Box Score 04-29-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Guzman, C, SS 5 0 1 0 0 1 5 .474
Johnson, 1B 4 0 1 0 1 1 1 .333
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 1 1 0 1 .291
Dunn, RF 4 0 1 0 0 1 4 .324
1-Harris, PR-CF 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .300
Dukes, CF-RF 5 1 2 1 0 0 2 .292
Willingham, LF 4 0 1 0 0 2 1 .143
Flores, C 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .267
Hernandez, A, 2B 4 1 3 2 0 1 0 .304
Olsen, P 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 .000
Mock, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Kearns, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .240
Wells, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 36 4 11 4 5 6 18

a-Walked for Mock in the 8th.
1-Ran for Dunn in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Hernandez, A 2 (4, Myers, Taschner), Zimmerman, R (8, Myers).
TB: Guzman, C; Johnson; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn; Harris; Dukes 2; Willingham; Hernandez, A 5.
RBI: Zimmerman, R (14), Dukes (13), Hernandez, A 2 (4).
2-out RBI: Zimmerman, R; Hernandez, A 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn 2; Olsen 2; Guzman, C 2.
GIDP: Zimmerman, R.
Team RISP: 3-for-10.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
SB: Hernandez, A (2, 2nd base off Myers/Coste), Harris (1, 2nd base off Taschner/Coste).
CS: Dukes (3, 2nd base by Myers/Coste).
PO: Dukes (1st base by Myers).

FIELDING
E: Hernandez, A (3, throw).
Pickoffs: Olsen (Rollins at 1st base).


Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 5 0 2 0 0 1 1 .207
Victorino, CF 5 1 1 1 0 1 2 .286
Utley, 2B 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 .342
Howard, 1B 4 0 2 0 0 1 1 .287
Werth, RF 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .260
Ibanez, LF 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 .359
Feliz, 3B 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 .323
Taschner, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Stairs, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .308
Happ, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Coste, C 3 0 0 0 1 1 4 .175
Myers, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222
Dobbs, 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 .111
Totals 33 1 7 1 5 8 18

a-Grounded out for Taschner in the 8th.

BATTING
HR: Victorino (3, 1st inning off Olsen, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Rollins 2; Victorino 4; Howard 2; Werth; Ibanez.
RBI: Victorino (15).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Coste 2; Feliz; Stairs; Victorino.
Team RISP: 1-for-6.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
CS: Rollins (1, 2nd base by Olsen/Flores).
PO: Rollins (1st base by Olsen).

FIELDING
PB: Coste (2).
DP: (Rollins-Utley-Howard).
Pickoffs: Myers (Dukes at 1st base).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Olsen (W, 1-3) 5.2 6 1 1 2 6 1 6.08
Mock (H, 2) 1.1 0 0 0 1 1 0 7.20
Wells (H, 2) 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1.69
Tavarez, J (S, 1) 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2.79

Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Myers (L, 1-2) 6.0 8 3 3 3 3 0 4.83
Taschner 2.0 2 1 1 2 2 0 5.23
Happ 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4.05

WP: Olsen.
IBB: Flores (by Taschner).
Pitches-strikes: Olsen 93-67, Mock 21-11, Wells 26-12, Tavarez, J 19-14, Myers 109-62, Taschner 42-24, Happ 19-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Olsen 7-3, Mock 0-3, Wells 2-1, Tavarez, J 2-0, Myers 8-6, Taschner 1-3, Happ 1-1.
Batters faced: Olsen 24, Mock 5, Wells 5, Tavarez, J 4, Myers 27, Taschner 10, Happ 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Mock 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Todd Tichenor. 1B: Doug Eddings. 2B: Hunter Wendelstedt. 3B: Dana DeMuth.
Weather: 59 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 11 mph, R to L.
T: 3:10.
Att: 36,351.
April 29, 2009

Olsen, Nationals take finale from Phils

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Left-hander Scott Olsen pitched his best game of the season, helping the Nationals defeat the Phillies, 4-1, at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night to salvage the three-game series finale.

Olsen pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up one run on six hits. His only blemish was a solo home run by Shane Victorino in the first inning. After that, Olsen showed that his velocity was back, striking out six of the next seven batters he faced.

"He pitched a very good ballgame," manager Manny Acta said. "He was pounding the zone earlier in the game. The second time around, he pitched behind a little bit, but he made pitches when he had to.

"He didn't back down. That was a good example there that he was determined to pound the strike zone and not giving in to hitters and give up home runs with guys on base."

Olsen, Nationals take finale from Phils....

Nats acquire Kensing from Marlins

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- In need of bullpen help, the Nationals acquired right-hander Logan Kensing from the Marlins for Minor League pitcher Kyle Gunderson on Wednesday.

The Nationals did not announce when Kensing will join the team, however, he is expected to pitch in the middle to late innings.

Nats acquire Kensing from Marlins....

Hanrahan out as Nationals' closer

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- One day after watching the bullpen blow a four-run lead, the Nationals decided Tuesday that right-hander Joel Hanrahan will no longer be their closer and that right-hander Garrett Mock is out as the eighth-inning setup man.

The team will go with a bullpen-by-committee, with right-handers Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells as the late-inning options. Once left-hander Joe Beimel is activated from the disabled list next week, he will most likely be the closer, with Tavarez and Wells becoming the setup men.

"All we are going to do is put the veteran guys in at the end of the game and take the pressure off these young kids -- put them in earlier in the game," manager Manny Acta said.

Hanrahan out as Nationals' closer....

Box Score 04-28-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Belliard, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 .167
Johnson, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 .338
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 .293
Dunn, LF 3 1 2 1 1 0 1 .328
Dukes, CF 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .283
Kearns, RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .240
Flores, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .281
Gonzalez, A, SS 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 .271
Lannan, P 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 .250
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 1 6 1 2 6 14

a-Struck out for Bergmann in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R (7, Hamels).
HR: Dunn (6, 6th inning off Durbin, C, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn 5; Gonzalez, A 2; Lannan.
RBI: Dunn (15).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn; Johnson.
GIDP: Flores.
Team RISP: 0-for-3.
Team LOB: 6.

FIELDING
E: Gonzalez, A (6, fielding).
Pickoffs: Lannan (Victorino at 1st base).


Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 .195
Victorino, CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 .291
Utley, 2B 4 2 3 3 0 0 0 .357
Howard, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .276
Werth, RF 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 .261
Ibanez, LF 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 .355
Feliz, 3B 4 1 2 3 0 0 1 .333
Coste, C 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .189
Hamels, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .000
Durbin, C, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .500
a-Dobbs, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .125
Condrey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 35 7 11 7 1 5 5

a-Lined out for Durbin, C in the 8th.

BATTING
HR: Utley 2 (7, 3rd inning off Lannan, 1 on, 1 out; 5th inning off Lannan, 0 on, 0 out), Feliz (2, 3rd inning off Lannan, 2 on, 2 out), Ibanez (7, 8th inning off Rivera, S, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Rollins; Victorino 2; Utley 9; Ibanez 5; Feliz 5; Coste.
RBI: Utley 3 (20), Feliz 3 (14), Ibanez (17).
2-out RBI: Feliz 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hamels; Victorino.
Team RISP: 1-for-3.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
SB: Rollins (1, 2nd base off Bergmann/Flores).
CS: Victorino (1, 2nd base by Lannan/Flores).
PO: Victorino (1st base by Lannan).

FIELDING
DP: (Feliz-Utley-Howard).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan (L, 0-3) 5.0 9 6 3 1 2 3 4.61
Bergmann 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.60
Rivera, S 2.0 1 1 1 0 2 1 10.24

Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Hamels 4.1 4 0 0 2 4 0 7.27
Durbin, C (W, 1-0) 3.2 1 1 1 0 2 1 4.97
Condrey 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.50

Pitches-strikes: Lannan 83-53, Bergmann 8-7, Rivera, S 33-23, Hamels 61-38, Durbin, C 42-29, Condrey 17-11.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lannan 10-2, Bergmann 1-1, Rivera, S 3-1, Hamels 4-5, Durbin, C 3-6, Condrey 2-1.
Batters faced: Lannan 25, Bergmann 4, Rivera, S 7, Hamels 18, Durbin, C 12, Condrey 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Durbin, C 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Dana DeMuth. 1B: Todd Tichenor. 2B: Doug Eddings. 3B: Hunter Wendelstedt.
Weather: 81 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 15 mph, Out to RF.
T: 2:15.
Att: 43,930.
April 28, 2009

Home runs haunt Lannan, Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- On Monday, the Nationals and Phillies played a draining three-hour, 22-minute game that saw Washington blow a four-run lead and lose, 13-11.

Tuesday's game between the two clubs was anticlimactic. Only this time, the Nationals weren't in the game as they lost to the Phillies, 7-1, at Citizens Bank Park.

Nationals left-hander John Lannan had one bad inning and it proved costly. The contest was scoreless until the third. After Shane Victorino singled with one out, Chase Utley drove an 0-2 pitch over the right-field wall for a two-run homer.

Lannan tried to throw the pitch in the dirt, but the pitch stayed up in the zone.

"I told myself to just bury it in the dirt and I made a bad pitch and he made me pay for it," Lannan said.

Lannan was able to get the second out of the inning, but found himself in trouble again. Jayson Werth reached on an error by shortstop Alberto Gonzalez, who was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after the game. It was Gonzalez's sixth error in 15 games, and manager Manny Acta is baffled as to why Gonzalez is making so many miscues. Gonzalez has a reputation as an above-average fielder.

Home runs haunt Lannan, Nationals....

