Bullpen falters in frustrating defeat

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Once again, the Nationals bullpen didn't get the job done, allowing the tying and winning runs to score in Thursday's 9-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Going into the top of the seventh inning, the bullpen couldn't protect a 4-3 lead because it couldn't find the plate.

Left-hander Michael Hinckley was on the mound when he walked Ryan Ludwick with one out. Logan Kensing replaced Hinckley and didn't fare any better. Albert Pujols singled to left and Chris Duncan walked to load the bases. Rick Ankiel followed and hit a sacrifice fly to send home Ludwick to tie the score at 4.

Reliever Julian Tavarez pitched the ninth inning, and he didn't pitch like he did against the Phillies on Thursday. Again, the walks came back to bite the Nationals. Duncan led off with a free pass. Ankiel then plated Duncan with an RBI double down the left-field line.

It would get worse after that. With the bases loaded, Tyler Greene hit a slow roller toward Ryan Zimmerman, but the ball went past him and two runs scored on the play. Catcher Jesus Flores was charged with an error on the play when he couldn't handle a perfect throw from shortstop Cristian Guzman, which would retired Joe Thurston at the plate.

Reliever Joel Hanrahan entered the game and balked in another run. The last run was scored when Brian Barden hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Greene.

Bullpen falters in frustrating defeat....