peric, we need TMo and he need game time. He's already 27!
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