Box Score 04-27-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 5 2 3 0 1 1 2 .262
Johnson, 1B 5 2 1 2 1 1 3 .359
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 3 2 3 2 1 1 .295
Dunn, LF 4 2 3 2 1 1 0 .311
Maxwell, LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .375
Dukes, CF 3 1 1 2 2 0 2 .304
Kearns, RF 4 1 1 0 1 0 4 .255
Flores, C 4 0 0 0 1 1 3 .302
Gonzalez, A, SS 3 0 0 1 1 0 2 .244
Martis, P 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 .250
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Willingham, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .129
Wells, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .200
Mock, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 38 11 12 11 10 7 20

a-Struck out for Hinckley in the 7th. b-Grounded into a forceout for Wells in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Hernandez, A 2 (2, Blanton, Taschner).
HR: Zimmerman, R 2 (4, 3rd inning off Blanton, 1 on, 0 out; 5th inning off Blanton, 0 on, 0 out), Dukes (3, 3rd inning off Blanton, 0 on, 1 out), Johnson (2, 8th inning off Eyre, 1 on, 0 out), Dunn (5, 8th inning off Eyre, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Hernandez, A 5; Johnson 4; Zimmerman, R 8; Dunn 6; Dukes 4; Kearns; Martis.
RBI: Gonzalez, A (5), Martis (1), Zimmerman, R 3 (13), Dukes 2 (12), Johnson 2 (5), Dunn 2 (14).
2-out RBI: Martis; Dukes.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hernandez, A; Johnson; Gonzalez, A; Kearns 2; Belliard.
SF: Gonzalez, A.
Team RISP: 1-for-8.
Team LOB: 11.

FIELDING
DP: 2 (Hernandez, A-Gonzalez, A-Johnson, Johnson).


Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 5 2 3 1 0 1 0 .192
Victorino, CF 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 .280
Utley, 2B 3 2 2 1 1 0 1 .333
Howard, 1B 3 2 1 4 2 0 4 .292
Werth, RF 3 2 0 0 2 1 2 .277
Ibanez, LF 5 2 3 4 0 1 0 .342
Dobbs, 3B 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 .133
Condrey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Bruntlett, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .176
Eyre, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Happ, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Stairs, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .333
Madson, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Marson, C 3 1 0 0 1 2 1 .235
Blanton, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Taschner, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Feliz, 3B 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 .322
Totals 35 13 14 12 6 7 11

a-Struck out for Condrey in the 7th. b-Struck out for Happ in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Ibanez (5, Martis), Victorino (3, Martis), Feliz (4, Tavarez, J), Rollins 2 (4, Tavarez, J, Mock).
HR: Howard (4, 5th inning off Martis, 3 on, 1 out), Ibanez (6, 8th inning off Hanrahan, 3 on, 2 out).
TB: Rollins 5; Victorino 3; Utley 2; Howard 4; Ibanez 7; Dobbs; Feliz 3.
RBI: Dobbs (2), Howard 4 (15), Rollins (6), Victorino (14), Utley (17), Ibanez 4 (16).
2-out RBI: Utley; Ibanez 4.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Werth.
SF: Victorino.
GIDP: Marson.
Team RISP: 6-for-11.
Team LOB: 6.


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martis 5.0 8 7 7 4 3 1 6.20
Tavarez, J (BS, 1) 0.1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3.12
Hinckley 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.93
Wells 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2.08
Mock 0.2 3 3 3 0 1 0 9.82
Hanrahan (BS, 3)(L, 0-1) 0.1 1 3 3 2 1 1 8.64

Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Blanton 4.1 8 6 6 3 4 3 8.41
Taschner 1.1 1 1 1 2 0 0 5.40
Condrey 1.1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1.64
Eyre 0.0 2 4 4 3 0 2 10.80
Happ (W, 1-0) 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4.38
Madson (S, 1) 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.60

Martis pitched to 1 batter in the 6th.
Eyre pitched to 5 batters in the 8th.

WP: Hanrahan.
IBB: Zimmerman, R (by Taschner).
HBP: Utley (by Hinckley).
Pitches-strikes: Martis 89-50, Tavarez, J 12-7, Hinckley 6-3, Wells 14-10, Mock 18-12, Hanrahan 15-6, Blanton 90-51, Taschner 24-12, Condrey 22-12, Eyre 25-9, Happ 12-7, Madson 15-12.
Groundouts-flyouts: Martis 2-10, Tavarez, J 1-0, Hinckley 0-1, Wells 1-0, Mock 0-1, Hanrahan 0-0, Blanton 5-4, Taschner 0-4, Condrey 1-1, Eyre 0-0, Happ 1-2, Madson 0-2.
Batters faced: Martis 26, Tavarez, J 3, Hinckley 2, Wells 3, Mock 5, Hanrahan 4, Blanton 24, Taschner 7, Condrey 5, Eyre 5, Happ 4, Madson 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Tavarez, J 1-1, Hinckley 2-0, Hanrahan 1-1, Taschner 2-0, Condrey 3-1, Happ 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Hunter Wendelstedt. 1B: Dana DeMuth. 2B: Todd Tichenor. 3B: Doug Eddings.
Weather: 87 degrees, clear.
Wind: 12 mph, Out to LF.
T: 3:22.
Att: 41,620.
April 27, 2009

Nats crush five homers, but fall to Phils

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Manager Manny Acta's expression said it all after watching his Nationals lose to the Phillies, 13-11, at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night. He had a stunned look on his face and couldn't believe his bullpen blew a four-run lead. The skipper felt having 11 runs on the scoreboard was good enough to win the game.

Not the Nationals. Not this year.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Nats had an 11-7 lead, but relievers Garrett Mock and Joel Hanrahan couldn't get the job done.

With Mock on the mound, Shane Victorino hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Pedro Feliz and make it 11-8. After Chase Utley singled in Jimmy Rollins, Hanrahan entered the game and couldn't find the strike zone. Hanrahan walked both Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth on 10 pitches. Raul Ibanez then came to the plate. Hanrahan felt he had no choice but to throw a fastball to Ibanez. Hanrahan paid the price as Ibanez hit a grand slam. It was Hanrahan's third blown save of the season.

"I hope I don't wear out this word, but, again, it was deflating," Acta said. "Our offense just battled all day and scored enough runs. We played so hard for eight innings to score enough runs. You lose the game in one inning, it just tough for the whole team."

Nats crush five homers, but fall to Phils....

Box Score 04-26-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Maxwell, CF 5 1 2 1 1 0 0 .429
Belliard, 2B 4 0 2 1 1 0 1 .211
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 0 1 0 3 .284
Dunn, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 5 .281
Johnson, 1B 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .373
Willingham, LF 3 1 0 0 1 1 3 .133
Kearns, RF 4 3 2 1 1 1 2 .256
Flores, C 4 2 3 3 1 1 1 .327
Gonzalez, A, SS 5 1 2 1 0 0 1 .262
Zimmermann, J, P 3 0 0 0 0 2 4 .000
Hinckley, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Mock, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Wells, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 39 8 13 7 6 8 20

a-Struck out for Mock in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Kearns (3, Perez), Gonzalez, A (3, Perez).
HR: Flores (2, 2nd inning off Perez, 1 on, 0 out), Kearns (3, 5th inning off Perez, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Maxwell 2; Belliard 2; Zimmerman, R; Johnson; Kearns 6; Flores 6; Gonzalez, A 3.
RBI: Flores 3 (10), Gonzalez, A (4), Kearns (11), Maxwell (1), Belliard (1).
2-out RBI: Flores; Gonzalez, A; Maxwell; Belliard.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham; Belliard; Zimmermann, J; Dunn.
GIDP: Kearns.
Team RISP: 5-for-12.
Team LOB: 11.

BASERUNNING
SB: Maxwell 2 (3, 2nd base off Perez/Santos, O, 2nd base off Fossum/Santos, O).

FIELDING
E: Zimmermann, J (1, pickoff).
DP: 2 (Zimmerman, R-Belliard-Dunn, Belliard-Gonzalez, A-Johnson).


NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Reyes, J, SS 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 .316
Murphy, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 .302
Beltran, CF 4 1 1 0 0 1 4 .406
Delgado, 1B 4 0 1 1 0 2 3 .250
Wright, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 .271
Church, RF 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .357
Santos, O, C 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .294
Castillo, 2B 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .365
Fossum, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Sheffield, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .136
Feliciano, P, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Stokes, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Perez, P 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .333
Cora, 2B 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .167
Totals 30 1 6 1 3 8 17

a-Struck out for Fossum in the 7th.

BATTING
3B: Delgado (1, Zimmermann, J).
TB: Reyes, J; Beltran; Delgado 3; Church; Santos, O; Perez.
RBI: Delgado (16).
2-out RBI: Delgado.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Wright; Reyes, J; Delgado.
GIDP: Santos, O; Beltran.
Team RISP: 2-for-10.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
SB: Reyes, J (4, 2nd base off Zimmermann, J/Flores).
CS: Beltran (1, 2nd base by Zimmermann, J/Flores).

FIELDING
E: Wright (2, throw).
DP: (Wright-Cora-Delgado).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Zimmermann, J (W, 2-0) 5.1 6 1 1 2 5 0 2.38
Hinckley 1.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.08
Mock 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00
Wells 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.70

NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Perez (L, 1-2) 4.1 9 7 7 3 3 2 9.31
Fossum 2.2 3 1 1 3 2 0 2.25
Feliciano, P 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3.86
Stokes 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00

HBP: Church (by Zimmermann, J), Willingham (by Perez).
Pitches-strikes: Zimmermann, J 103-62, Hinckley 13-8, Mock 13-6, Wells 12-7, Perez 92-59, Fossum 46-24, Feliciano, P 20-15, Stokes 14-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Zimmermann, J 4-6, Hinckley 3-1, Mock 2-0, Wells 1-1, Perez 3-7, Fossum 4-2, Feliciano, P 1-0, Stokes 2-0.
Batters faced: Zimmermann, J 24, Hinckley 4, Mock 3, Wells 3, Perez 26, Fossum 13, Feliciano, P 4, Stokes 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Hinckley 1-0, Fossum 2-2.
Umpires: HP: Brian Gorman. 1B: CB Bucknor. 2B: Mike Everitt. 3B: Gerry Davis.
Weather: 83 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 8 mph, L to R.
T: 2:52.
Att: 40,023.
April 26, 2009

Battery powers Nats to win over Mets

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Call Jordan Zimmermann the Nationals' stopper.

The right-hander tossed another great game and helped the Nationals defeat the Mets, 8-1, on Sunday to snap a three-game losing streak.

Zimmermann pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up just one run on six hits. But even more impressive was how he handled the heart of the Mets' order, as Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and David Wright went a combined 2-for-9 with five strikeouts against the right-hander.

Battery powers Nats to win over Mets....

Young close to rehab assignment

Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young continues to play extended Spring Training games. In fact, he played nine innings on Friday and is close to a rehab assignment, according to acting general manager Mike Rizzo.

