Monday, August 5, 2013

Game 112: Braves at Nats

Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals have been asking for a chance to prove themselves against the Braves for some time now, and tonight they get their first opportunity in two months to take on the NL East leaders. Atlanta is red-hot, having won 10 in a row, opening up a commanding, 12 1/2-game lead in the division. Suffice it to say, the Nats are in must-win territory here.

Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the series opener, hoping to continue his dominance of the Braves this season — he's got a 1.93 ERA in three starts — but hoping to earn his first win over Atlanta. He'll be opposed by left-hander Mike Minor, who has a 5.06 ERA in three starts against the Nats, yet is 2-0.

Updates to come, so please check back...

ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 77 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (54-57)
CF Bryce Harper
SS Ian Desmond
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth C Wilson Ramos
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Anthony Rendon
LF Steve Lombardozzi
RF Scott Hairston
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BRAVES (67-45)
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
C Brian McCann
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF B.J. Upton
SS Andrelton Simmons
LHP Mike Minor

UMPIRES
HP Rob Drake
1B Joe West (cc)
2B Sam Holbrook
3B Adam Hamari

5:00 p.m. — Lineup change for the Nats: Jayson Werth was initially hitting cleanup, but he has been scratched. Probably due to a groin strain that has been bothering him for a couple of days. So Wilson Ramos will now hit cleanup, with Steve Lombardozzi in left field and Scott Hairston shifting to right field. Werth, incidentally, was just named NL Player of the Month for July. An unfortunate time for him to miss a game due to injury.

7:07 p.m. — And we're underway with a 94 mph fastball from Stephen Strasburg to Jason Heyward, which is promptly fouled off. It's 77 degrees at gametime, absolutely gorgeous for August in D.C.

7:18 p.m. — This one didn't exactly start the way the Nationals hoped, with Adam LaRoche bobbling Jason Heyward's routine grounder to first for an error. But Strasburg's response to that mistake behind him was quite telling. He merely struck out the side, getting Justin Upton to whiff at a curveball, Freddie Freeman to whiff at a changeup and Brian McCann to whiff at a curveball. That's fairly impressive stuff right there.

7:29 p.m. — Well, there you go, a little two-out thunder from the heart of the Nats lineup. Wilson Ramos delivered a base hit to right-center, moving Ian Desmond (who earlier drew a walk) to third base and bringing up LaRoche in a big spot. And the veteran first baseman continued his recent hot stretch, blasting an RBI double to right-center, scoring Desmond to give the Nats an early 1-0 lead. They tried to make it 2-0, but Ramos was thrown out trying to score behind Desmond. Nonetheless, props to LaRoche (who is still using Jayson Werth's bat, by the way).

7:40 p.m. — Man oh man, Rob Drake is not going to be getting a Christmas card from Strasburg this year. Three times already in two innings, Strasburg thought he had strike three and started trotting off the mound, only to head back after Drake called them balls. Props to Strasburg for still getting out of it all without surrendering a hit so far, but his pitch count is at 41 when it could easily be around 30 instead.

7:58 p.m. — Some bad luck gets Strasburg in the top of the third. Heyward and Upton each reached on infield singles, with Desmond and Zimmerman unable to make tough plays. That opened the door for Freeman to loft an RBI single to right, tying this game 1-1. Strasburg continues to pitch well and has allowed only the one run over three innings, but he's already at 60 pitches, a bit of a concern.

8:17 p.m. — Make it six strikeouts for Strasburg through four innings, none of them coming on fastballs, interestingly enough. He's really used his offspeed stuff well so far, keeping the Braves off-balance. Still 1-1 as we go to the bottom of the fourth.

8:37 p.m. — Strasburg's inability to hold a man on first base really came back to bite him in the top of the fifth. With two outs, he let Justin Upton steal second without so much as any movement from Wilson Ramos or either middle infielder. And sure enough, Upton then scored on Freeman's base hit up the middle. That puts the Braves up 2-1, and that run is entirely on Strasburg.

8:50 p.m. — To no one's surprise, the Nationals aren't providing any run support to Strasburg. And he may pay the price once again for it. He's through six innings on 103 pitches, striking out nine. But he trails 2-1 because the Nats haven't made a dent into Minor since the bottom of the first.

8:58 p.m. — But the Nats tie it up in the bottom of the sixth. Zimmerman and Ramos led off the inning with back-to-back singles. (Ramos has now smoked the ball to right field three times tonight.) LaRoche had a bad strikeout on a breaking ball in the dirt, but Rendon picked him up with a bullet of a line drive to left-center. Upton did make the catch, but Zimmerman easily scored on the sac fly. So it's 2-2 as we move to the seventh and Strasburg takes the mound sitting on 103 pitches.

