June 19, 2013

Washington Nationals Game 70 Review: Nats fall two below .500 after 4-2 loss to Lee, Phillies

June 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Ross Detwiler and Cliff Lee put on quite the pitcher’s duel Tuesday night, but the Washington Nationals failed to play catch-up yet again as the Philadelphia Phillies rounded out a 4-2 win.

Washington (34-36) has dropped three in a row and five of eight so far in their nine-game, three-city road trip, with one to play. The Nats fall to a season-worst two games below .500 and are tied with the Phillies (35-37) for second place in the NL East – seven games behind the Atlanta Braves (42-30).

The Nats had a golden opportunity to pick up as many as two games against the Braves, as Atlanta was swept by the New York Mets in a double-header, but Washington was not up to the task.

Detwiler (L, 2-5) looked sharp in his first five innings pitched, allowing just one run on three hits. But the Nats lefty, making just his second start off the disabled list, ran out of gas in the sixth inning, marring his final line. By the end of his night, Detwiler allowed four runs in 6.0 innings on seven hits — though he did not walk a batter and struck out four. [Read more...]

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Washington Nationals Game 69 Review: Chad Tracy’s homer too little, too late as Nats fall to Phils 5-4

June 17, 2013 by 1 Comment

In a matchup between two over-5.00 ERA pitchers on two teams struggling to find the .500 mark, the Philadelphia Phillies (34-37) topped the Washington Nationals (34-35) 5-4 in walk-off fashion Monday night.

It’s been a frustrating road trip for the Nats, who have managed to win three of seven thus far despite their offensive woes.

With former National John Lannan (ND, 0-1) on the mound for the Phillies, Washington had a legitimate shot at erasing memories of Sunday afternoon’s frustrating loss to the Cleveland Indians.

In fact, the Nats struck first – and early – against Lannan. With one out in the first inning, Anthony Rendon drew a walk before Ryan Zimmerman took first on a hit-by-pitch. Jayson Werth singled to left to drive in Rendon and give the Nats a 1-0 lead before Ian Desmond grounded into a double play to cut the inning short. [Read more...]

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Washington Nationals Minor League Update and Prospect Report for June 17

June 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

SYRACUSE CHIEFS
AAA-INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE
Week: (1-4, 2 PPD) Season: (27-40, 6th in IL North, 12.5 GB)

Danny Espinosa, 2B: The Nats injured second baseman is on a rehab stint with the Chiefs. He’s gone 2-for-9 this week with no extra base hits, four Ks and two walks.

Tyler Moore, OF/1B: Since being sent down by the Nats, Moore has continued his season-long struggles. He went 3-for-19 this week but making his few hits count with a double, homer and seven RBIs. He has struck out five times and has not drawn a walk. Season: .158/.182/.368 with one home run and 7 RBIs.

Corey Brown, OF: The left-handed hitting outfielder went 2-for-18 this week with two doubles and three RBIs and a whopping six strikeouts against two walks. Season: .250/.319/.528 with 10 HRs and 28 RBIs.

Eury Perez, OF: Perez went 6-for-21 this week with two multi-hit games, a home run and two stolen bases. He struck out three times and walked once. Season: .315/.338/.438 with four homers, 12 RBIs and 11 SBs.

Zach Walters, SS: Walters was named International League Batter of the Week as he picked it up this week average-wise after a miserable two-month start to the season. He went 11-for-19 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs with one K and no BBs. Season: .233/.265/.482 with 14 HRs and 32 RBIs.

Erik Davis, RHP: In his first appearance since being sent down, Davis got hammered Sunday pitching in relief. He gave up four earned runs on one hit and three walks, giving up a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning in Syracuse’s 8-4 loss to Toledo. Season: 1-3, 7 SVs, 4.21 with 30 Ks and 11 BBs in 25 2/3 innings.

Christian Garcia, RHP: On rehab from the big club, Garcia has made two appearances but has been shut down again with soreness in his shoulder after being out all season with a partially torn tendon in his right forearm. In three innings, Garcia has allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks, striking out four.

Danny Rosenbaum, LHP: Rosenbaum was lit up in his one start this week against Toledo, though he didn’t factor in the decision. In four innings, he allowed four earned runs on nine hits and three walks, striking out two. Season: 5-3, 3.75 in 13 starts with 41 Ks and 33 BBs in 72.0 IP.

