 |
| USA Today Sports Images |
Perhaps more significant, more than one player noted the familiar feeling that accompanied Friday night's 6-4, come-from-behind victory over the Mets, one that included several late clutch hits and then a shutdown performance from the bullpen.
"That's stuff we did last year," reliever Drew Storen said. "That's what's fun about it. That's exciting. Especially on the road here, it's a big win for us."
Indeed, this was the kind of victory that was commonplace in 2012 but has for some reason eluded the Nationals in 2013, perhaps owing to their maddeningly inept offensive numbers when a game is on the line. Entering Friday, this team was hitting a collective .203 against opposing relievers, .192 in "late-and-close" situations and a scant .151 with a .199 on-base percentage in the ninth inning.
So imagine how the visiting dugout at Citi Field felt after the Nationals went 5-for-10 with four doubles and a walk in the eighth and ninth innings against five members of Terry Collins' New York bullpen, turning a 4-1 deficit into a 6-4 victory that catapulted this club back over the .500 mark.
Read more
80 comments:
Big big win for sure!
John Lannan is having a career night with his arm and his bat. Puig who? Phillies up 15-1 in the 7th.
What a win! What a game! I think we are back!
Murray, you think? ;)
We've been turning the corner for a while now. It's just been a very big corner. This game tonight was another step on the way...a big step.
Don't forget the impact of that 10 pitch AB that Detwiler had in the 3rd inning to push up Harvey's pitch count above 40 at that point in the game.
Somtimes what you do early in a game has a major effect later in a game!
Detwiler's at bat was huge, as was his only giving up 1 run in that inning where the Mets got 2 doubles, a 2 base error and a walk and only run when when they could have gotten much more. That is why you have to fight every strike....
Every at bat and every play from the first pitch can either come back to haunt you or help you later on. What a game. The late inning grit was absent earlier this season but has returned.
It's about time! But momentum is your next starting pitcher. Let hope Jordan's minor league success transfers to the majors. It helps that they're playing the Mets, who besides Wright, doesn't instill fear. Let's keep it going.
Any time you win a game against Matt Harvey, it really is a big win. And some of our biggest of the big bats came through, in the clutch. Good work by the curly Ws. Harper looks to be coming back, soon, and Ramos, too.
The Nats will close ranks around Taylor Jordan for another big game tomorrow.
Keep it up, guys. I'm watching you through the lenses of my latest pair of rose-colored glasses. I like the view.
Two words. Sa. Weet.
Also, could they have found their 2013 identity: Meet the new Nats, same as the 2012 Nats? You never know... :-)
Mark Z said...
Perhaps more significant, more than one player noted the familiar feeling that accompanied Friday night's 6-4, come-from-behind victory over the Mets, one that included several late clutch hits and then a shutdown performance from the bullpen.
"That's stuff we did last year," reliever Drew Storen said. "That's what's fun about it. That's exciting. Especially on the road here, it's a big win for us."
Indeed, this was the kind of victory that was commonplace in 2012 but has for some reason eluded the Nationals in 2013
They scored 46 runs in Chicago. Second game was 9-8. Wonder what's the record for runs in a single day.
from youcantpredictbaseball.com (Wonk's favorite site):
Matt Harvey allowed one run on just three hits over seven innings, striking out 11.
- He left the game with six outs to go against the second-worst offensive team in the league. The Mets led 4-1.
– With a runner on first and two outs, the Nats rallied to tie the game, and then scored two more in the ninth to win it.
— Harvey’s ERA is exactly 2.00, and he leads the league in ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP. The Mets are only 10-7 in his starts, and have lost seven of his last 12.
—- They’re 5-7 in his last 12 starts, during which Harvey has pitched to a 2.20 ERA with 93 strikeouts in 82 innings.
David Murphy stole a base.
Hey Mark
there were Nats fans in section 310 cheering. WOOOOOOO HOOOOO!
What a win! When was it last time we made a come back from 3 runs down? I know Mark said we did it once this season but I cannot recall. it must be in earlier innings.
Desi has really blossomed into some player. Lot of us doubted him and for some understandable reasons. But he has come a long way. I think last night's error wasn't his. at least partly because the ball did get to ALR before the runner and touched his glove.
