Friday, May 31, 2013

Game 55: Nats at Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Stephen Strasburg faces the Braves tonight at Turner Field.
ATLANTA — Hello from Turner Field, where tonight the Nationals and Braves open what has to be considered a very important series for the visiting club. Yes, the calendar is only about to shift to June, and far greater deficits have been overcome, but psychologically you have to think the Nats need to come out of the weekend at least winning two of three from the team that at the moment leads them by 5 1/2 games in the NL East.

The bad news: Neither Bryce Harper nor Jayson Werth is in the lineup, despite varying degrees of hope for each outfielder. And the only change made my Davey Johnson from last night is a swap of left fielders, with Steve Lombardozzi in and Tyler Moore back on the bench.

The good news: Stephen Strasburg is on the mound, and he's been on a roll, allowing only one earned run in each of his last three starts, averaging 7 2/3 innings and only 4.33 hits per outing.

Plenty of updates to come, so please check back...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 186
Weather: Partly cloudy, 84 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (27-27)
CF Denard Span
LF Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
RF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BRAVES (32-21)
CF Jason Heyward
SS Ramiro Pena
RF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
LF Evan Gattis
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla
3B Chris Johnson
RHP Julio Teheran

UMPIRES
HP Tony Randazzo
1B Larry Vanover
2B Brian Gorman (cc)
3B Manny Gonzalez

7:37 p.m. — We are underway and already the Nats are in business. Denard Span drills Julio Teheran's second pitch into the right-field corner and races around to third with a leadoff triple, his fourth of the season.

7:42 p.m. — And just like that, the Nats give Stephen Strasburg a 1-0 lead. Steve Lombardozzi did his job following the Span triple, lofting a flyball to right, deep enough to bring the run home and put the Nats on top early. Nice job there by the top two guys in the lineup, setting the table and then putting together a productive at-bat. Here comes Strasburg.

7:49 p.m. — Nice job by Strasburg in the bottom of the first. Though he gave up a one-out single up the middle to Ramiro Pena, he kept the ball on the ground to all three batters faced and got Justin Upton to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning on 11 total pitches (7 strikes). Nats up 1-0 after one.

7:59 p.m. — Make it 2-0 thanks to some rare contributions from the bottom of the lineup. Roger Bernadina, who quietly has gone 6 for his last 17, roped a one-out single to right. He then took third on Danny Espinosa's bouncer through the right side hole. Kurt Suzuki rapped a grounder to third, forcing himself to turn on the afterburners and try to get down the line faster than the Braves could turn the inning-ending double play. And he did it, just narrowly beating the throw to allow Bernadina to score. So now Strasburg has a 2-run lead at his disposal heading to the bottom of the second.

8:12 p.m. — Apologies, but I have to toot my own horn here for a second. On last night's Baseball Show, we listed our top five position players under 25. I included Freddie Freeman on my list and said he doesn't get enough credit for how good of an all-around player he is. Well, he just showed it, battling back from an 0-2 count to ultimately crush a 97 mph heater from Strasburg way back into the right-field bleachers. Just a really impressive at-bat there from Freeman, trimming the Nats' lead to 2-1 after two.

8:20 p.m. — Uh-oh, Stephen Strasburg is out of this game and Craig Stammen is in. Not sure what exactly happened, but he was talking to Steve McCatty and Lee Kuntz in the dugout and he was not happy with whatever he was told. Check the homepage for updates when I get them.

8:32 p.m. — No information yet on Strasburg, but here's the quick article I posted, which I'll be updating whenever there's new information. In the meantime, Stammen tossed a scoreless third. It's still 2-1 Nats entering the fourth.

8:48 p.m. — Obviously the Strasburg situation is first and foremost, but there is a game still being played, and Stammen has done a fine job in emergency duty so far. He's retired all six batters faced, preserving the Nationals' 2-1 lead through four.

9:06 p.m. — Make it nine up and nine down for Stammen, who has done it on only 36 pitches. I don't know how far he can go in relief of Strasburg, but I would think he's good for at least one more inning.

9:16 p.m. — Props to the Nats for battling their way through this one so far. Span led off the sixth the exact same way he led off the first, with a triple into the right field corner. And once again, Lombardozzi drove a flyball to right field, bringing Span home. So it's now 3-1 Nats as Stammen returns for the bottom of the sixth, his fourth inning of relief.