HARRISBURG SENATORS
AA-EASTERN LEAGUE
Week: (5-1), Season (37-32, T-1 in IL West)

Brian Goodwin, OF: Goodwin went 5-for-21 this week with a triple and three RBIs. He struck out seven times and walked once. Season: .240/.346/.374 with four homers, 16 RIs and 13 SBs (8 CS).

Destin Hood, OF: Hood had a five-game hitting streak this weeks, going 7-for-20 with two doubles and an RBI. He struck out twice and walked once. Season: .249/.292/.373 with four homers, 28 RBIs and 4 SBs.

Sandy Leon, C: Leon went 5-for-15 with two doubles and an RBI this week. The switch-hitting catcher struck out twice and walked three times. Season: .235/.338/.350.

Taylor Jordan, RHP: The 24-year-old tall righty continued his breakout season, throwing a complete-game shutout Wednesday over Richmond. He allowed five hits and a walk to go along with his 11 Ks. Season (AA & AAA): 7-1, 0.93 with 68 Ks and 12 BBs in 77 1/3 IP.

POTOMAC NATIONALS
HIGH-A CAROLINA LEAGUE
Week: (6-1), Season: (42-27, 1st in CL North)

Michael Taylor, OF: Taylor had a five-game hitting streak this week, going 6-for-22 with a homer and three RBIs. He had 9 Ks and a BB and stole four bases. Season: .255/.337/.408 with six homers and 41 RBIs.

Billy Burns, OF: The speedster went 7-for-222 with an RBI, nine runs scored and six stolen bases. Season: .299/.428/.358 with no homers, 15 RBIs, 49 runs and 36 SBs.

Randolph Oduber, OF: Oduber went 5-for-22 with a double, four RBIs and a steal. He struck out seven times and drew two walks. Season: .251/.317/.377 with three homers, 28 RBIs and seven SBs (6 CS).

A.J. Cole, RHP: Cole was dominant in his start this week against Frederick. He allowed no runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings, striking out 10 in the process to earn the win. Season: 4-2, 4.16 with 82 Ks and 18 BBs in 71 1/3 innings over 13 starts.

Robbie Ray, LHP: The lefty made two starts this week on diametrically opposite ends of the spectrum. Tuesday he won, allowing one earned run on just two hits, though he gave up four walks. He struck out seven over seven innings. Sunday he had a rough go of it against Frederick. He gave up six earned runs on six hits (including three homers) and two walks, striking out five. Season: 5-2, 2.22 with 88 Ks and 33 BBs in 69 innings over 13 starts.

Sammy Solis, LHP: The big lefty was put on the seven-day disabled list with ”general shoulder soreness”. Solis missed all of 2012 due to Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. Season: 0-0, 3.38 with nine Ks and five BBs in 16 innings over four starts.

HAGERSTOWN SUNS
LOW-A SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE
Week: (5-3, 1 PPD), Season: (38-29, T-1 in SALLY North)

Tony Renda, 2B: Week: 7-for-29 with a double. 6 Ks and 4 BBs. Season: .291/.355/.415 with one homer, 27 RBIs and 13 SB (2 CS).

Brandon Miller, OF: Week: 8-for-29 with four doubles, one homer and eight RBIs. Season: .253/.310/.510 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs, 85 Ks and 17 BBs.

Matt Purke, LHP: Two starts this week for Purke as he continues to build up arm strength. Tuesday: 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HRs. Sunday: 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K.

Robert Benincasa, RHP: 2 1/3 IP with a save in three games. Struck out five and no walks, hits or runs. Season: 0-1, 2.57 with 10 saves, 30 Ks and 5 BBs.

NATS TOP PROSPECTS FOR 2013

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B/2B – MLB

Rendon, 23, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 draft and is a natural hitter with lightning quick wrists and developing doubles power to both gaps. He’s a potential Gold Glove caliber defensive player at third base and is learning to play second base at the Major League level to good reviews thus far.

2. Brian Goodwin, OF — AA

A 22-year-old center fielder, Goodwin was the 34th overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Miami Dade South CC. Possessing good power, speed and plate discipline, Goodwin is a capable defender in center and would be above average in left field if he ends up there. Went .280/.384/.469 between Hagerstown and Harrisburg in 2012.