9:05 p.m. — Continuing a recent trend, Strasburg finished strong. He retired the last six batters he faced on 18 total pitches, keeping this a 2-2 game. His line: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 112 pitches. Seventh-inning stretch time.

9:20 p.m. — The Nats couldn't have asked for a much-better scenario than this: Scott Hairston's leadoff double in the bottom of the seventh put the go-ahead runner on second base with nobody out and Jayson Werth (pinch-hitting for Strasburg), Bryce Harper and Ian Desmond due up. Except they still couldn't get the runner home. Werth struck out on a 3-2 fastball at the knees from reliever David Carpenter. Harper absolutely smoked a 3-1 pitch to right field, unfortunately right at Jason Heyward. That left it all up to Desmond, who tapped a weak grounder in front of the plate to kill the rally and leave this game tied 2-2 heading to the eighth. Tyler Clippard in from the bullpen.

9:30 p.m. — Clippard hasn't made very many mistakes this season, but his 3-2 changeup to Justin Upton just now was a really big one. Upton clobbered the waist-high meatball down the left-field line and into the bleachers for his fourth homer in five days. Just like that, the Braves take a 3-2 lead and the Nats have some work to do. It is worth noting, though, that Craig Kimbrel has pitched the last three nights and probably isn't available to close tonight for Atlanta.

9:40 p.m. — And the Nats go down in order in the eighth, though LaRoche did smoke a liner right at Simmons for the final out. Their last hope will be Rendon, Span and Hairston in the bottom of the ninth.

10:03 p.m. — That'll do it. The Nats once again get the leadoff man on and move him into scoring position. But with Rendon on third and only one out, Hairston popped out to the catcher and Chad Tracy flied out to left on the first pitch he saw. It's a 3-2 loss, and the Nats now trail Atlanta by a daunting 13 1/2 games with 50 to play.

299 comments:

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MrsB loves the Nats said...

Wow Clip... That was a terrible pitch....

Knoxville Nat said...

That pitch was meat.

Nats 128 said...

"bigger mistake was not bringing in JZim to bunt with Bryce on deck."

He couldve let Strasburg stay in to bunt for himself or Jordan Z who is the better bunter.

Davey wanted the 2 run HR and got nothing.

Unknown said...

saw that coming, Carp jinxed Clip big time, saying how amazing Clip has been, not just great but amazing, true but the kiss of death...J Up needs to get drilled next time he comes up.

Joe Seamhead said...

OK. You have two LH batters on the bench to pinch hit against RHP. If you're not going to use them, then get rid of them.
Good grief, now we have to listen to that chop crap in our house.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Since i am stuck not watching why we mad at joe west.

Unknown said...

Now 13.5 games out. Clip likes to throw the gopher game lately.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

2 in last 3 games is a poor week.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Do the Nats scout Freeman on his spray charts. He is up the middle so much.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Clip's command is shaky....

Unknown said...

We're watching the end of Clippard's career. He'll hang around for a few more years, but will never be the same after that HR.

Knoxville Nat said...

"saw that coming, Carp jinxed Clip big time, saying how amazing Clip has been, not just great but amazing, true but the kiss of death...J Up needs to get drilled next time he comes up."

On the other hand when Clip came in to pitch the Braves announcers were going on and on about how much success Atl hitters have had against Nats BP in general and against Clippard in particular.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Freddie Freeman is hitting near .440 with RISP. Was he hitting hard hell no. Got 2 RBI with 2 RISP. Our guys swing real hard not real effective

Unknown said...

Unknown, you win the award for the most absurd comment all month at 930pm, congratulations!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Wondering if this is the annual 'melt-down' for Clip... Want to say around this time he started to lose some effectiveness....

Clearly didnt do his job tonight...

Nats Fan 204 said...

Just a question, does anybody think that Clip should have been taken out after he gave up the go ahead run? Would you want to save his arm for the next two games?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Talk about Legend of Doom talk. One play and your csreer is over.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Agreed

BigCat said...

Come on nats........one time

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Time for hitter #3 and #5 to step up.

BigCat said...

Come on nats........one time

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

He is the 8th inning pitcher. He stays.

SCNatsFan said...

Eighth inning, down by one, looks at strike three.

BigCat said...

Where did this carpenter guy come from?

BigCat said...

Not good. Kimbrell for the 9th

Knoxville Nat said...

ATL broadcasters now tell us that Nats hitters are 7 for 81 (with Zim's K) against their BP. That is pathetic.

David Proctor said...

Ramos has really swung the bat well today. He should stay up in the lineup. Not 4th, but maybe like 6th.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Carpenter was a Braves waiver claim in the off-season. An absolute freebie.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Jays was Carp's team last year. Astros before that.