Young will most likely spend 20 days with Triple-A Syracuse. Young has missed the start of the season because of lower back and left hip injuries.

Young close to rehab assignment....

Box Score 04-25-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 .216
Johnson, 1B 4 1 1 0 1 1 4 .362
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 1 2 0 0 1 4 .286
Dunn, RF 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 .302
Dukes, CF 4 0 2 2 0 1 2 .302
Willingham, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 .148
Gonzalez, A, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .243
Nieves, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Cabrera, D, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bergmann, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Maxwell, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .500
Totals 33 2 9 2 5 3 20

a-Lined out for Rivera, S in the 7th. b-Doubled for Hanrahan in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Maxwell (1, Stokes).
3B: Dukes (1, Pelfrey).
TB: Hernandez, A 2; Johnson; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn; Dukes 4; Maxwell 2.
RBI: Dukes 2 (10).
2-out RBI: Dukes.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gonzalez, A; Willingham; Johnson; Zimmerman, R 2.
GIDP: Gonzalez, A; Dunn.
Team RISP: 2-for-10.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
E: Dukes (1, fielding), Johnson (2, throw), Nieves (2, throw).


NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Reyes, J, SS 4 0 1 0 1 1 0 .315
Murphy, LF 4 1 1 0 0 0 5 .317
Reed, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222
Beltran, CF 5 2 3 1 0 0 3 .415
Delgado, 1B 3 1 0 0 2 1 2 .250
Wright, 3B 3 2 0 0 1 1 3 .288
Church, RF 4 0 2 3 0 0 0 .358
Santos, O, C 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 .308
Castillo, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 .380
Pelfrey, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Green, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Parnell, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cora, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .182
Stokes, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 34 8 9 4 5 5 15

a-Popped out for Parnell in the 7th.

BATTING
TB: Reyes, J; Murphy; Beltran 3; Church 2; Santos, O; Castillo.
RBI: Church 3 (7), Beltran (14).
2-out RBI: Church 3; Beltran.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Wright 2; Beltran 2.
S: Pelfrey.
Team RISP: 4-for-11.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
SB: Wright (2, 2nd base off Rivera, S/Nieves), Beltran (1, 2nd base off Bergmann/Nieves).

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Murphy (Hernandez, A at 1st base).
DP: 3 (Wright-Delgado, Murphy-Delgado, Castillo-Reyes, J-Delgado).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Cabrera, D (L, 0-2) 2.1 6 5 1 4 1 0 4.42
Bergmann 3.1 2 3 2 1 2 0 4.50
Rivera, S 0.1 1 0 0 0 0 0 11.74
Tavarez, J 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.24
Hanrahan 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.63

NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Pelfrey (W, 2-0) 5.2 6 2 2 3 1 0 6.32
Green, S (H, 3) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.52
Parnell 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.86
Stokes 2.0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0.00

WP: Cabrera, D, Pelfrey.
HBP: Nieves (by Parnell).
Pitches-strikes: Cabrera, D 86-43, Bergmann 42-24, Rivera, S 7-5, Tavarez, J 16-9, Hanrahan 8-7, Pelfrey 95-54, Green, S 3-2, Parnell 17-13, Stokes 35-19.
Groundouts-flyouts: Cabrera, D 3-3, Bergmann 1-7, Rivera, S 0-1, Tavarez, J 0-2, Hanrahan 1-1, Pelfrey 14-1, Green, S 0-1, Parnell 0-3, Stokes 2-2.
Batters faced: Cabrera, D 19, Bergmann 13, Rivera, S 2, Tavarez, J 3, Hanrahan 3, Pelfrey 23, Green, S 1, Parnell 5, Stokes 10.
Inherited runners-scored: Bergmann 3-0, Rivera, S 2-2, Green, S 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Gerry Davis. 1B: Brian Gorman. 2B: CB Bucknor. 3B: Mike Everitt.
Weather: 71 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 5 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:53.
Att: 39,960.
April 25, 2009

Miscues cost Nats in loss to Mets

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- The Nationals arguably played their worst game under manager Manny Acta on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. Lack of pitching and defense were the reasons the team lost to the Mets, 8-2.

The Nationals were in trouble from the start. Right-hander Daniel Cabrera retired the first two batters he faced. Then the problems started. After Carlos Beltran singled and Carlos Delgado walked, David Wright hit what looked like a routine fly ball to center fielder Elijah Dukes. But Dukes, who didn't have his sunglasses on, lost the ball in the sun as it dropped in for a two-base error, which allowed two runs to score. Wright then came in on a single by Ryan Church.

Miscues cost Nats in loss to Mets....

Box Score 04-24-09

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 5 0 0 0 0 2 3 .176
Johnson, 1B 4 1 1 1 0 1 1 .370
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 1 0 1 2 0 .277
Dunn, LF 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 .300
Dukes, CF 4 0 0 0 0 3 4 .286
Kearns, RF 4 1 1 0 0 2 3 .231
Flores, C 4 1 2 2 0 1 3 .289
Gonzalez, A, SS 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 .273
Olsen, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
a-Willingham, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .167
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Wells, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Totals 35 3 9 3 1 14 16

a-Struck out for Olsen in the 7th. b-Struck out for Wells in the 9th.

BATTING
HR: Johnson (1, 6th inning off Santana, 0 on, 0 out), Flores (1, 9th inning off Rodriguez, F, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Johnson 4; Zimmerman, R; Dunn 2; Kearns; Flores 5; Gonzalez, A 2.
RBI: Johnson (3), Flores 2 (7).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hernandez, A 2; Flores; Johnson.
S: Olsen.
Team RISP: 0-for-7.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: Olsen (1, fielding).
Outfield assists: Dukes (Santana at 3rd base).
DP: (Gonzalez, A-Hernandez, A-Johnson).


NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Reyes, J, SS 5 0 1 0 0 0 8 .319
Castillo, 2B 5 1 2 1 0 0 3 .383
Beltran, CF 3 0 1 1 2 0 1 .400
Delgado, 1B 3 0 0 1 2 2 2 .262
Wright, 3B 5 0 1 0 0 2 6 .302
Sheffield, RF 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 .143
Reed, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
Tatis, LF 3 2 2 0 1 0 3 .250
Putz, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rodriguez, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Castro, R, C 3 1 1 0 1 0 2 .192
Santana, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 .000
a-Murphy, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .321
Parnell, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Feliciano, P, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Church, RF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .347
Totals 33 4 11 4 7 4 30

a-Singled for Santana in the 6th.

BATTING
2B: Reyes, J (2, Olsen), Tatis (1, Olsen), Wright (4, Olsen).
3B: Beltran (1, Olsen), Tatis (1, Olsen).
TB: Reyes, J 2; Castillo 2; Beltran 3; Wright 2; Sheffield; Tatis 5; Castro, R; Murphy; Church.
RBI: Beltran (13), Castillo (5), Murphy (7), Delgado (15).
2-out RBI: Castillo; Delgado.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Delgado; Reyes, J 2; Sheffield 2; Tatis 2; Wright 2.
S: Santana.
GIDP: Reyes, J.
Team RISP: 2-for-18.
Team LOB: 13.

FIELDING
E: Castro, R (2, fielding).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Olsen (L, 0-3) 6.0 9 3 2 2 4 0 7.29
Bergmann 0.2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0.00
Wells 1.1 2 1 1 2 0 0 3.86

NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Santana (W, 3-1) 6.0 6 1 1 1 10 1 0.70
Parnell (H, 3) 0.2 1 0 0 0 2 0 2.08
Feliciano, P (H, 2) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.50
Putz (H, 4) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.00
Rodriguez, F (S, 4) 1.0 2 2 2 0 1 1 2.70

WP: Parnell.
IBB: Castro, R (by Olsen), Beltran (by Wells).
Pitches-strikes: Olsen 96-63, Bergmann 22-7, Wells 36-18, Santana 104-78, Parnell 18-13, Feliciano, P 5-3, Putz 10-9, Rodriguez, F 22-14.
Groundouts-flyouts: Olsen 5-8, Bergmann 0-2, Wells 4-0, Santana 4-4, Parnell 0-0, Feliciano, P 1-0, Putz 0-2, Rodriguez, F 0-2.
Batters faced: Olsen 28, Bergmann 5, Wells 8, Santana 25, Parnell 3, Feliciano, P 1, Putz 3, Rodriguez, F 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Wells 3-0, Feliciano, P 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Mike Everitt. 1B: Gerry Davis. 2B: Brian Gorman. 3B: CB Bucknor.
Weather: 58 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 16 mph, Out to LF.
T: 3:07.
Att: 40,522.
April 24, 2009

Nats hoping for total team turnaround

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- After watching his team lose 102 games last year, Nationals manager Manny Acta said in order for the team to get better, it must improve in all facets of the game.

Washington believed it improved the offense by signing slugger Adam Dunn to a two-year, $20 million contract. And Acta thought the defense would be better with Anderson Hernandez as the everyday second baseman.

But little has changed for the Nationals, as the club has gotten off to a disappointing 3-11 start.

The Nationals are hitting .265, but they have left 107 men on base and are hitting just .243 with runners in scoring position. Wednesday night against the Braves was an example of how bad things were with the bats.

Washington's offense was 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and had three golden opportunities to score runs during the 1-0 defeat.

Nats hoping for total team turnaround....

Nationals not interested in Pedro

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Pedro Martinez is still a free agent, and there is a report from FOXSports.com that said the Nationals are one of several teams to have interest in the right-hander. But a team source said the Nationals haven't had interest in Martinez since Spring Training.

The only way the Nationals would sign Martinez is if he agreed to their parameters -- accept an inexpensive contract and be a mentor to the young starting rotation, which has a 2.27 ERA in its last seven games. According to published reports, Martinez wants a one-year, $5 million contract. That will not happen in Washington.

"We are satisfied with our rotation even though there is going to be some bumps along the way. We wouldn't want to make any changes there." the source said.

Acting general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Manny Acta were not available for comment.

Nationals not interested in Pedro....

Nationals-Phillies game rescheduled for May 16

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals announced on Wednesday that their postponed game against the Phillies on April 15 has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 16 at Nationals Park. Game time will be at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Coupled with the regularly scheduled 7:05 p.m. contest for that Saturday, the rescheduled game gives fans access to the first weekend version of a day-night doubleheader at Nationals Park.