3. A.J. Cole, RHP — HI-A

Returned to the Nats in the Michael Morse deal, Cole (6’4″, 180) is a 21-year-old right hander that profiles as a mid-rotation starter with the potential for All-Star stuff. He’s got a huge fastball (96-MPH) with good movement, a slurvy curveball that can be league average and good feel for his changeup at an early age.

4. Lucas Giolito, LHP — A, INJ

Giolito was seen as the top high school arm in his draft class and ended up with the Nats with the 16th overall pick in 2012 due to injury concerns as he missed his senior year of high school with a sprained UCL. The giant righty (6’6″, 230) made one two inning appearance last season for the Nats Gulf Coast team before being shut down and eventually had Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow in August. He boasts a plus fastball in the upper 90s, a power curve and a solid change-up.

5. Matt Skole, 3B/1B — AA, INJ

Skole was a 5th Round pick in 2011 and all he’s done since signing with the Nats out of Georgia Tech is mash the baseball. In 119 games between Hagerstown and Potomac last year the 6’4″, 220 left-handed batter hit 27 homers and drove in 104, hitting .291/.426/.559. Slated for Harrisburg this year, he injured his left elbow in a freak collision which required Tommy John surgery and is out for the season.

6. Nate Karns, RHP — AA

Another big (6’3″, 230) right handed starter, Karns has a nice fastball and good command over his other pitches, but none really profile as plus pitches at the big league level. He’s a shoulder injury survivor (torn labrum in 2011) so it’s easy to root for him, but the former 12th round pick probably has a ceiling at the back of a rotation or in the pen. But he’s got a big league arm.

7. Sammy Solis, LHP – HI-A

The massive (6’5, 230) 24-year old left-hander was the Nats 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft, with a projection for a quick path to the Majors out of U. of San Diego, but Tommy John surgery delayed his path after the 10 starts in 2011. Owns a 3.75 K/BB ratio in 23 minor league starts.

8. Matt Purke, LHP — LO-A

Purke, 22, was the Nats 3rd round pick in 2011 out of TCU, where is final season was limited by bursitis in his left shoulder, which resulted in his drop in the draft. National Freshman of the year, he was drafted and thought he had a deal with the Rangers but the deal was disallowed due to the Rangers ownership questions at the time. He’s possesses and above-average fastball and slider and has shown feel for the changeup.

9. Chris Marrero, 1B — MLB

It’s easy to forget Marrero is only 24. The often-injured right-handed first baseman is a natural hitter with gap power with impressive plate discipline. A capable defender at first base, he might not put up big home run totals in the Major Leagues, but his hit tool (.286/.353/.456 career MiLB) is real.

10. Eury Perez, OF — AAA

Signed as am undrafted free agent in 2007, Perez’ best tool is his off-the-chart speed. He’s stolen over 160 bases in three-plus seasons in the minors. He’s a smart runner and puts good use to his speed in center field, where he’s proven to be capable with the possibility of spectacular. Unlike many speedsters, though, Perez also has a plus arm. Perez is a slap-hitter at the plate and his career MiLB OBP is just a few ticks over his batting average, so plate discipline is an issue and question as he moves up the ladder.

11. Tony Renda, 2B — LO-A
12. Robbie Ray, LHP – HI-A
13. Zach Walters, SS — AAA
14. Destin Hood, OF — AA
15. Michael Taylor, OF — HI-A
16. Jeff Kobernus, OF/2B — MLB
17. Taylor Jordan, RHP – AA
18. Brandon Miller, OF — LO-A
19. Sandy Leon, C — AA
20. Erik Davis, RHP — AAA

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Washington Nationals Game 68 Review: Indians shut out Nats in rubber game

June 16, 2013 by 2 Comments

In perhaps the Washington Nationals’ (34-34) most frustrating display of offensive insufficiency this season, the Cleveland Indians (34-34) took the interleague series rubber game 2-0 at Progressive Field Sunday afternoon.

Bypassing any minor league rehab assignments, Stephen Strasburg (L, 3-6) allowed just one run on one hit in his first appearance off the disabled list, showing no evidence of lingering back pain.

Strasburg’s sole run allowed came in the bottom of the fourth after Jason Kipnis drew a one-out walk and stole second, only to advance to third on a throwing error by Jhonatan Solano. In the next at-bat, Carlos Santana singled Kipnis home to position Strasburg for the not-so-deserved loss. [Read more...]