NL, isn't rangers against orioles when rangers put up like 30 some runs in one game and then some more in the next?
NL, here is the box score for that game: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BAL/BAL200708221.shtml
you see on top that it was a doubleheader and rangers scored 9 in the next game. total 49 runs on that day.
I understand that the double header broke a time record at just about eight hours- and one of the teams had gotten in at three am. That description of a pitcher's hard luck story above sounded a lot like Gio or Stras to me. Don't feel too sorry for Harvey as our guys endure that a lot.
After Werth fanned for the third time in, I believe the seventh, I cussed and went to bed. Now I get up and......WOOOOO HOOOO....sorry Michele, it slipped out.
It's nice to have a lingering feeling of jubilation in the morning!
Werth had a huge hit after you went to bed, Big Cat. Harvey was very good, while making a lot of Nats look bad.Let's hope the Nats bats keep producing today, as historically they haven't done well against Dillon Gee:Gee is 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in eight career starts against the Nationals.
oops I take back my earlier post. here is the correct record:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_runs2.shtml
boston vs as doubleheader for 54 runs.
chicago vs phillies for 49 runs in a single game.
no wait
Dang, that wasn't from three runs.
Faraz,
I don't mean to rain on the parade, but the issue with the 1st Mets run was not the error by Desmond. It was the double by David Wright. RZim was playing in way too far in order to be able to make the throw. Because of that he made a very playable ball turn into a double. Both Charlie and Dave commented on it during that inning. It is a fairly common rumor in baseball that is what has been going on with RZim for a couple of months. I wrote about it a couple of days ago and was excoriated by several commenters here. RZim is either playing in to be able to make the throw and losing most of his range, or he is throwing balls away. Pick your poison. If I notice this and many announcers and scouts have spoken about it than it must be concerning to the FO.
I definitely thought we were headed for extras. I thought maybe I would putter around, put some things away, button up for the night, shower- Lah-di-dah, I will check in sometime in the tenth or eleventh.What???? I was impressed that they did not let things drag on. Very decisive . I loved the way they looked - very determined and patient.
nats guy, run scored thanks to that error. otherwise wright would have stayed at 2nd with whatever 1st or 2nd out.
1a, thanks for the link but I guess you already realized that it is not the game. But I did find one thing about Mark's instant analysis that might be incorrect. that was not nationals' first extra-inning GS. Morse had hit one before against AZ couple of years back. That's the series with lots of HBPs I believe.
Zimm's missing that ball was commented on by several posters (including myself) during the game. (I was watch FP and Carp, they didn't mention it). He is also laying out to his left and missing--several times recently.
Ah, I think I found it, Faraz.
1a, thanks for the link but I guess you already realized that it is not the game.
I again feel strangely excited and confident about this game, too (which, as I noted yesterday, correlates with almost nothing). I'm starting to really enjoy seeing all these n00bs get their shot at the majors. Have fun tonight, Jordan!
" I wrote about it a couple of days ago and was excoriated by several commenters here. RZim is either playing in to be able to make the throw and losing most of his range, or he is throwing balls away."
Not true. I sit behind the visitors dugout at Nats Park so I have a perfect view on where the third baseman lines up for every single play. On Tuesday night when Chad Tracy was playing third, he lined up exactly where Ryan Zimmerman lines up. The infield positioning is directed by a coach on the bench (which one, I don't know, but Mark Z probably does) and it is based entirely on game situation. Not on Ryan Zimmerman's throwing arm.
Funny, this Taylor Jordon was mediocre at best his first 3 years in the minors. Whatever he's turned around, its workin. His stats are lights out. Hell, he was in A ball 2 months ago. Kind of reminds me of Brad Peacock in Harrisburg. He is in Houston with Bo now
Good find, 1a. Here's the instant analysis. Looks like Desi put us over the top for that one, too. Dude is getting to be unreal!
Oh yeah, I'm really glad Det only got charged the two runs and that we delivered him from another loss. I have a feeling we'll see early session Det in the next start or two.
I see Nate Karns went 7 strong innings the other day in Harrisburg. I wouldn't write him off this year. I just got a feelin about that kid
I don't think Zim missed the ball because of positioning. At least, watching on TV, he had a slow reaction. He might not have gotten it anyway.
Thanks 1a and Eric.