The two games against Philadelphia on May 16 require separate admission.

Nationals-Phillies game rescheduled for May 16....

Box Score 04-22-09

Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Johnson, 2B 4 0 1 1 1 1 0 .226
Escobar, SS 5 0 0 0 0 1 4 .265
Jones, C, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .316
McCann, C 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .195
Francoeur, RF 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 .317
Diaz, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 .235
Kotchman, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 .294
1-Infante, PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .310
Soriano, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Schafer, CF 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 .269
Jurrjens, P 3 0 0 0 0 1 5 .125
Gonzalez, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Norton, PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Prado, PH-1B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .368
Totals 33 1 6 1 5 5 19

a-Batted for Gonzalez in the 9th. b-Walked for Norton in the 9th.
1-Ran for Kotchman in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Kotchman (6, Lannan).
TB: Johnson; McCann; Francoeur 2; Diaz; Kotchman 2.
RBI: Johnson (8).
2-out RBI: Johnson.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: McCann; Jurrjens 3; Kotchman; Escobar 2.
Team RISP: 0-for-7.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
SB: Diaz (1, 2nd base off Lannan/Flores).

FIELDING
E: Escobar (1, throw).
DP: (Johnson-Escobar-Kotchman).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Cintron, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .000
Johnson, 1B 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 .380
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 .274
Dunn, RF 4 0 0 0 0 2 4 .283
Dukes, CF 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 .311
Willingham, LF 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 .174
Belliard, 2B 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 .133
Flores, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 .268
Lannan, P 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .167
a-Kearns, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .229
Mock, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 31 0 6 0 2 7 16

a-Popped out for Lannan in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R (6, Jurrjens), Willingham (1, Jurrjens).
TB: Johnson 2; Zimmerman, R 2; Willingham 2; Belliard; Lannan.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Flores; Willingham; Kearns.
S: Belliard.
GIDP: Cintron.
Team RISP: 0-for-7.
Team LOB: 7.


Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Jurrjens 7.2 6 0 0 2 4 0 1.42
Gonzalez (W, 1-0) 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.68
Soriano (S, 2) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan 7.0 5 0 0 2 4 0 4.43
Mock (L, 0-1) 1.2 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.50
Hinckley 0.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2.57
Tavarez, J 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.68

Hinckley pitched to 2 batters in the 9th.

IBB: Schafer (by Lannan).
Pitches-strikes: Jurrjens 96-65, Gonzalez 6-3, Soriano 12-10, Lannan 95-60, Mock 22-13, Hinckley 12-4, Tavarez, J 3-3.
Groundouts-flyouts: Jurrjens 11-8, Gonzalez 0-0, Soriano 0-1, Lannan 9-8, Mock 4-1, Hinckley 0-0, Tavarez, J 0-0.
Batters faced: Jurrjens 30, Gonzalez 1, Soriano 3, Lannan 28, Mock 7, Hinckley 2, Tavarez, J 1.
Inherited runners-scored: Gonzalez 1-0, Hinckley 2-1, Tavarez, J 3-0.
Umpires: HP: Brian O'Nora. 1B: Jim Wolf. 2B: Kevin Causey. 3B: Gary Cederstrom.
Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 18 mph, L to R.
T: 2:20.
Att: 15,567.
April 22, 2009

Nationals lose finale despite Lannan's start

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals' bullpen continues to struggle, as the Braves scored in the ninth to win, 1-0, at Nationals Park on Wednesday night.

The game was scoreless when Atlanta scored the winning run in the top of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, left-hander Mike Hinckley walked Kelly Johnson to bring home pinch-runner Omar Infante.

The defeat spoiled a great outing by left-hander John Lannan, who pitched seven scoreless innings against Atlanta.

The Nationals had chances to score for Lannan, but couldn't get the job done.

Nationals lose finale despite Lannan's start....

Box Score 04-21-09

Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Johnson, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .224
Escobar, SS 5 0 1 0 0 1 3 .295
Jones, C, 3B 3 1 2 0 1 0 1 .353
McCann, C 2 1 0 0 2 0 2 .189
Kotchman, 1B 4 1 2 1 0 0 3 .292
Francoeur, RF 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 .304
Diaz, LF 3 0 0 0 1 1 2 .233
Schafer, CF 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 .280
Kawakami, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .333
Bennett, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Prado, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .368
Moylan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Gonzalez, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Norton, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000
Totals 32 3 9 2 5 3 19

a-Singled for Bennett in the 7th. b-Grounded out for Gonzalez in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Kotchman (5, Martis), Schafer 2 (4, Martis, Hanrahan).
TB: Escobar; Jones, C 2; Kotchman 3; Francoeur; Schafer 4; Prado.
RBI: Kotchman (4), Francoeur (11).
2-out RBI: Kotchman; Francoeur.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Kawakami; Kotchman; Escobar 2.
S: Johnson.
GIDP: McCann.
Team RISP: 2-for-9.
Team LOB: 8.

FIELDING
E: Jones, C (2, fielding), McCann (2, throw).
DP: (Escobar-Johnson-Kotchman).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 5 0 1 0 0 1 3 .207
Johnson, 1B 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .370
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .271
Dunn, LF 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 .310
Maxwell, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, CF 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 .341
Kearns, RF 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 .235
Flores, C 3 0 1 1 1 2 1 .289
Gonzalez, A, SS 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 .241
Martis, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 .200
a-Willingham, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .150
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .083
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 4 9 4 5 7 17

a-Singled for Martis in the 6th. b-Grounded into a fielder's choice for Tavarez, J in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R (5, Kawakami), Dukes (4, Kawakami), Flores (2, Kawakami).
3B: Kearns (1, Kawakami).
HR: Dunn (4, 6th inning off Kawakami, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Hernandez, A; Johnson; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn 4; Dukes 2; Kearns 3; Flores 2; Gonzalez, A; Willingham.
RBI: Flores (5), Dunn (12), Kearns (10), Willingham (2).
2-out RBI: Willingham.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn; Hernandez, A; Martis 2; Johnson.
GIDP: Zimmerman, R.
Team RISP: 2-for-11.
Team LOB: 9.

BASERUNNING
SB: Gonzalez, A (1, 2nd base off Gonzalez/McCann).
CS: Dukes (2, 3rd base by Kawakami/McCann).

FIELDING
E: Gonzalez, A (5, throw).
Outfield assists: Dukes (Schafer at 3rd base).
DP: (Martis-Gonzalez, A-Johnson).


Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Kawakami (L, 1-2) 5.0 7 4 2 3 2 1 4.76
Bennett 1.0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1.13
Moylan 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 10.80
Gonzalez 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 6.00

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martis (W, 2-0) 6.0 6 3 2 4 2 0 4.11
Hinckley (H, 3) 1.2 2 0 0 0 1 0 2.57
Tavarez, J (H, 2) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.86
Hanrahan (S, 2) 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 6.43

Kawakami pitched to 3 batters in the 6th.

IBB: Schafer (by Martis).
Pitches-strikes: Kawakami 93-57, Bennett 18-12, Moylan 18-9, Gonzalez 19-12, Martis 89-53, Hinckley 20-12, Tavarez, J 2-2, Hanrahan 15-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Kawakami 7-5, Bennett 1-0, Moylan 1-1, Gonzalez 1-0, Martis 11-4, Hinckley 1-2, Tavarez, J 1-0, Hanrahan 2-1.
Batters faced: Kawakami 24, Bennett 5, Moylan 4, Gonzalez 4, Martis 26, Hinckley 6, Tavarez, J 1, Hanrahan 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Bennett 1-1, Tavarez, J 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Gary Cederstrom. 1B: Brian O'Nora. 2B: Jim Wolf. 3B: Kevin Causey.
Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 4 mph, In from LF.
T: 2:47 (1:01 delay).
Att: 15,439.
April 21, 2009

Nationals come from behind to beat Atlanta

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals came back from a three-run first-inning deficit to defeat the Braves, 4-3, at Nationals Park on Tuesday night.

After a pregame rain delay of about an hour, Washington had problems with Atlanta right-hander Kenshin Kawakami during the first five innings, but managed to get to him in the sixth. Adam Dunn led off the inning by hitting an 0-2 pitch over the center-field wall to cut the lead to 3-2.

After Elijah Dukes reached base on an error by third baseman Chipper Jones, Austin Kearns tripled past left fielder Matt Diaz to score Dukes and tie the score at 3.

Two batters later, pinch-hitter Josh Willingham singled to left field to bring Kearns home for the go-ahead run. Willingham is now 2-for-5 as a pinch-hitter. While he would love to play more often, Willingham has prepared himself to come off the bench and produce.

Nationals come from behind to beat Atlanta....

Box Score 04-20-09

Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Johnson, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .244
Escobar, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .308
Jones, C, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 .323
Kotchman, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 .273
Francoeur, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .308
Diaz, LF 4 1 2 2 0 1 1 .259
Schafer, CF 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 .255
Ross, D., C 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 .444
Lowe, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000
O'Flaherty, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Norton, PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Prado, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Soriano, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 30 2 6 2 3 4 10

a-Batted for O'Flaherty in the 8th. b-Popped out for Norton in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Kotchman (4, Zimmermann, J), Diaz (3, Zimmermann, J).
3B: Jones, C (1, Zimmermann, J).
HR: Diaz (2, 4th inning off Zimmermann, J, 1 on, 2 out).
TB: Johnson; Jones, C 3; Kotchman 2; Diaz 6; Ross, D..
RBI: Diaz 2 (7).
2-out RBI: Diaz 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Schafer.
GIDP: Escobar; Lowe.
Team RISP: 1-for-5.
Team LOB: 4.

FIELDING
DP: (Escobar-Johnson-Kotchman).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 .208
Johnson, 1B 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 .381
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 .273
Dunn, RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .316
1-Maxwell, PR-RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, CF 4 1 2 1 0 2 1 .342
Willingham, LF 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 .105
Flores, C 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 .286
Gonzalez, A, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 8 .231
Zimmermann, J, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000
Wells, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Beimel, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Mock, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 .091
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 29 3 8 3 4 6 19

a-Flied out for Zimmermann, J in the 6th. b-Struck out for Mock in the 8th.
1-Ran for Dunn in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Dunn (3, Soriano).
TB: Johnson; Zimmerman, R; Dunn 2; Dukes 2; Willingham; Flores 2.
RBI: Dukes (8), Flores 2 (4).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hernandez, A; Gonzalez, A; Cintron 2; Belliard 2.
S: Zimmermann, J.
SF: Flores.
GIDP: Zimmerman, R.
Team RISP: 2-for-11.
Team LOB: 9.