9:27 p.m. — Here's your Strasburg update: He left tonight's game with a "muscular issue in his lower back," not any kind of arm injury, according to a source familiar with the situation. Full update here. Meanwhile, Stammen has retired all 12 batters faced. Nats still lead 3-1 after six.

9:39 p.m. — Tyler Clippard in for the bottom of the seventh, so Davey can use his bullpen how he normally would protecting a late, 2-run lead.

10:01 p.m. — Well, that was quite an eventful bottom of the seventh, no? To recap: Clippard gave up an infield single, uncorked a wild pitch, struck out Justin Upton, gave up an RBI single to Freeman, plunked both Gattis and McCann in succession to load the bases with only one out in what was now a tie game ... and then struck out Uggla and Johnson to escape his self-made jam. If Bill Raftery was calling this game, I believe his analysis of Clippard would be: "Onions!" Nats clinging to a 3-2 lead as we move to the eighth.

10:15 p.m. — And Drew Storen pitches a scoreless eighth. He did issue a two-out walk to Pena, bringing Upton to the plate in a huge spot. But he got the slugger to ground out to Desmond, who earlier made a spectacular barehanded play on Heyward's bouncer up the middle. Still 3-2 as Rafael Soriano warms for the ninth.

10:26 p.m. — We go to the ninth. It'll be Soriano vs. Freeman, B.J. Upton and McCann, protecting a 3-2 lead.

10:36 p.m. — That's it. Soriano closes out a tense, stress-filled, satisfying 3-2 victory, though it included a Freeman flyout to the wall in right and Suzuki going down in a heap after taking a foul ball off his right shoulder. ButtThe Nats are back over .500 and draw to within 4 1/2 games of the Braves. Now we find out how serious Strasburg's back issue is.

316 comments:

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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 316 of 316 Newer› Newest»
MrsB loves the Nats said...

Lombo is making his case to play more...

Secret wasian man said...

Dwts I totally disagree. At least Ray calls guys out when they screw up. FP makes excuses for everybody.

Candide said...

...and they're doing the wave...

Secret wasian man said...

As bad as Danny is Lombo could sit on the bench blowing bubbles and make a good case to play more.

Unknown said...

ALR with wheels...love it

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

denard Span the third Nat wutg two triples. Bernie Castro and ChristianGuzman the others.

David Proctor said...

Dammit Bernie.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Got dammit Roger...

EmDash said...

Oh, Shark.

LaRoche has made a really hilarious number of undermining plays lately. And it keeps somehow working!

Secret wasian man said...

Ok Roger pretty pathetic . That could cost. With his speed just put it in play.

David Proctor said...

Source: Stephen Strasburg left tonight's game with a muscular issue in his back, not an arm injury

That's Kilgore.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

When a batter lets a fastball with no movement go the coach needs to ask, WTF were you thinking? If he doesnt he has (The coach needs to go,) as he is not coaching.

Why Bernie just let a straight fast ball go with 2 runners in scoring position. Sure not a team play in my opinion.

Stammen looking good though.

MicheleS said...

Dave P.. I hope it's just the back... Lord this team can't take much more... Come on Boys.. June is the time to make some hay!!!

BTW.. Stammen.. unsung hero

Less Platu said...

How long does the Shark take up a roster spot -- Corey Brown anyone? The more Bernadina plays, the more evident it is that he will never be a game changing hitter. He struggles -- mightily -- just to hit a dead red, center cut fast ball. I think we've given him enough chances -- let him go and let the young bucks play

David Proctor said...

All the beat reporters are saying it's a lower back issue now. Muscular.

NatsLady said...

Need to clone Craig Stammen.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

49 pitches 4 innings. Great job Stammen.

Less Platu said...

Davey will probably pull Stammen here real soon, give the ball to Clip and then Henry and kindly give away another game

Candide said...

David Proctor said...

All the beat reporters are saying it's a lower back issue now. Muscular.


Okay, Julie should be coming out shortly.

David Proctor said...

Stammen can't stay in forever. 4 innings is a ton to ask for a long man. Clip and *gulp* Storen is the right move here.

phil dunton said...

Silver Fox is a member of the Rick Eckstein fan club.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

If Harper cant pitch hit why is he not on DL. This is poor management.

Secret wasian man said...

Leave STAMMen in. Did Carp just call Chad RBI man??? Hahahahahaha. Now that's funny stuff.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Actually Silver Fox would be a better hitting coach then Ek, and Eck could be no worse in the boooth

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Good move by Davey to pull Stayman. He was over throwing last inning

. Great job.