Checking the highlights I see the ball that zim doubled on was on the inner half. I wish he would at least try and move up on the plate for 3 or 4 games. It is good to see him turn on the ball
The Wash Post article said that before Spans double he consulted with Eck and Eck brought out that 700 page Bible of a clipboard and they went over it. Great job Eck!!
Hmmmm....you are correct N-Jack about Jordon in 2011. 9-4 with a 2.48, then you say elbow problems. Sometimes it takes an injury to teach a kid how to "pitch". I see his pitching coach says he throws a sinker and a change that can drop straight down and has hit 95 mph. That normally means about 92. But that is fine. We could certainly use a shot in the arm from that 5 slot
When Zim makes a throwing error it 's not too short, it's too hard, wide or high. You would get closer if your throw was short. Just picking at the guy now. If not for his clutch hit, we lose.
For last night the players that didn't have great games in innings 1 to 7, redeemed themselves in huge ways.
The Nats did to Parnell, a good relief pitcher, what they should have done the previous night to Heath Bell, a 4.75 lousy relief pitcher.
Eat face with more mediocre relievers, and 1st place is ours!!
Actually, BigCat, on some of the TV dugout shots you frequently see the players consulting with Eck. Werth is often seen in consultation, as he goes over the stats with Eck.
The great Cardinals are now in 2nd place. 1st place team is the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Doc said...
The Nats did to Parnell, a good relief pitcher, what they should have done the previous night to Heath Bell, a 4.75 lousy relief pitcher.
I thought the same thing or at least to one of the relievers before Bell. Ryan Zimmerman was so close to a walk-off but Arizona was playing him near the warning track knowing the Nats swing for the fences and they seemed very willing to give up singles.
The Mets were playing RZim deep and he hit it hard enough to split the gap on his double.
Baseball works in strange ways as the 4-1 lead looked insurmountable last night. All the sweeter.
Zim's fly out to deep right on Thursday was a heartbreaker.
It sure is easy to make those plays of those hot shots at third while sitting on our fat behinds on the sofa, or while sitting in a broadcast booth.Ryan Zimmerman has been under a pretty harsh HD microscope every since his early throwing struggles, in my opinion. Personally, I'm glad he's playing third base for our team.
Speaking of grand slams, was Ryan Zimmerman's against the Phillies 2 years ago in the 9th? I was there and can't remember. All I remember is it was very late because we had several long rain delays. It must have been in the 9th, but seemed later.
Talking about young Nats pitchers, Purke is ready to move up soon from Low-A. He pitched 6 innings of shutout baseball on 1 hit, no walks, and 8 K's.
It was the bottom of the 9th. It was after midnight. Great ending, but also a great beginning. I always saw that game as the real end of the Phillies dominance over the Nats.
Here's the story:
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-08-20/sports/35272310_1_michael-morse-washington-nationals-danny-espinosa
Yes, yes it was, Joe.
And now I'm off to the NIDO, Joe.
Fangraphs write up on Taylor Jordan with a video.
debut
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/daily-notes-largely-concerning-two-notable-debuts/
Ghost, with his lack of power, do you see Billy Burns as ever having any shot to ever make it to the show? He seems to excel at every phase of the game except hitting home runs.
Guys get bigger; guys add power. All I am saying, is give Burns a chance.
Joe Seamhead said...
Ghost, with his lack of power, do you see Billy Burns as ever having any shot to ever make it to the show? He seems to excel at every phase of the game except hitting home runs.
Hard to imagine on this team he gets a chance but you never know if there's a trade or Rule 5 in his future.
On negative from last night. Bernadina's high throw to the plate was the kind of throw that scare the hell out coaches because it leaves your catcher open to getting his legs cut out from under him. Also, any higher and you give away free bases.
Billy Burns is a soon to be 24 year old playing A ball and reminds me of a Brian Bixler type. If he proves himself at AA then can be considered a possibility.
Clip piling up the wins again, I see. Most wins of any reliever--and he's not vulturing them, he's just Davey's luck charm.
Relievers sorted by W/L record
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2013&month=0&season1=2013&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=3,d
If I read this right, Mini-Clip is coming back. Saved a game yesterday.
Amanda Comak @acomak 3m
Erik Davis said he didn't find out he was coming back to #nats until about midnight. Decision to option Kobernus obviously made late.