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Washington Nationals better off with Rendon AND healthy Espinosa

June 16, 2013 by 2 Comments

Since his recall from the minors, Anthony Rendon has been hitting the cover off the ball for the Washington Nationals. The second baseman — for now — was 10-for-27 (.370/.414/.519) since June 5. Overall as a big leaguer, after Saturday’s 3-for-5 with his first MLB home run, the 23-year-old rookie is hitting .333/.406/.491 in 64 plate appearances. Granted, that’s about as small a sample size as allowed by law, but the kid has gotten off to a good start.

He’s kinda living high on the BABiP right now, but his OBP numbers are in line with what he’s done in the minors, while his SLG is a little down. But his six doubles give promise that he’s going to provide some pop to go along with his excellent plate discipline.

He’s done so well so far that many fans are clinging to his performance as something akin to a new savior, especially with Bryce Harper out for a month now and still out for the foreseeable future with the knee injury. In fact, many are publicly renouncing Danny Espinosa altogether, hoping the injured player remains in the minors in perpetuity.

It wasn’t all that long ago when the same fans were clamoring for Espinosa to move over to shortstop and have the team jettison the then-struggling Ian Desmond. After an All-Star berth and perhaps being the Nats most complete player thus far this season, Desmond is now walking sacred grounds in NatsTown and Espinosa is being lined up for the firing squad.

But the truth is, the Nats would be better off if Espinosa can prove his health, get back in the lineup, and provide his 20-20 power/speed combo and typical Gold Glove caliber defense in addition to, not instead of, Rendon’s production.

I’m skeptical that Espinosa will ever be entirely healthy all season — that he needs to have a surgical procedure to remove the nagging bone chips in his wrist. For that matter, he should also get his balky left shoulder fixed as well, rehab over the winter, and come back in the spring finally fully healthy to compete to win his job back. Maybe this conversation is all a moot point.

But if he can show during his current rehab stint (so far: 2-for-7, 0 XBH, 3 K, 1 BB) that he’s healthy enough to contribute successfully, and not the miserable .158/.193/.272 he put up through June 2 when the Nats finally disabled him, but more along the lines of the .240/.320/.410 that he put up in ’11 and ’12, Espinosa can be a valuable contributor to the Nats offense. He’s not an All-Star, but can provide pop, speed and defense from down in the order.

Does Espinosa walk right back in and claim his starting spot? Does Rendon stay at second, making Espinosa the utility infielder, which puts Steve Lombardozzi’s job in jeopardy? Could Davey Johnson get enough at bats between second, short, third, left field and the occasional DH availability to keep Rendon in the batting order? Surely it’s not ideal for Rendon defensively. But you’ve already asked the kid to play a spot he hasn’t since little league, and so far, so good.

Does the team work out some sort of trade to open up a full-time position?

One thing is fairly certain at this point. Rendon can hit. And he pretty much has to stay in the big leagues now, with the offense he’s providing on a daily basis. It will be fascinating to see what the team does when Espinosa proclaims himself healthy enough to return to the big leagues this year — and rest assured, he will try to return.

The Nats aren’t going to “Wally Pipp” Espinosa, as much as a segment of the fan base would like. This team is better off in the long run with Espinosa healthy. Switch-hitting middle infielders with 20/20 power speed don’t grow on trees. He just has to prove his health first, and we can go from there.

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Washington Nationals Game 67 Review: Tracy ties, Rendon wins game with solo homers

June 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

If someone told you the Washington Nationals had a five-run lead with Jordan Zimmermann on the mound, you would assume –correctly, in this case — the Nats would win the game. It didn’t work out the easy way, though, as Zimmermann was roughed up by the Cleveland Indians and left the game trailing after five innings. But Chad Tracy tied the game in the top of the eighth with a two-out solo home run, then rookie Anthony Rendon won it with his first career homer, a solo shot with two down in the ninth inning.

The 7-6 win allows the Nats to remain 5 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the N.L. East, moving their record over .500 again to 34-33.

The Nats jumped on Indians starter Scott Kazmir right off the bat in the first inning. With two outs, Ryan Zimmerman launched his eighth home run of the season to right center, a blast over 400 feet. Jayson Werth (2-for-3, BB) followed Zim’s lead, blasting one in the same direction for his sixth of the year, giving the Nats a 2-0 lead after the first inning.

Ian Desmond led off the second inning against Kazmir with a home run of his own, a laser to the left field corner that hit off the rail above the yellow home run line on the top of the tall fence in Progressive Field’s left field corner.