Secret wasian man said...

Nats jack. You mean like Clipp and Storen?? OK THEN. MALOX anyone??

phil dunton said...

If it is just a tweak in his back, why is there so much official silence?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ray and carp both silly. One thinks Eck can coach, other thinks Tracy is an RBI machine.

Eric said...

The last line in the head and shoulders commercial is "is this how you always record sound?"

Secret wasian man said...

Used to be an Os fan. They would play somebody at short for hitting until 8 th inning. Then if they had a lead they would put in Mark Ballenger for defense. Maybe would could do that with Lombo and Espi

Eric said...

phil, do they ever release injury details during the game in which the injury occurs?

Candide said...

Eric said...

The last line in the head and shoulders commercial is "is this how you always record sound?"


I've been trying to figure out what he says since the first time I saw that commercial.

NatsLady said...

I see Colbert gave up 12 hits, 7 runs (6 earned) in 5 innings... Against Milwaukee, a team that--talk about underperforming...

Candide said...

ROFLMAO!!! Julie is the ONLY person who doesn't know what's going on with Strasburg!

She should be testifying before a congressional committee!

Secret wasian man said...

Less platu from 9 24. Hahahaha. I'm with ya.

EmDash said...

Don't imagine there will be an official announcement until after the game.

If they pulled him after 2 innings because of an abundance of caution, I tell ya, his post-game press conference is going to be quite something. He must be thrilled.

Oh, Adam.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

ALR, you're smarter than that.

Candide said...

Urgh... this is where it all starts falling apart...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

How is that a hit? Official scorer must be drunk

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Hit?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Need two more.

Found out LaRoches mom official scorer only way that is. Hit.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Clip use your brain.

Secret wasian man said...

Team always finds a way. Hopefully tonight it's the right way. C'mon c'mon cmon

Exposremains said...

Clippard's act is getting real old. Does it always have to be an adventure? Full counts, walks.

Candide said...

Clip looking like Bad Henry.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Clip is a mess....

Exposremains said...

And the Braves are coming back

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Thanks ALR for your total brain fart letting Pena on.

Clip quit screwing around.

How bad does he have to pitch before a reliever comes in.

Exposremains said...

I think DJ might snap

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Why does Davey always sends McCatty out way late. Should have been out before Freeman batted.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
EmDash said...

Bad Clip, great. His worst outing of the year was against Atlanta.

Is someone else up? Someone should be up.

Exposremains said...

Not only Braves are great at coming back late but it's a lot worst when you hand it to them.

Exposremains said...

Just pathetic. Get him out of there. This is awful.

ehay2k said...

Any pone else think Clip seems to have had control issues his last couple of outings?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Clippard pitched great until Wednesday now he has pitched terrible 2 straight games.

waddu eye no said...

oy

SonnyG10 said...

Eric said...
The last line in the head and shoulders commercial is "is this how you always record sound?"
May 31, 2013 9:34 PM


Eric, is that true? I've been trying to figure out what he said ever since that commercial came out. I even played it over and over on DVR and still couldn't figure it out. Thanks for sharing that!!!

Candide said...

NatsJack, Henry's ERA right now is 3.57. He's been pretty effective lately. I was hoping Davey would bring him in after Stammen.

ehay2k said...

That is living dangerously! Way to go Clip.

waddu eye no said...

phew. didn't think i could hold my breath that long.

David Proctor said...

How in the world did Clippard get out of that?

Candide said...

Cunegonde's keeping score here at home. Screaming at the TV, at Clippard, at me. Just went upstairs, saying, "I have to go get a glass of water."

Asked her to bring me some Maalox...

Secret wasian man said...

And the darn Orioles are going to comeback again. Clipp,stinks

UnkyD said...

Jeezus, Clip! Was all that necessary?

Exposremains said...

Got out of it with only giving up one run. That's great but that was completely unnecessary.

NatsLady said...

Sonny, yes, I listened real close a while back, and yeah, that's it. Whew, Clip gonna give me a heart attack! Only 1 run. Come ON guys, get it back!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Pathetic effort.

Of course should been 0 runs despites patgetic effort had ALR ust thrown the ball to Clip.

Why flip the ball with mitt when the guys was still 3 steps away.

Secret wasian man said...

No way we can blow this. This team has just had enough. Bullpen has to hold. Don't expect anymore run support

NatsLady said...

Clip coulda saved a lotta pitches just give the first batter a solo home run...