BASERUNNING
SB: Dukes (1, 2nd base off Lowe/Ross, D.), Maxwell (1, 3rd base off Soriano/Ross, D.).

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Willingham (Ross, D. at 2nd base).
DP: 2 (Gonzalez, A-Johnson, Johnson-Hernandez, A-Willingham-Gonzalez, A).


Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lowe (L, 1-1) 6.0 7 3 3 3 2 0 3.27
O'Flaherty 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6.23
Soriano 1.0 1 0 0 1 3 0 0.00

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Zimmermann, J (W, 1-0) 6.0 6 2 2 1 3 1 3.00
Wells (H, 1) 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00
Beimel (H, 4) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.23
Mock (H, 1) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Hanrahan (S, 1) 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7.50

IBB: Willingham (by Lowe).
HBP: Willingham (by Soriano).
Pitches-strikes: Lowe 115-64, O'Flaherty 19-13, Soriano 24-13, Zimmermann, J 72-51, Wells 8-4, Beimel 5-4, Mock 2-2, Hanrahan 15-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lowe 8-8, O'Flaherty 2-0, Soriano 0-0, Zimmermann, J 9-5, Wells 1-2, Beimel 1-1, Mock 1-0, Hanrahan 1-1.
Batters faced: Lowe 27, O'Flaherty 3, Soriano 6, Zimmermann, J 22, Wells 4, Beimel 2, Mock 1, Hanrahan 4.
Umpires: HP: Jim Wolf. 1B: Gary Cederstrom. 2B: . 3B: Brian O'Nora.
Weather: 58 degrees, overcast.
Wind: 5 mph, In from CF.
T: 2:24 (2:43 delay).
Att: 12,473.
April 20, 2009

Zimmermann wins big league debut

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- After a two-hour, 10-minute rain delay, rookie right-hander Jordan Zimmermann threw his first big league pitch at 9:15 p.m. ET on Monday. From that point on, he was solid, as the Nationals edged the Braves, 3-2, at Nationals Park.

Zimmermann, the team's best prospect entering this season, went six innings and gave up two runs on six hits. He threw 72 pitches, 51 of them for strikes.

Manager Manny Acta thought about letting Zimmermann pitch another inning, but the Nationals started a rally in the bottom of the sixth, so Acta decided to have Alex Cintron pinch-hit.

"I had my helmet and batting gloves on, and John Lannan said, 'Cintron may be hitting for you if [Alberto Gonzalez doesn't hit into a double play],' " Zimmermann said. "I'm already on deck, and I put everything away and sat down. The only way I was going back out there was if Gonzalez hit into a double play, which he didn't. Everything worked out well."

Zimmermann wins big league debut....

Nats lock up Zimmerman for long haul

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman signed a five-year, $45 million extension on Monday. It's the richest contract in Nationals/Expos history.

The contract wipes out the one-year deal Zimmerman signed in February and means that he doesn't have deal with the final two years of arbitration and the first two years of free agency. Zimmerman could also earn more money in performance bonuses.

The deal also ends two-plus years of negotiations. Zimmerman was first approached about a contract extension in December of 2006. But talks started to progress when the Nationals offered a fifth year to the contract early this month.

Nats lock up Zimmerman for long haul....

Zimmermann set for Major League debut

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Monday's game between the Nationals and Braves will be worth watching. Why? Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will make his Major League debut.

Zimmermann was named the Nationals' fifth starter during Spring Training with the understanding he would pitch with Triple-A Syracuse until his services were needed 11 games into Washington's schedule.

Zimmermann, 22, made one start with the Chiefs, tossing 5 1/3 innings on April 9 against Rochester. Zimmermann went 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA in five games (three starts) this spring, and he held opponents scoreless in four of his five outings.

"You are always excited to see one of your bright prospects," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "I feel he will come with a good game plan. I don't think he will be intimidated by a Major League stadium or Major League hitters. I'm looking forward to him having a successful outing and really kick-start his Major League career."

Zimmermann set for Major League debut....

Nats, Zimmerman agree to extension

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Ryan Zimmerman will be with the Nationals for a while. The third baseman agreed to a contract extension on Sunday, according to a high ranking team official. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Washington could make an announcement as early as Monday.

Team president Stan Kasten and agent Brodie Van Wagenen have been working on a new deal for Zimmerman since March 1, the day Jim Bowden resigned as the club's general manager.

Kasten and Van Wagenen did not return phone messages.

Nats, Zimmerman agree to extension....

Box Score 04-19-09

Florida AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Bonifacio, 3B 4 1 0 0 1 0 1 .321
Baker, C 5 0 2 2 0 0 0 .333
1-Maybin, PR-CF 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .206
Ramirez, H, SS 4 1 1 0 1 1 2 .245
Gload, 1B 2 1 0 0 3 0 2 .308
Uggla, 2B 4 0 0 0 1 1 5 .244
Hermida, LF 2 1 0 0 3 0 2 .300
Lindstrom, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ross, C., RF 4 1 3 5 1 0 1 .256
Amezaga, CF-LF 5 0 1 0 0 0 6 .294
Volstad, P 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 .167
Penn, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cantu, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 .368
Pinto, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Calero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Helms, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .308
Nunez, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Paulino, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Totals 34 7 9 7 10 3 22

a-Struck out for Penn in the 6th. b-Doubled for Calero in the 8th.
1-Ran for Baker in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Baker 2 (4, Cabrera, D, Rivera, S), Ramirez, H (3, Cabrera, D), Helms (1, Hinckley), Ross, C. (2, Rivera, S).
HR: Ross, C. (3, 8th inning off Hinckley, 0 on, 2 out).
TB: Baker 4; Ramirez, H 2; Ross, C. 7; Amezaga; Volstad; Helms 2.
RBI: Baker 2 (9), Ross, C. 5 (11).
2-out RBI: Baker; Ross, C. 4.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ramirez, H; Amezaga 3; Cantu 2.
GIDP: Ross, C.; Hermida.
Team RISP: 2-for-10.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
E: Uggla (2, throw).
DP: (Baker-Uggla).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 4 1 0 0 1 0 3 .238
Johnson, 1B 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 .385
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 .275
Dunn, LF 2 1 2 0 3 0 0 .324
Dukes, CF 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 .324
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Kearns, RF 4 0 2 1 1 1 0 .219
Flores, C 5 0 1 1 0 2 6 .242
Gonzalez, A, SS 5 0 0 0 0 0 8 .273
Cabrera, D, P 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 .000
Shell, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Maxwell, CF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 35 4 9 4 9 7 24

a-Flied out for Hinckley in the 8th.

BATTING
TB: Johnson 2; Zimmerman, R; Dunn 2; Dukes; Kearns 2; Flores.
RBI: Dukes (7), Kearns (9), Flores (2), Zimmerman, R (10).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gonzalez, A 4; Zimmerman, R; Hernandez, A 2; Cintron.
Team RISP: 3-for-13.
Team LOB: 13.

BASERUNNING
CS: Dunn (1, 2nd base by Pinto/Baker).

FIELDING
E: Gonzalez, A 2 (4, fielding, throw).
Outfield assists: Kearns (Amezaga at home).
DP: 2 (Zimmerman, R-Hernandez, A-Johnson, Johnson-Gonzalez, A-Johnson).


Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Volstad 4.1 6 3 3 5 5 0 2.76
Penn 0.2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0.00
Pinto 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1.80
Calero 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.35
Nunez (W, 2-0) 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 0 3.86
Lindstrom (S, 3) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.50

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Cabrera, D 5.0 3 2 2 4 0 0 4.50
Shell (H, 1) 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 5.40
Hinckley (BS, 1) 2.0 3 1 1 2 0 1 3.38
Rivera, S (BS, 1)(L, 0-3) 1.0 2 4 4 3 2 0 12.27

Cabrera, D pitched to 2 batters in the 6th.

WP: Volstad 2, Cabrera, D.
IBB: Dunn (by Nunez), Gload (by Rivera, S).
Pitches-strikes: Volstad 98-56, Penn 18-9, Pinto 18-10, Calero 7-5, Nunez 18-9, Lindstrom 13-8, Cabrera, D 92-49, Shell 22-10, Hinckley 39-22, Rivera, S 44-22.
Groundouts-flyouts: Volstad 7-1, Penn 1-1, Pinto 0-1, Calero 0-3, Nunez 1-2, Lindstrom 2-0, Cabrera, D 6-9, Shell 0-2, Hinckley 4-1, Rivera, S 0-1.
Batters faced: Volstad 24, Penn 4, Pinto 4, Calero 3, Nunez 6, Lindstrom 3, Cabrera, D 22, Shell 5, Hinckley 9, Rivera, S 8.
Inherited runners-scored: Penn 2-1, Shell 2-1.
Umpires: HP: Jeff Kellogg. 1B: Mark Wegner. 2B: Tim Timmons. 3B: Rob Drake.
Weather: 67 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 10 mph, In from RF.
T: 3:33.
Att: 16,974.
April 19, 2009

Club gives away late lead to Marlins for third straight game

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Before Sunday's game, the Nationals' bullpen had been under scrutiny, and for a good reason. Washington can't seem to preserve a lead, and Sunday was no different as the Marlins defeated the Nats, 7-4, at Nationals Park.

The Nationals entered the ninth inning with a 4-3 lead, but right-hander Saul Rivera couldn't get the job done. John Baker tied the score at 4 with an RBI double. Four batters later, Cody Ross broke the game open with a three-run double.

The bullpen problems started in the top of the sixth inning. With runners on first and second and no outs, the Nationals had a 3-1 lead when manager Manny Acta decided to take right-hander Daniel Cabrera out of the game in favor of right-hander Steven Shell.

Nats unable to solve ninth-inning woes....