The Nats had a chance to really bust this one wide open in the third, loading the bases with no outs on a lead-off double by Anthony Rendon (3-for-5, two runs, RBI) and back-to-back walks by Zimmerman and Werth. Adam LaRoche smoked a grounder to second baseman Jason Kipnis, who started a 4-6-3 double play. Rendon scored on the play, but Zimmerman got a late break as he had to make sure Kipnis didn’t catch the low liner, and he was almost picked off on the relay from first baseman Nick Swisher over to third base — a potential triple play.

Zimmerman later scored on a wild pitch by Kazmir on what turned out to be ball four to Desmond, to make it 5-0. Desmond was Kazmir’s last batter.

The Indians got on the board in the bottom of the third. Mike Aviles doubled with one out, and Kipnis brought him home one out later with a single through the hole on the left side to make it 5-1. Cleveland cut the score to two in the fourth inning, as back-to-back homers by Carlos Santana and Mark Reynolds made the score 5-3 after four innings.

 Zimmermann had more trouble in the fifth. Mike Aviles reached on a one-out single, then Michael Bourn flied out for the second out and it looked like Zimmermann would breeze. But then, Kipnis singled, moving Aviles up a base. Nick Swisher followed with another single and Aviles scored to make it 5-4. The big blow came when Michael Brantley smashed a double to center, scoring both Kipnis and Swisher.

The Indians had come all the way back from five runs down to take the lead against one of the National League’s best starting pitchers.

The Nats were confused against several Indians relievers after Kazmir (2.2 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) was lifted. Matt Albers, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined for 4 1/3 shut out innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four. But in the eighth, Chad Tracy pinch-hit for Chris Marrero against righty Joe Smith with two outs, and got a high fastball he could handle, driving it to center field for his second home run of the season, tying the game at six.

That set the stage for the ninth inning. Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano got Lombardozzi and Denard Span without incident, which brought Anthony Rendon to the plate. On an 0-1 count, Rendon popped up to foul territory done the right field line. But even though RF Michael Brantley or 2B Jason Kipnis could have made the catch, it inexplicably fell between them for a foul ball. On the next pitch, Rendon drove one down the right field line that just cleared the fence for his first home run of his MLB career — and a 7-6 Nats lead.

Rafael Soriano gave up a two-out double in the ninth, but LaRoche snared a live drive off the bat of Bourn for the last out. Soriano earned his 18th save of the season.

THE GOOD: Chad Tracy. The much maligned pinch-hitter had not reached base in his last 21 plate appearances and was hitting .131/.172/.180 entering play. But he came through big-time when the Nats needed it Saturday night.

Also, Rendon. Kid looks like he belongs, eh?

THE BAD: In the top of the sixth, with two down and a runner at third, Steve Lombardozzi pinch-hit for Jeff Kobernus. Lombo hit a soft, spinning line drive off the end of his bat toward short. Off the bat, it looked like there was no way Mike Aviles would be able to make a play. But Aviles bare-handed the spinner and got the generous call at first. Lombo’s supposed to have decent speed and he was thrown out on a play he should have beaten.

THE UGLY: With the season he’s having, it’s tough to call Zimmermann’s outing ugly, especially since he had a two-run lead with two outs and a man on in the fifth. But three straight hits gave the Indians the lead and ended his night. Overall, six earned runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings — on a night he had a 5-0 lead — was indeed ugly.

THE STATS: 8 hits, 5 BBs, 7 Ks. 0-for-5 with RISP, 5 LOB. No errors, one DP.

NEXT GAME: Sunday at 1:05 pm against the Indians. Stephen Strasburg (3-5, 2.54) returns from the D.L. to face Corey Kluber (4-4, 4.08).

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Washington Nationals Game 66 Review: Indians Top Nats in 9th on Questionable Baserunning Call

June 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Washington Nationals (33-33) managed just two hits in their series-opening 2-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians (33-33) at Progressive Field Friday night, thanks in part to what could have been deemed interference by Jason Kipnis in the ninth.

Gio Gonzalez (ND, 3-3) allowed just three hits and one home run over seven innings pitched. He walked four batters and struck out eight, throwing 73 of 127 pitches for strikes. Entering Friday’s matchup, Gonzalez boasted a 5-0 career record against Cleveland with an 0.72 ERA.