Was zim's third a close pitch he didnt swing.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

No need to change pitchers, Freddy. The way Carpenter's throwing, he would have blown the languid swinging ALR away!

Unknown said...

Just to piggy back on Unknown at 9:30pm

The encounter (Upton's HR) could create a time paradox, the results of which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum, and destroy the entire universe! Granted, that's a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be very localized, limited to merely our own galaxy.

Doc E. Brown

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MNF, RZim was totally fooled on the strike 3. I think it was a slider on the inside.

Nats Fan 204 said...

A lot of line drives are usually a sign good things to come. Upton just misses a line drive double and then hits a homerun. I know we make a lot of fundamental mistakes and that we take alot of called 3rd strikes with men on base and/or in scoring position but sometimes you just have to say that luck is not on our side tonight.I wonder if there is a connection between the two.

BigCat said...

Something fishy about that carpenter guy. Hmmm

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Line drive after line drive after line drive...

I would not use Mattheus right here...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

No

Steve J, Alexandria said...

... just reading comments

The Legion of Doom is crucifying Davey and Clip. Clip is fine -- but Davey ... haha .. well, he's Davey. Somebody reach over and remind Davey he's in a ballgame. I wonder where he thinks he is?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Knoxville Nat said...
ATL broadcasters now tell us that Nats hitters are 7 for 81 (with Zim's K) against their BP. That is pathetic.


It's not just Braves relievers, the Nats do worse against all relievers than the starters to the tune of .191/.233/.314/.546

BigCat said...

Come on Cant give up anymore

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Hey Legion or Doomers: You're bellyaching like the Nats are a pennant contender or something. Chill. You have to forget last year and reprise your love of the game when we all were rooting for the sub .500 Washington Bums. Well, here we are again.

SCNatsFan said...

Carpenter got traded with the manager from Toronto to the Red Sox, the sox tried to put him thru waivers and the braves got him.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I just don't get the logic of using Mattheus right here...

Secret wasian man said...

The face of the franchise LOOKS!!!! AGAIN at strike 3 with the game on the line. Mr "Please vote for me for the allstar game" strikes out looking with a guy at second and hits an 8 ft dribbler with a guy on second. What else do you need to know about this sorry, overpaid, heartless bunch of bums. That are managed by a tired old man who should have quit 2 months ago. PISSSSSSSed off. And now the game will be out of reach after locker punch boy vomits all over the mound.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Back to Joe West. What did he do to cause his name to be.mentioned.

This trash my daughter watches is worse than a Nats loss. Though prefer the win.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Greeeeat Play Desi!!!!!!!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Uhm....

Secret wasian man said...

Nice play by ian there

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ump blew a big call. Desi with the heads up play of the game. Not sure what RZim was doing, ball hog?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Carp totally botches the pronunciation of Terdoslavich.

Unknown said...

ok, SWM, have to give you credit for this line:

"...And now the game will be out of reach after locker punch boy vomits all over the mound."

MrsB loves the Nats said...

The SZ has shifted....

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I'd pitchout here.

Knoxville Nat said...

IIRC ScNats fan posted something earlier tonight about hoping that the 2014 Nats manager would work more on fundamentals in spring training next season. I have to agree as this year's Nationals are fundamentally weak, sac bunts for example;defense has been bad almost the entire season, coaching at 3rd base questionable, pitchers can't hold base runners, etc.

Question I have is will the new manager be strong enough to stand up to any vets who think infield drills or other practice drills not necessary? And will Rizzo back his new manager if the vets complain?

Secret wasian man said...

I have Zimmerman jerseys, posters... but I would really like to see this guy traded. He is just not carrying his weight anymore.

SCNatsFan said...

First out at 3B but braves announcers still say great play by Uggla. No bigger homers then braves announcers. Been that way since Turner owned them.

Secret wasian man said...

Thanks paul. Im am just very frustrated. This team is very limited. I expect nothing anymore. But for our so called "stars" to just stand there at look at strike 3 just infuriates me. especially when people like Hairston are contributing. Good job Matheus.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Secret wasian man said...
I have Zimmerman jerseys, posters... but I would really like to see this guy traded. He is just not carrying his weight anymore.


He won't be traded so save it but Ryan is still a stud hitter. Defense is worst in the Majors for a 3rd baseman so yah, that's a problem.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Zim was doing what 3baseman are supposed to do "get everything you can." that's been a baseball axiom for 125 years!

Unknown said...

is Mike Eruzione batting in the bottom of the 9th?

we need a miracle vs. Kimbrel.

Secret wasian man said...

Why does ryan look at strike 3 so often?

SCNatsFan said...