Nats call up Maxwell from Triple-A

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- On Sunday morning, Nationals outfielder Roger Bernadina called outfielder Justin Maxwell to congratulate him on his promotion to the big leagues. And why not? The two are good friends and were roommates when they were with Triple-A Syracuse.

"I'm happy for him," Bernadina said. "He deserves to be here, too."

Bernadina is the reason Maxwell is back in the big leagues. Bernadina had to leave Saturday's game against the Marlins because of a fractured right ankle he suffered in the top of the eighth inning.

Nats call up Maxwell from Triple-A....

Nationals support Manny Acta

Entering Sunday's action, the Nationals were 1-9 and already 8 ½ games behind the Marlins. The slow start has not hurt manager Manny Acta with the organization.

In fact, acting general manager Mike Rizzo said he and the organization support Acta, who has a 133-200 record in two-plus seasons with the Nationals.

"I support Manny Acta and so does the organization," Rizzo said. "He is our manager and a good young manager. I think he has handled the young ballclub right."

Rizzo said the Nationals are still rebuilding and there is going to be some growing pains. Rizzo was a member of the Diamondbacks, when they lost 111 games in 2004, and he said the Nationals are ahead of schedule when it comes to the rebuilding process.

Nationals support Manny Acta....

Box Score 04-18-09

Florida AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Bonifacio, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .347
d-Helms, PH-3B 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 .250
Hermida, LF 6 3 3 5 0 1 0 .316
Ramirez, H, SS 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 .245
Cantu, 1B 5 0 2 0 0 2 1 .378
Meyer, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Baker, C 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .321
Uggla, 2B 6 1 0 0 0 2 4 .268
Paulino, C 4 1 2 2 1 0 1 .333
Calero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ross, C., RF 5 0 1 0 0 2 2 .205
Maybin, CF 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 .206
b-Amezaga, PH-CF 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 .333
Johnson, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .143
a-Carroll, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .125
Kensing, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Pinto, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Gload, PH-1B 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 .364
Totals 47 9 11 8 3 11 15

a-Grounded out for Johnson in the 7th. b-Singled for Maybin in the 9th. c-Singled for Pinto in the 9th. d-Struck out for Bonifacio in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Ross, C. (1, Olsen), Cantu (3, Beimel).
HR: Paulino (1, 2nd inning off Olsen, 1 on, 1 out), Hermida 2 (3, 9th inning off Hanrahan, 1 on, 2 out; 11th inning off Ledezma, 2 on, 0 out).
TB: Hermida 9; Ramirez, H; Cantu 3; Paulino 5; Ross, C. 2; Amezaga; Gload.
RBI: Paulino 2 (4), Gload (3), Hermida 5 (8).
2-out RBI: Hermida 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bonifacio; Uggla; Paulino; Amezaga.
Team RISP: 2-for-10.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
SB: Paulino (1, 2nd base off Tavarez, J/Bard, J).

FIELDING
DP: (Ramirez, H-Cantu).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 4 1 1 0 1 2 1 .294
Johnson, 1B 4 1 2 1 0 2 1 .371
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 1 2 1 0 1 2 .277
Dunn, LF 3 1 0 0 2 1 3 .281
Bard, J, C 5 0 1 0 0 1 5 .200
Kearns, RF 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 .179
Bernadina, CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250
Dukes, CF 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .323
Gonzalez, A, SS 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 .353
Olsen, P 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 .000
a-Cintron, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Beimel, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .100
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ledezma, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Flores, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250
Totals 39 6 7 6 5 12 17

a-Struck out for Olsen in the 7th. b-Popped out for Hanrahan in the 9th. c-Struck out for Ledezma in the 11th.

BATTING
HR: Kearns (2, 1st inning off Johnson, 3 on, 1 out).
TB: Hernandez, A; Johnson 2; Zimmerman, R 2; Bard, J; Kearns 4.
RBI: Zimmerman, R (9), Kearns 4 (8), Johnson (2).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Zimmerman, R; Gonzalez, A.
GIDP: Dunn.
Team RISP: 3-for-9.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
SB: Hernandez, A (1, 2nd base off Kensing/Paulino).

FIELDING
E: Johnson (1, fielding), Gonzalez, A 2 (2, throw, throw).


Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Johnson 6.0 6 6 6 2 6 1 2.91
Kensing 1.0 0 0 0 1 3 0 4.50
Pinto 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2.25
Meyer 1.2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3.38
Calero (W, 1-0) 1.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.59

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Olsen 7.0 6 3 2 1 5 1 9.00
Beimel (H, 3) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.35
Hanrahan (BS, 2) 1.0 3 3 3 0 3 1 9.00
Tavarez, J (L, 0-1) 1.0 0 2 1 2 2 0 4.05
Ledezma 1.0 1 1 1 0 1 1 9.53

Tavarez, J pitched to 2 batters in the 11th.

WP: Hanrahan, Tavarez, J.
HBP: Johnson (by Johnson).
Pitches-strikes: Johnson 101-70, Kensing 21-13, Pinto 21-15, Meyer 29-17, Calero 17-10, Olsen 103-71, Beimel 20-11, Hanrahan 27-20, Tavarez, J 32-16, Ledezma 18-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Johnson 7-5, Kensing 0-0, Pinto 0-3, Meyer 0-3, Calero 0-3, Olsen 10-6, Beimel 1-2, Hanrahan 0-0, Tavarez, J 1-0, Ledezma 1-1.
Batters faced: Johnson 26, Kensing 4, Pinto 5, Meyer 6, Calero 4, Olsen 29, Beimel 4, Hanrahan 7, Tavarez, J 6, Ledezma 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Calero 1-0, Ledezma 2-2.
Umpires: HP: Rob Drake. 1B: Jeff Kellogg. 2B: Mark Wegner. 3B: Tim Timmons.
Weather: 72 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 4 mph, L to R.
T: 3:37.
Att: 19,864.
April 18, 2009

Nats undone by their 'pen in loss

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Closer Joel Hanrahan could not convert another save opportunity in the ninth on Saturday afternoon, as the Nationals fell to the Marlins, 9-6, in 11 innings at Nationals Park.

Washington has lost nine of its last 10 games to start the season.

The Nationals had a 6-3 lead entering the ninth inning, but the Marlins scored three runs off Hanrahan. Pinch-hitter Ross Gload singled to left to drive in Alfredo Amezaga. After Wes Helms struck out, Jeremy Hermida hit a two-run homer over the right-center-field fence to tie the game at 6.

In the top of the 11th inning, Hermida did it again, hitting a three-run home run against left-hander Wil Ledezma.

Before the ninth, it looked like the power of Austin Kearns and the left arm of Scott Olsen would be enough for the victory.

Nats undone by their 'pen in loss....

Nats discipline Dukes for tardiness

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals right fielder Elijah Dukes was scratched from Saturday's starting lineup against the Marlins and fined $500 for being five minutes late for work. Washington did not specify why Dukes was late.

Nats discipline Dukes for tardiness....

Box Score 04-17-09

Florida AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Maybin, CF 4 0 1 0 1 2 1 .219
Nunez, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Carroll, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .143
Baker, C 4 1 1 1 0 1 4 .333
Ramirez, H, SS 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 .256
Cantu, 1B 5 1 2 0 0 0 0 .375
Uggla, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 2 1 .314
Hermida, LF 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 .281
Lindstrom, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ross, C., RF 5 1 1 1 0 2 5 .206
Helms, 3B 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 .300
1-Bonifacio, PR-3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .378
Nolasco, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Penn, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Gload, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .300
Pinto, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Kensing, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Amezaga, PH-CF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .300
Totals 39 3 10 3 2 11 12

a-Singled for Penn in the 7th. b-Doubled for Kensing in the 9th.
1-Ran for Helms in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Cantu (2, Lannan), Amezaga (1, Hanrahan).
HR: Baker (1, 4th inning off Lannan, 0 on, 1 out), Ross, C. (2, 9th inning off Hanrahan, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Maybin; Baker 4; Cantu 3; Uggla; Hermida; Ross, C. 4; Helms; Gload; Amezaga 2.
RBI: Baker (7), Ross, C. (6), Hermida (3).
2-out RBI: Hermida.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ross, C. 3; Baker 2; Maybin.
GIDP: Uggla.
Team RISP: 1-for-5.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
CS: Ramirez, H (1, 2nd base by Lannan/Flores).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 5 0 1 1 0 2 4 .308
Johnson, 1B 5 0 2 0 0 1 1 .355
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 0 2 0 0 0 2 .262
Dunn, RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 .310
Beimel, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Kearns, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .167
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, CF 4 0 1 0 1 1 4 .345
Willingham, LF 5 0 0 0 0 2 4 .059
Flores, C 5 1 2 0 0 2 1 .259
Gonzalez, A, SS 5 1 3 1 0 1 1 .500
Lannan, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bernadina, RF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.000
Totals 40 2 12 2 2 10 21

a-Struck out for Hanrahan in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Gonzalez, A (2, Nolasco), Johnson (2, Pinto), Bernadina (1, Kensing), Dukes (3, Lindstrom).
TB: Hernandez, A; Johnson 3; Zimmerman, R 2; Dukes 2; Flores 2; Gonzalez, A 4; Bernadina 2.
RBI: Gonzalez, A (3), Hernandez, A (2).
2-out RBI: Hernandez, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dukes; Hernandez, A 4; Willingham; Gonzalez, A.
S: Lannan 2.
Team RISP: 1-for-12.
Team LOB: 12.

FIELDING
E: Zimmerman, R (3, throw).
DP: (Zimmerman, R-Hernandez, A-Johnson).


Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Nolasco 4.0 7 2 2 1 4 0 6.60
Penn 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Pinto 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 3.00
Kensing 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 0 6.00
Nunez (W, 1-0) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.00
Lindstrom (S, 2) 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1.80

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan 6.1 3 1 1 1 8 1 6.46
Tavarez, J (H, 1) 0.1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.18
Hinckley (H, 2) 0.1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2.70
Beimel (H, 2) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.59
Hanrahan (BS, 1) 1.0 2 1 1 0 1 1 4.50
Rivera, S (L, 0-2) 1.0 3 1 1 0 0 0 8.53

WP: Lannan.
HBP: Baker (by Lannan), Uggla (by Lannan).
Pitches-strikes: Nolasco 87-60, Penn 24-16, Pinto 23-12, Kensing 19-13, Nunez 19-13, Lindstrom 15-9, Lannan 99-65, Tavarez, J 10-6, Hinckley 13-6, Beimel 12-9, Hanrahan 26-16, Rivera, S 22-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Nolasco 4-4, Penn 3-3, Pinto 2-0, Kensing 0-1, Nunez 1-1, Lindstrom 0-1, Lannan 5-5, Tavarez, J 0-0, Hinckley 1-0, Beimel 1-1, Hanrahan 2-0, Rivera, S 3-0.
Batters faced: Nolasco 20, Penn 8, Pinto 5, Kensing 4, Nunez 3, Lindstrom 4, Lannan 24, Tavarez, J 2, Hinckley 3, Beimel 3, Hanrahan 5, Rivera, S 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Hinckley 1-0.
EjectionsWashington Nationals Manager Manny Acta ejected by HP umpire Tim Timmons. (4th).
Umpires: HP: Tim Timmons. 1B: Rob Drake. 2B: Jeff Kellogg. 3B: Mark Wegner.
Weather: 72 degrees, clear.
Wind: 4 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:39.
Att: 19,026.
April 17, 2009

Nationals bullpen weakens vs. Marlins

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals received a well-pitched game from left-hander John Lannan, but the bullpen dropped the ball for the Nationals, who were edged by the Marlins, 3-2, in 10 innings on Friday.

The Nationals had a 2-1 lead going into the ninth inning, and after nine games, closer Joel Hanrahan received his first save opportunity, but he couldn't get the job done. Known as a power pitcher, Hanrahan acknowledged that he was thinking too much on the mound. He decided to throw a 2-2 slider to Cody Ross, who hit the ball over the left-field wall to tie the game, 2-2.

"It was a poor-excuse pitch," Hanrahan said. "I wanted to bounce it off the plate. I tried to overthrow it, but it was a good pitch for him to hit."

Asked if there were any thoughts of throwing the fastball, which is his best pitch, Hanrahan said: "I thought about it, but that was probably the reason I got in trouble out there. I was thinking too much. You can only think about it when it's over. You can go back and say that you could have thrown the fastball, but if I were to throw a good slider, who knows what would have happened. It was a poorly executed pitch."

Nationals bullpen weakens vs. Marlins....

Box Score 04-16-09

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 .111
Victorino, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .219
Utley, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 .393
Howard, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 1 2 .313
Werth, RF 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .313
Ibanez, LF 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 .303
Feliz, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .308
Marson, C 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 .667
Blanton, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Dobbs, PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Bruntlett, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286
Durbin, C, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000
Taschner, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Happ, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 29 2 5 2 2 3 9

a-Batted for Blanton in the 7th. b-Grounded out for Dobbs in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Marson (1, Martis).
TB: Utley; Ibanez 2; Marson 3.
RBI: Ibanez (7), Rollins (3).
2-out RBI: Ibanez.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Victorino; Feliz.
S: Blanton 2.
SF: Rollins.
Team RISP: 1-for-5.
Team LOB: 5.

FIELDING
E: Feliz (1, missed catch).
DP: (Feliz-Utley-Howard).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Hernandez, A, 2B 4 1 2 1 1 0 1 .375
Johnson, 1B 4 1 3 0 1 0 1 .346
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 2 1 1 1 3 .243
Dunn, LF 4 1 1 3 0 2 2 .346
Beimel, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .111
Hanrahan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, CF 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 .360
Kearns, RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .174
Flores, C 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 .227
Gonzalez, A, SS 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 .429
Martis, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 .333
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Willingham, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .083
Bernadina, LF 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .000
Totals 35 8 13 8 5 7 13

a-Homered for Hinckley in the 7th. b-Popped out for Beimel in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Kearns (2, Blanton).
HR: Dunn (3, 1st inning off Blanton, 2 on, 1 out), Willingham (1, 7th inning off Durbin, C, 0 on, 0 out), Dukes (2, 8th inning off Taschner, 0 on, 0 out), Gonzalez, A (1, 8th inning off Taschner, 0 on, 2 out).
TB: Hernandez, A 2; Johnson 3; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn 4; Dukes 4; Kearns 2; Gonzalez, A 5; Willingham 4.
RBI: Dunn 3 (11), Willingham (1), Dukes (6), Gonzalez, A (2), Hernandez, A (1), Zimmerman, R (8).
2-out RBI: Gonzalez, A; Hernandez, A; Zimmerman, R.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gonzalez, A; Belliard.
GIDP: Zimmerman, R.
Team RISP: 3-for-6.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
SB: Bernadina (1, 2nd base off Taschner/Marson).


Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Blanton (L, 0-1) 6.0 8 3 3 1 5 1 9.00
Durbin, C 0.2 1 1 1 2 0 1 9.64
Taschner 1.0 4 4 4 2 2 2 9.00
Happ 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.86

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martis (W, 1-0) 6.1 5 2 2 2 1 0 4.82
Hinckley (H, 1) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.00
Beimel (H, 1) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.93
Hanrahan 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.00

Pitches-strikes: Blanton 97-62, Durbin, C 20-7, Taschner 38-19, Happ 3-1, Martis 86-49, Hinckley 11-8, Beimel 15-9, Hanrahan 12-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Blanton 5-8, Durbin, C 0-1, Taschner 0-1, Happ 0-1, Martis 9-9, Hinckley 1-1, Beimel 0-2, Hanrahan 0-2.
Batters faced: Blanton 26, Durbin, C 4, Taschner 9, Happ 1, Martis 26, Hinckley 2, Beimel 3, Hanrahan 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Taschner 1-0, Happ 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Adrian Johnson. 1B: Derryl Cousins. 2B: Jim Joyce. 3B: Bill Miller.
Weather: 60 degrees, clear.
Wind: 5 mph, In from RF.
T: 2:32.
Att: 20,494.
April 16, 2009

WE WIN, WE WIN: Dunn powers Nationals to first victory

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Prior to Thursday, the last time the Nationals won a game was on Sept. 23, 2008, against the Marlins. The winning pitcher was right-hander Shairon Martis.

Fast-forward to Thursday night at Nationals Park. Martis had the team's first quality start and helped the Nationals defeat the Phillies, 8-2. It was the Washington's first victory after starting the season with seven losses.

Dunn powers Nationals to first victory....

Willingham to see more action

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Now that center fielder Lastings Milledge is in Triple-A Syracuse, Josh Willingham will split time with Austin Kearns in the outfield. When Willingham starts in a game, he will play left field, while Adam Dunn will switch to right.

According to manager Manny Acta, it was Dunn who agreed to the switch.

"Yesterday, I was thrilled," Acta said. "I spoke to Adam and he continues to make me happy about doing whatever it takes to help us win. He doesn't mind moving to right field like he did during the World Baseball Classic and for Arizona and Cincinnati. It would be easier to do that than ask Josh to play right field for the first time in the big league level."

Willingham to see more action....

Nationals expected to honor baseball pioneer at later date

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals were scheduled to honor Jackie Robinson by wearing No. 42 on Wednesday night at Nationals Park. But the game between the Nationals and Phillies was postponed because of rain. Washington is expected to honor Robinson at a later date.

In March 2004, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig designated April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day throughout the Major Leagues.

On April 15, 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, his No. 42 was retired throughout baseball.

In 2007, in honor of the 60th anniversary of Robinson's first Major League game, the retirement was temporarily lifted to allow players to pay homage to him by wearing his number. On Wednesday, all of the Nationals and Phillies players, coaching staffs and managers were expected to wear No. 42.

Jackie Robinson Day in DC rained out....

Milledge demoted to Triple-A

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals optioned center fielder Lastings Milledge to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. The club has not announced a corresponding move.

Milledge was given the news about his demotion in a phone conversation with acting general manager Mike Rizzo.

Milledge, 24, is off to a slow start, batting .167 (4-for-24) with one RBI. Milledge was the leadoff hitter, and the front office didn't like the fact that he didn't take enough pitches to draw walks.

It was an adventure for Milledge in center field so far this season. On Opening Day against the Marlins on April 6, Emilio Bonifacio hit a ball that went over Milledge's head for an inside-the-park home run in the fifth inning.

The next day, Bonifacio hit a triple that went over Milledge's glove. In both cases, some people in the organization believe Milledge should have caught the ball. Not Milledge. He followed the scouting report, which said to play shallow.

"It was a shocker," Milledge said via telephone. "I thought I would be given more than 24 at-bats [to get it going]. Mike is the boss, so he has to do what was best for the team. He told me I needed to work on my hitting and defense."

The team had warned Milledge about a possible demotion since Opening Day. Members of the organization were upset that Milledge was late for a meeting held by manager Manny Acta the day before, and they wanted Milledge to sit out for Opening Day. Acta refused, however, so the team fined Milledge instead.

But Rizzo said character issues had nothing to do with the demotion. It was a matter of Milledge improving his game at Syracuse. Milledge will most likely play all three outfield positions and bat leadoff.

"He took the demotion like a professional," Rizzo said. "We had a good dialogue about a lot of things. He was unhappy and eager to show me that he belongs in the Major Leagues. Lastings Milledge plays extremely hard. I have very little problems with Lastings' attitude and his work ethic.

Milledge demoted to Triple-A....

All uniformed personnel asked to wear No. 42 Wednesday

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

By request of Commissioner Bud Selig, as Major League Baseball celebrates the 62nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking its color barrier on Wednesday, all big league players and uniformed personnel have been asked to wear the late Hall of Famer's famous No. 42 on the field when the 30 teams celebrate the occasion.
The past two years, as the momentum to wear Robinson's number steamrolled through Major League clubhouses, Selig asked, but the act of wearing it was voluntary. Not so this year.

"April 15, 1947, is a day that resonates with history throughout Major League Baseball," Selig said. "With all Major League players, coaches and umpires wearing Jackie's No. 42, we hope to demonstrate the magnitude of his impact on the game of baseball. Major League Baseball will never forget the contributions that Jackie made both on and off the field."

This year's main celebration of Robinson putting on a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform in a regular-season game for the first time, thus integrating MLB forever, is being hosted at Citi Field, the new home of the Mets.

But there will be ceremonies in all the other 14 ballparks across the nation, with 62 Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars being honored.

MLB ready to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day....