But, as has so often been the case, the Nats’ bats remained quiet. Their first – and only – run off right-hander Justin Masterson (W, 8-5) came in the third inning via two walks, a single and a wild pitch that brought home Kurt Suzuki. [Read more...]

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Washington Nationals Game 65 Review: Zimmerman and Desmond rake in Nats 5-4 win over Rockies

June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

As the Washington Nationals slowly get guys back from the disabled list, and their hitters warm up with the summer weather, they are starting to look more like the team that was heralded in the pre-season as legitimate World Series contenders.

In the series finale in Colorado, the Nats used big days at the plate from Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond, and a return to the mound from Ross Detwiler, to beat the Rockies 5-4 and raise their record back above .500 at 33-32.

Detwiler, returning from an oblique injury, was going to be limited to about 80 pitches, and he didn’t do himself any favors out of the gate as got behind right away in the first inning. After the Nats went down 1-2-3, Detwiler’s first pitch was ripped by Dexter Fowler into right field for a lead-off double. Fowler went to third on a groundout by Jordan Pacheco, and came in to score on Tyler Colvin’s pinch-hit single to left.

Yes, pinch-hit in the first inning. Carlos Gonzalez, an early N.L. MVP candidate, was hit in the lower left leg by a foul ball off the bat of Pacheco while standing in the on-deck circle and had to be removed from the game.

Zimmerman got the Nats on the board in the top of the third. Detwiler led off with his first hit of the season, a soft live drive to right. Two outs later, Zimmerman crushed a fastball from Francis to the bleachers in left field for his seventh homer this season and extends the Nats team record with a home run in 78 consecutive series.

Lifetime, Zimmerman owns a .365 average with eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 28 career games at Coors Field.

The lead didn’t hold long though. The Rockies pushed tow across against Detwiler in the bottom of the fourth. Troy Tulowitzki singled to lead off and scored on Michael Cuddyer’s double that Jayson Werth then misplayed into an error in right field, allowing Cuddyer to go to third. Detwiler coaxed a grounder out of Wilin Rosario, but it was enough to bring Cuddyer in to make it 3-2.

Detwiler made it through five innings in his return to the rotation. He gave up three earned runs on six hits, without walking a batter, and struck out two. He threw 77 pitches, 51 strikes. Craig Stammen (W, 4-2, 2.94) took over for Detwiler and provided two innings of scoreless relief.

The Nats got a gift run to tie it in the seventh. Ian Desmond led off with a single and stole second as Kurt Suzuki struck out for the second out of the inning. Then, with Steve Lombardozzi hitting, Desmond was awarded third, and then home, when Rockies reliever Wilton Lopez was called for back-to-back balks by second base umpire Bob Davidson, widely known across baseball as “Balkin’ Bob” due to his proclivity for making the anomalous call.

Zimmerman delivered again in the eighth for the Nats. After Roger Bernadina’s one-out double, Zim cranked a double the other way which plated Bernadina, who appeared to jam his shoulder on the head-first slide on his double and was seen grimacing and being attended to by trainers in the dugout after he scored, though he did take the field the next inning.

Jayson Werth moved Zimmerman to third with a ground out and the Rockies inexplicable walked Adam LaRoche to face the Nats hottest hitter, Ian Desmond. The shortstop came through again for the Nats with his fourth hit of the day, an infield single in the hole that Tulowitzki gloved but could not make a play on. Zimmerman strolled home to make it 5-3.

Xavier Cedeno and Drew Storen combined on a perfect eighth inning in relief, and while Rafael Soriano gave up a run in the ninth, he held on for his 17th save of the season.

THE GOOD: Ryan Zimmerman. He loves hitting in Coors Field. 2-for-4 with a homer, double, three RBIs and two runs scored. His yearly averages are up to .274/.350/.458.

THE BAD: Denard Span took another 0-fer in Colorado, going 0-for-4. Werth and Suzuki joined him today taking the collar.

THE UGLY: The Rockies lost Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Troy Tulowitzki, their three best players and NL All-Stars all this season, to injury.

THE STATS: 9 hits, 4 BBs, 9 Ks. 2-for-5 with RISP, 6 LOB. E: Werth (1, fielding). 1 DP.