Amanda thinks that's only until Bryce is activated Monday. Bullpen has been good, but used a lot, especially Clip, Storen and Soriano.
Crazy--the post I was replying to (about why an extra reliever) that post disappeared.
Thanks for the update on Purke, Ghost.
I think that MLB needs to institute the Fred G. Sandford Award for 'Most Successful Reclamation Projects by a GM'.
I think that our guy Mike Rizzo would win hands down!
I am still basking in the glow. Looking forward to the Baby Nat pitching debut, too. A good morning all around.
yeah NL. thanks but it seems to happen to me and GoSM. It does not happen to me as much as GoSM.
"I have to make some adjustments, maybe move some feet or something. That’s two games in a row they've done that to me. It’s time for me to make an adjustment."
That's Bobby Parnell after the game last night. Could be interesting if he's used again series.
Nationals PR @NationalsPR 10m
Davey's Lineup, Sat. @ NYM/G80: Span cf, Rendon 2b, Zimmerman 3b, LaRoche 1b, Werth rf, Desmond ss, Bernadina lf, Suzuki c, Jordan rhp
Interesting. Wonder if Zook will go tomorrow for Gio.
"Amanda Comak @acomak 3m
Erik Davis said he didn't find out he was coming back to #nats until about midnight. Decision to option Kobernus obviously made late. "
You can blame Detwiler for that. If he'd been able to go past the fifth last night they wouldn't have needed Ohlendorf. But now Ohlendorf is not available today, when there's a good chance he'd be needed when the kid doesn't make it deep into the game.
girlfriend wanted to go out and see a slow movie in danish...missed the game of the year.
i will survive
Everyone here is talking about Zimm and Desi but for me the critical at-bat was Rendon, a rookie, working the walk on some very close pitches. This guy's strike zone judgement astounds me at his age.
Kobernus may be fast, but we need him to learn how to run the bases better and he can do that in AAA. We are still missing a player that can be used as a pinch-runner. I don't know of anyone on the team that we can plug in and expect to steal at a 90% success rate 80% of the time they are on base.
girlfriend wanted to go out and see a slow movie in danish...missed the game of the year.
i will survive
Per Twitter feed, Det has stiff lower back, Ohlendorf to start if Det can't make next one...
Great comments this morning. Good team spirit, sprinkled with fair and sometimes critical analysis. If this is what a win does for NI, I want more!
Last night, Terry Collins was managing the heck out of that 8th inning, but our hitters beat their bullpen. Did you notice that he left a righty in to face Tracy, but then brought in the lefty to face Span, and then a righty to face Rendon. Hmm, why would he do that. Charlie and Dave were wondering too. Well, I think the answer is obvious. He figured Davey would PH for Tracy with Moore, and he'd rather face Tracy against a righty than Moore, even with Moore's .130/.180/.289 split against LH pitching.
It's not good when your LH pinch hitter inspires so little fear. Unfortunately, it sounds like Brown is not much of an option any more, but I do hope that Rizzo is beating the bushes for some bench help. Despite the two PH homeruns, Tracy is a liability.
Goodbye to Kobernus and Marrero. They can play every day at AAA.
Both leave as members of the Sub Mendoza club. Its eye popping to see how many are in that club and how many are still employed.
Espinosa, Tracy, Bernadina, Moore, Solano, Kobernus, Marrero, Perez.
Thats 8 players and you have Suzuki 12 points from joining them.
Adam Dunn climbed to Mendoza last night and his OPS is about 325 points higher than the average of that group.
"Last night, Terry Collins was managing the heck out of that 8th inning, but our hitters beat their bullpen. Did you notice that he left a righty in to face Tracy"
Most managers see Tracy as an auto-out and I cant remember the last time a opposing manager has pulled a reliever to face him. Last night a harmless popup in foul territory.
And that's with the popular value for the Mendoza Line. His actual lifetime BA is .215, so strictly speaking, the list is actually longer than that.
Here I sit in my camper at the Candy Hill Campground in Winchester, Va. They don't have MASN on their cable system so I can't watch the Nats on TV. I do receive FM 106.7 very well here so I can listen to Charlie and Dave on the radio. I really enjoyed listening to last night's game.
Post a Comment