Club saddened by passing of Phils broadcaster Kalas

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals were saddened to learn about the passing of legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas on Monday.
Kalas was found unconscious in the team's broadcast booth at Nationals Park around 12:30 p.m. ET, and he was taken to George Washington University Medical Center. The cause of the death is unknown.

After learning about Kalas' passing, the Nationals thought about canceling their home opener. Team president Stan Kasten had discussions with Phillies CEO David Montgomery, who told Kasten that Kalas wouldn't want the game canceled.

"We talked to the Phillies in what we thought was right," Kasten said. "The input of the Phillies was very influential to me, even though I was mindful that [over] 40,000 at Nationals Park were already in their seats. The Phillies were mindful of that.

"I can't predict what would have happened. If the players felt strongly about not playing in deference to Harry. That would have been a very important consideration for me, but that's not what happened. But we were very respectful of what the Phillies organization thought was best. "

The game was played with the Phillies edging the Nationals, 9-8. A few minutes before the game started, the Nationals honored Kalas with a moment of silence.

Nationals considered canceling game....

Washington's club president focused on big picture

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals president Stan Kasten acknowledged he is disappointed that the team is off to a 0-6 start entering Monday's home opener, but he is still looking at the big picture. He said it is too early for anyone to panic.
Kasten already sees some positive points about the team, but also knows the Nationals will take their lumps with a young rotation, which has an average age of 24.

"In the first week, I think our offense is as good as we thought it would be," Kasten said. "Our bullpen is going to be as good or better than we thought when we started Spring Training. Our defense is going to be OK, I think. We knew we were going with young starting pitching. Young starting pitching has its ups and downs. ... We'll be fine. We'll come out of this."

Kasten disappointed with Nats' start....

Box Score 04-13-09

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 5 0 1 1 0 2 4 .121
Victorino, CF 3 2 1 2 0 0 1 .250
Utley, 2B 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 .400
Howard, 1B 5 1 2 3 0 2 0 .345
Werth, RF 5 1 2 0 0 1 2 .357
Ibanez, LF 5 2 2 1 0 0 3 .276
Feliz, 3B 3 1 1 0 2 0 1 .364
Coste, C 3 0 0 1 1 1 2 .143
Moyer, P 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 .000
Condrey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Eyre, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Bruntlett, PH 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .333
Madson, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Lidge, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 36 9 10 9 3 7 15

a-Doubled for Eyre in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Rollins (1, Cabrera, D), Bruntlett (2, Ledezma), Ibanez (3, Beimel).
HR: Victorino (1, 3rd inning off Cabrera, D, 0 on, 0 out), Howard (1, 7th inning off Rivera, S, 2 on, 0 out), Ibanez (3, 7th inning off Rivera, S, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Rollins 2; Victorino 4; Howard 5; Werth 2; Ibanez 6; Feliz; Bruntlett 2.
RBI: Coste (2), Moyer (1), Victorino 2 (3), Rollins (2), Howard 3 (7), Ibanez (6).
2-out RBI: Rollins.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rollins; Victorino; Feliz.
SF: Moyer; Victorino.
GIDP: Ibanez.
Team RISP: 2-for-10.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: Rollins (1, throw).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Milledge, CF 5 1 1 0 0 1 2 .167
Guzman, C, SS 5 2 5 2 0 0 0 .515
1-Gonzalez, A, PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 1 1 2 0 0 4 .212
Dunn, LF 4 1 2 2 1 1 0 .364
Dukes, RF 5 1 2 2 0 2 1 .381
Johnson, 1B 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 .273
Flores, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 .263
Hernandez, A, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 2 0 .250
Cabrera, D, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Tavarez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hinckley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Willingham, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ledezma, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Kearns, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .158
Beimel, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 39 8 12 8 2 9 13

a-Flied out for Hinckley in the 6th. b-Lined out for Ledezma in the 8th.
1-Ran for Guzman, C in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Dukes (2, Moyer), Dunn (2, Moyer).
HR: Dukes (1, 5th inning off Moyer, 0 on, 1 out), Dunn (2, 7th inning off Condrey, 1 on, 1 out), Zimmerman, R (2, 9th inning off Lidge, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Milledge; Guzman, C 5; Zimmerman, R 4; Dunn 6; Dukes 6; Hernandez, A.
RBI: Dukes 2 (5), Guzman, C 2 (4), Dunn 2 (8), Zimmerman, R 2 (7).
2-out RBI: Dukes; Guzman, C 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Flores 3; Milledge.
S: Cabrera, D.
Team RISP: 3-for-10.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Milledge (1, 2nd base off Moyer/Coste), Guzman, C (1, 2nd base off Moyer/Coste).

FIELDING
E: Hernandez, A 2 (2, fielding, fielding), Dunn (1, fielding).
DP: (Guzman, C-Hernandez, A-Johnson).


Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Moyer (W, 1-1) 6.0 8 4 4 2 5 1 6.55
Condrey 0.2 2 2 2 0 0 1 4.50
Eyre (H, 1) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Madson (H, 3) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00
Lidge (S, 3) 1.0 2 2 2 0 2 1 5.40

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Cabrera, D 5.0 6 4 1 2 2 1 4.91
Tavarez, J 0.2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3.38
Hinckley 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.86
Rivera, S (L, 0-1) 1.0 2 4 4 0 1 2 8.44
Ledezma 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 0 9.64
Beimel 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2.45

HBP: Victorino (by Rivera, S), Utley (by Rivera, S).
Pitches-strikes: Moyer 102-64, Condrey 14-9, Eyre 3-3, Madson 13-11, Lidge 16-10, Cabrera, D 94-55, Tavarez, J 16-10, Hinckley 7-4, Rivera, S 22-14, Ledezma 14-10, Beimel 11-9.
Groundouts-flyouts: Moyer 3-10, Condrey 1-1, Eyre 1-0, Madson 0-1, Lidge 1-0, Cabrera, D 7-6, Tavarez, J 0-0, Hinckley 0-0, Rivera, S 1-1, Ledezma 2-1, Beimel 1-1.
Batters faced: Moyer 28, Condrey 4, Eyre 1, Madson 4, Lidge 5, Cabrera, D 24, Tavarez, J 3, Hinckley 1, Rivera, S 7, Ledezma 4, Beimel 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Hinckley 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Bill Miller. 1B: Derryl Cousins. 2B: Adrian Johnson. 3B: Jim Joyce.
Weather: 53 degrees, overcast.
Wind: 3 mph, L to R.
T: 2:58.
Att: 40,386.
April 13, 2009

Dunn goes deep, but Philadelphia belts three homers

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Phillies used the long ball to defeat the Nationals, 9-8, in the 2009 home opener at Nationals Park on Monday afternoon. Washington is off to an 0-7 start in '09 and has lost 11 straight games dating back to last season.
The game was tied at 4 when Philadelphia put on a power display against right-hander Saul Rivera, who was in trouble from the start. He hit Shane Victorino and Chase Utley with pitches. Ryan Howard followed and hit a three-run homer to left-center field on an 0-1 pitch.

After Jayson Werth struck out, Raul Ibanez homered over the left-center-field wall to make it 8-4.

The Nationals made it a two-run game when Adam Dunn ripped an 0-1 pitch from Clay Condrey over the center-field wall. It was Dunn's second home run of the season.

Philadelphia tacked on one more run in the eighth as left-hander Wil Ledezma gave up a sacrifice fly to Victorino.

Nats fall to Phillies in '09 home opener....

Dukes drives in three runs in team's sixth straight defeat

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- A few hours before watching his team lose to the Braves, 8-5, on Sunday afternoon, Nationals manager Manny Acta was asked to tell Washington fans why the 2009 Nats are better than last year's team, which lost 102 games and ended the season on a four-game losing streak.
Acta didn't have a problem answering the question. He feels the '09 team is much better and indicated that there isn't any time to panic after playing five games this season.

"First of all, we are not counting last year. That was a long time ago," Acta said. "If you are going to count the last four games we lost [in 2008], why not throw in the 102 that we lost last year. Last year is in the past."

The Nationals found themselves in a good game on Sunday, but they ended up losing their 10th straight game dating back to last year, and head into Monday's home opener at Nationals Park with an 0-6 mark.

The series finale at Turner Field followed a similar script for the Nationals: They weren't able to get clutch hits and they didn't receive quality pitching.

Nats stay in game, but lose to Braves....

Healthy Flores looks to help Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

After having a productive season in 2008, Jesus Flores became the Nationals' Opening Day catcher for the first time.
Flores missed most of Spring Training with a sore right elbow, but the injury appears to be a thing of the past. The 24-year-old is off to a good start with the bat, going 5-for-15 (.333) with an RBI, but he would prefer that the Nationals get their share of wins as opposed to him having personal success on a losing club.

"I feel like I have plenty of confidence in myself to have a good year, but we are having a bad time right now," Flores said. "I would like for us to put everything together and start winning ballgames. I'm very positive that we are going to win games."

Even though runners are 4-for-4 when trying to steal with Flores behind the plate, three of those bases were stolen by Marlins third baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Flores insist that nothing is wrong with the elbow and denied that he is gun shy when it comes to throwing out runners.

"I feel good, and I feel healthy," Flores said. "I don't have a hard time throwing the ball. I feel good. I'm waiting for the opportunities to throw out a lot of people."

Healthy Flores looks to help Nats....

Harris leaves with oblique strain; Belliard's back pain persists

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- Nationals second baseman Willie Harris left Sunday's game against the Braves because of a left oblique strain. He is listed as day-to-day and will be reevaluated on Monday.
After fouling off a pitch in the second inning, Harris bent down in pain near the batter's box.

A couple of seconds later, Harris singled off right-hander Jair Jurrjens, but ran to first awkwardly. Manager Manny Acta and assistant athletic trainer Michael McGowan immediately came to Harris' aid.

Harris was taken out of the game in favor of Alberto Gonzalez.

Acta didn't rule out Harris going on the disabled list and activating second baseman Anderson Hernandez, who is currently doing a rehab stint with Triple-A Syracuse. Hernandez missed the first week of the season because of a left hamstring strain.

"After tomorrow, we will know better and then we'll make a decision," Acta said. "It's a concern. We might bring up Hernandez in a day or two. "

Another second baseman sidelined....