NatsLady said...

Mark, try that again. It was not a tie game... Seemed like it, but it wasn't.

Secret wasian man said...

Zimm dbl play. Oh they do find ways don't they?

NatsLady said...

And no way was that an "infield single." ... Strange for LaRoche to get rattled, and I think Clip maybe did too.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

RZim suddenly going back to booooo. 0 for his last 8.

Why cant hitters get hot and just stay that way for a while before they get cold?

David Proctor said...

Time to buckle up for a Drew Storen appearance now...

Candide said...

NJ - he's been a lot more effective recently. His ERA was well over 5 not long ago. His WHIP has to be coming down.

Lately I see Henry and I get flashbacks to Chad Cordero. Scare you to death but get you out of the inning.

NatsLady said...

Well, it isn't just us. Detroit's turn.

Chris Dickerson slams a walk off 3-run HR to right field...Orioles comeback to beat Detroit 7-5

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

@Nats lady if Clip got rattled then didnt learn from Stras that getting rattled doesn't help. We will do the rattling.

That innin died even faster than it started.

Storen be serious this game and just get a 1-2-3inning.

Batting average against is .330

Secret wasian man said...

Nats lady most HRs in Bmore should have an asterisks. That's a softball field.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Desi my boy.

Candide said...

Remember just a couple of years ago, you held your breath every time a ball was hit to Desi?

Seems like forever, doesn't it?

NatsLady said...

In other news... the Mets are still bad, and Ankiel is hitting .209.

ehay2k said...

Henry will be on the DL soon. I foresee a WHip injury!

Candide said...

Thank you, Drew!

Exposremains said...

and Storen walks some no-name guy in front of Upton. Why don't they just forfeit if they want the Braves to win so bad.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Tucked in my shirt

NatsLady said...

I don't know exactly if Clip got "rattled," but that so-called infield single did seem to upset his thought process, he shook off Suzuki a bunch and then couldn't seem to get a good grip on the ball. and lost his release point.

SonnyG10 said...

NatsLady said...
Sonny, yes, I listened real close a while back, and yeah, that's it...


Thanks for the confirmation, NatsLady. You don't know what a relief that is for me to know. It was driving me nuts.:)

Candide said...

That jerky arm motion by Guerrin isn't a balk?

Secret wasian man said...

So i guess an insurance run would be a lot to ask. Be nice though

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Assume another infield hit.

NatsLady said...

Shark with a hustle bunt hit. Boy that was an exact tie.

MicheleS said...

HA SHARK CHOMP!!!

Seriously between the stras drama and major Tornado Drama, I am going to pass out from exhaustion

David Proctor said...

Rendon is being promoted to Syracuse.

MicheleS said...

Rendon to AAA per tweeter/beats

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Michele tornado?

Espi could have us off his case for the night with RBI hit

Secret wasian man said...

DANNY!!! Somebody please shred the pictures Danny has of Davey and the farm animals.

Secret wasian man said...

Ray Night just killing the Nats hitters. I love it. Man we can't hit

Holden Baroque said...

we don't spel so gud either

Holden Baroque said...

But we're tucking it up here again, boss..

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ray hit on the head the number one problem most hitters have especilly Espi. They dont know the strike zone. Close just flick bat for a foul.

You dont just look at strike 3 clyeless what to do.

He has no approach that makes sense to me.

Holden Baroque said...

Never been a big fan of "see the ball, hit the ball" myself.

NatsLady said...

Holy Jesus, what happened to Suzuki???????

David Proctor said...

Oh my god. We can't afford to lose Suzuki too.

ehay2k said...

Unbelievable! This ballpark is cursed!

EmDash said...

Why is Suzuki staying in this game?

Candide said...

Untuck!

Holden Baroque said...

Because he's one tough UNTUCKED SOB, EmDash.

waddu eye no said...

one down.
two to go

what a wierd game

NatsLady said...

Thank you, Senor Soriano! Untuck, boys.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Untuck

SonnyG10 said...

Yippie Yay!!!!! We win!!!

MicheleS said...

WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!! PPPHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!!. OMG.. what a heart attack

ehay2k said...

Group untuck! (That actually sounds a bit dirty)

Holden Baroque said...

If, by "see the ball, hit the ball," Jack, you mean go up with no other plan than that, then no, it is not what all great hitters do.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Curly W... Ovation for Stammen.... And my man Span!

Have a good night! See ya later!

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