NEXT GAME: Friday at 7:05 pm ET at the Cleveland Indians. Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.59) faces RHP Justin Masterson (8-5, 3.68)

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Washington Nationals Game 64 Review: Ohlendorf leads Nats to 5-1 win over Rockies

June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Washington Nationals used eight starting pitchers all of last season, and only five up to September 1. Wednesday night, they used their eighth starter so far this season, sending journeyman Ross Ohlendorf against the Colorado Rockies at mile-high Coors Field. Ohlendorf came through for the Nats, keeping the Rockies’ potent offense off the board for six innings, leading the Nats to a 5-1 win to even the three-game series at a game apiece.

The Nats (32-32) called up Ohlendorf to make a start in Stephen Strasburg’s normal spot in the rotation. With the Nats’ ace due back next week, it’s probably a one-off shot for Ohlendorf, but he made the most of it. The 30-year old veteran journeyman, who owns an 18-32 record with a 5.10 ERA in 108 MLB games with the Yankees, Pirates and Padres pitched six innings and allowed just one earned run on two hits and two walks, striking out two. Ohlendorf threw 54 of his 89 pitches for strikes.

The Nats stuck first in the fourth inning against Rockies starter Jorge de la Rosa. Ryan Zimmerman earned a nine-pitch base on balls and took second on Jayson Werth’s comebacker. Adam LaRoche struck out looking, but Ian Desmond delivered with two outs, singling to right field to plate Zimmerman.

They tacked on more runs in the sixth. With de la Rosa running out of gas, Jeff Kobernus walked on four pitches. Zimmerman then clobbered one to deep center, where center fielder Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez collided, with the ball falling safely for an RBI double for Zimmerman, ending de la Rosa’s night.

Werth grounded out against reliever Adam Ottovino, moving Zimmerman to third. The Rockies intentionally walked LaRoche to set up a righty-righty matchup with Desmond. Ottovino uncorked a wild pitch, moving LaRoche up to second. Desmond then foiled the Rockies plans, singling to center to score both runners and give the Nats a 4-0 lead.

The Rockies finally got to Ohlendorf in the sixth. Fowler walked with one out, but was erased on a fielder’s choice, with Jonathan Herrera taking his place at first. Herrera stole second when no defensive player covered the bag. With two outs and first base open, the Nats decided to pitch to MVP candidate Carlos Gonzalez, and he made them pay, tripling to left field to drive in Herrera.

Ohlendorf got out of the inning by coaxing a long fly ball from Troy Tulowitzki to end the frame.

The Nats picked up another run in the eighth as LaRoche doubled to right, took third on Desmond’s ground out, and scored on Anthony Rendon’s RBI double. Rendon has 13 total bases in six games since rejoining the Nats. Danny Espinosa had 13 total bases in his previous 19 games before being placed on the D.L.

From there, the game was in the hands of the bullpen, and Ian Krol, Tyler Clippard and Rafael Soriano all did their jobs to deliver the win.

THE GOOD: Ross Ohlendorf, naturally. He’ll probably only get one start for now, but he was very good in a tough park to pitch in when the Nats really needed it.

THE BAD: Denard Span. 0-for-4.

THE UGLY: The Nats lost four runners on the bases, including Jeff Kobernus getting thrown out stealing in the first inning, and Ian Desmond caught stealing twice. For a team struggling to score runs, you can’t waste outs on the bases.

THE STATS: 8 hits, 8 BBs (a season-high), 8 Ks. 3-for-11 with RISP, 8 LOB. E: Ohlendorf (1, throw).

NEXT GAME: Thursday at 3:10 pm ET against the Rockies. Ross Detwiler (2-4, 2.76) returns from the disabled list to face LHP Jeff Francis (2-4, 6.30).

Filed Under: Nats/MLB Tagged With: , , , ,

NATS: Happy Birthday, Roger Bernadina (aka “The Shark”)

June 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY ROGER BERNADINA!

Washington Nationals OF Roger Bernadina was born on 06/12/1984 in Willemstad, Curacao.

Happy Birthday #33!

Roger Bernadina (aka “The Shark”) (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Ian Desmond making chomp motions for The Shark (Roger Bernadina) - Miami Marlins v. Washington Nationals, August 5, 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Ian Desmond making chomp motions for The Shark (Roger Bernadina) – Miami Marlins v. Washington Nationals, August 5, 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

The Shark chatting with his friends from Sharkadina.com (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Roger Bernadina’s (aka “Shark”) fans at spring training 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

 

Filed Under: Beyond the Game Tagged With: , , , ,
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