Again Knox I think any veteran who complains after this campaign should be traded. We give games away with poor fundamentals. Just. Look at the stolen base we gave away tonight. It isn't rare, it's a near nightly event. And you have to blame Davey for that.

Unknown said...

wow, no Kimbrel?!

guess they are a confident bunch.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Let's go Nats. Surprise us with a walk-off!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Kimbrel not available tonight i though

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Mattheus with an effective inning.....

Steve J, Alexandria said...

SC: There are two announcers who are even bigger homers: FP and Carp.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

No Carp, you don't have to be in contact with the pitching rubber after you start your motion.

Secret wasian man said...

I think we will all agree that not too many will miss Davey when hes gone.

Secret wasian man said...

you cant bat hairston here. he cant hit righties at all.

SCNatsFan said...

Span did his best to screw that up

Steve J, Alexandria said...

A bunt? A sac bunt? hmm Span must have done that on his own. Hey Davey!! wake up, dude.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

If Span motored down the line I think he gets in the way of throw.

Nice wild pitch!

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Come on..... Sugar honey iced tea.... Lets do this!!!!

Steve J, Alexandria said...

haha Look at this carnival freak pitcher who actually leaves Both feet as he delivers the ball. haha

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Hairston can't hit righties.... What did we expect... And now mr pop up... Game is about to be over...

Secret wasian man said...

hahahaha just awful. and now chad tracy. GOOD NIGHT

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I didn't want to jinx it but you know you have to pinch-hit for Hairston with a lefty.

Davey screws that up again.

David Proctor said...

Hairston vs lefties = good. Hairston vs righties = bad. Simple as that. He had no business batting.

SCNatsFan said...

Losers. This team is done.i love them but they have no heart.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MrsB, we are on it again. Hairston vs a righty? Seriously?

Secret wasian man said...

DAVEY YOU SUCK. GUTLESS GUTLESS GUTLESS. There goes the sweep.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Beyond pissed... Terrible.... Terrible... Terrible... BP comes in and screws it up... Hairston in against a RhP.... Runners in scoring position a time or two... And then Chad Tracy comes in and swings at the first pitch for a damn pop up...

I'm so pissed...

Knoxville Nat said...

Ok we got two left handed hitters sitting on the bench and Johnson lets Hairston hit against the RH pitcher. I don't get it. I know Hairston had two hits against Minor tonight (Lefty) but his splits against RH pitching are awful.

Unknown said...

This stinks.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Braves 150 pitches 36. 4.16

Nats 131 pitches 36. 3.6

What the hell Hairston cannot hit righties. Why was he not pinch hit for? Davey does.more stupid player selections that make no sense.

Almazar80 said...

The WS favorites are showing a real contender how to win the crucial games. Or as usual, not.

Anonymous said...

There is no joy in Natville..the UNmighty Tracy has flied out.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

SCNatsFan said...
Losers. This team is done.i love them but they have no heart.


The team has heart but the manager lost his brain and the 3rd base coach too.

This team played hard and with heart. Horrible luck.

Rendon2B said...

Davey worst manager in baseball. This team like '12 Red Sox. Terrible manager wasting good talent

Secret wasian man said...

is there nobody on this team who can get a hit when it really matters? And what kind of pictures with Davey and farm animals must Chad Tracy own?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

SWM, Davey has a boss. You can't make as many mistakes as Davey made as a manager and win a close game.

Knoxville Nat said...

Good night George, Good night Gracie.....this season is like a late night rerun......been there, seen it, did that. Looks like the 2010 Nats or worse all over again.

Anonymous said...

Secret wasian man - You mean Rizzo. Davey can only play the players he has on the roster. Tracy's continued presence is certainly baffling.

Secret wasian man said...

Ghost says horrible luck. HAHAHA I guess its just bad luck that we are 4 games under .500. Get a clue GHOST.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Kolko asks the bunt question! Glad someone in the media is paying attention but Davey takes it as he wouldn't keep him in any longer. That question went over his head.

Secret wasian man said...

I have learned to stomach guys like Shark and Tracy doing nothing for this team. But there is no excuse for Desmond to continue to do NOTHING at the plate.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

New thread

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Secret wasian man said...
Ghost says horrible luck. HAHAHA I guess its just bad luck that we are 4 games under .500. Get a clue GHOST.


Hahaha is right. The bad luck was all the hard shots that were right at people.

We all know what the differences were. The Braves made a few mistakes but the Nats didn't capitalize.

Nats Fan 204 said...

Interesting comment about Strassburg by Davey. It seems that Davey believes that there has been enough work on Strass' move to first base to have by now produced a better result. It seems that Davey said that by now Strass' move and when he will and won't throw over are so predictable that a steal is almost a sure thing.

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