Strasburg has first workout with Nats

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- There may come a day -- the Nationals certainly hope so -- when mowing down big league hitters in the biggest of moments and in the biggest of stadiums will be the norm for Stephen Strasburg.

And if that dream finally comes to fruition, perhaps he'll look back on Sunday -- the day it all began.

Strasburg has first workout with Nats....

Veteran Belliard traded to Dodgers

By B.J. Rains / MLB.com

ST. LOUIS -- The last time Ronnie Belliard was traded in the middle of the season, he won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. The Dodgers can only hope for the same results.

Los Angeles acquired the veteran infielder on Sunday afternoon for Minor League right-hander Luis Garcia and a player to be named. The trade was made official following the Nationals 2-1 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.

Veteran Belliard traded to Dodgers....

Nats can't find big hit behind Mock

By B.J. Rains / MLB.com

ST. LOUIS -- Not even a strong outing from Garrett Mock could get the Nationals a win on Sunday afternoon.

Mock tamed the Cardinals' offense for two runs in six innings, but the Nationals were stymied by St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright in a 2-1 loss at Busch Stadium.

The Nationals, who were swept in the three-game series by St. Louis, scored just seven runs in the three games and fell to 7-7 on the road since Aug 2.

Nats can't find big hit behind Mock....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Harris, W, CF 5 0 0 0 0 2 2 .226
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .302
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 .299
Dunn, A, 1B 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 .282
Willingham, LF 3 0 1 0 1 2 1 .291
Dukes, RF 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 .245
Orr, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 0 6 .545
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bard, J, C 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .236
Mock, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 .059
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Belliard, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .246
Totals 31 1 4 1 5 10 14

a-Grounded out for Mock in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Willingham (27, Franklin).
TB: Willingham 2; Dukes; Orr; Bard, J.
RBI: Dukes (52).
2-out RBI: Dukes.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Orr 3.
Team RISP: 1-for-3.
Team LOB: 9.

FIELDING
E: Mock (2, throw), Guzman, C (18, fielding).
DP: (Zimmerman, R-Belliard-Dunn, A).


St. Louis AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Schumaker, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 .295
a-Lugo, PH-2B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .292
Rasmus, CF 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 .255
b-Ludwick, PH-RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .262
Pujols, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 .320
Holliday, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 .308
Ankiel, RF-CF 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 .229
Greene, K, 3B 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .211
DeRosa, 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
Molina, Y, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .283
Ryan, Br, SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .293
Wainwright, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .151
McClellan, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
Miller, T, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Franklin, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 27 2 4 2 2 5 9

a-Walked for Schumaker in the 8th. b-Grounded into a double play for Rasmus in the 8th.

BATTING
TB: Rasmus 2; Pujols 2.
RBI: Ankiel (35), Pujols (110).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ankiel.
SF: Ankiel.
GIDP: Ludwick.
Team RISP: 1-for-4.
Team LOB: 4.

BASERUNNING
SB: Pujols (14, 2nd base off Mock/Bard, J).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Mock (L, 3-6) 6.0 4 2 2 1 5 0 5.01
Clippard 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.56
Burnett, S 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3.00
MacDougal 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.02

St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Wainwright (W, 16-7) 6.0 3 1 1 3 7 0 2.47
McClellan (H, 13) 1.2 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.11
Miller, T 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1.77
Franklin (S, 35) 1.1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1.05

Burnett, S pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.
Miller, T pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

WP: Mock.
HBP: Dukes (by Wainwright).
Pitches-strikes: Mock 99-62, Clippard 10-7, Burnett, S 5-1, MacDougal 11-7, Wainwright 109-65, McClellan 21-15, Miller, T 7-3, Franklin 23-15.
Groundouts-flyouts: Mock 7-6, Clippard 1-2, Burnett, S 0-0, MacDougal 2-1, Wainwright 8-3, McClellan 2-1, Miller, T 0-0, Franklin 0-3.
Batters faced: Mock 23, Clippard 4, Burnett, S 1, MacDougal 2, Wainwright 25, McClellan 5, Miller, T 1, Franklin 6.
Inherited runners-scored: MacDougal 1-0, Franklin 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Scott Barry. 1B: Tom Hallion. 2B: Ron Kulpa. 3B: Brian O'Nora.
Weather: 66 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 10 mph, In from LF.
T: 2:47.
Att: 41,083.
August 30, 2009

Stammen roughed up by Cardinals

By B.J. Rains / MLB.com

ST. LOUIS -- If two pitches were the difference for the Nationals on Friday night, one booted grounder may have indirectly done the same on Saturday.

Cristian Guzman's error with two outs in the fifth inning allowed the Cardinals to score four unearned runs as they opened the floodgates and beat the Nationals, 9-4, at Busch Stadium.

Stammen roughed up by Cardinals....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Harris, W, CF 4 1 1 0 1 1 0 .231
Guzman, C, SS 5 1 2 0 0 0 1 .304
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 2 0 0 1 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 .283
Willingham, LF 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 .291
Dukes, RF 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 .244
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Orr, 2B-RF 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 .714
Nieves, C 4 0 0 1 0 1 5 .256
Stammen, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .194
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
b-Belliard, PH-2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .247
Totals 35 4 11 4 3 4 16

a-Grounded out for Sosa, J in the 7th. b-Grounded into a double play for Rivera, S in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Orr (1, Boggs, M).
3B: Guzman, C (7, Boggs, M).
HR: Dunn, A (35, 6th inning off Boggs, M, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Harris, W; Guzman, C 4; Zimmerman, R; Dunn, A 5; Dukes; Orr 5.
RBI: Zimmerman, R 2 (90), Nieves (23), Dunn, A (91).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Stammen 2; Nieves; Dukes 2.
SF: Zimmerman, R.
GIDP: Nieves; Belliard.
Team RISP: 2-for-7.
Team LOB: 8.

FIELDING
E: Guzman, C (17, fielding).
DP: (Guzman, C-Orr-Dunn, A).


St. Louis AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Schumaker, 2B 5 1 3 0 0 0 0 .297
Ryan, Br, SS 5 2 2 1 0 0 3 .296
Pujols, 1B 3 2 2 1 2 0 1 .319
Holliday, LF 4 2 1 3 1 1 5 .310
Ludwick, RF 4 1 0 0 1 2 3 .262
Rasmus, CF 4 1 2 3 0 0 1 .252
DeRosa, 3B 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 .261
LaRue, C 4 0 0 0 0 2 4 .227
Boggs, M, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 .077
a-Thurston, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .229
McClellan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Miller, T, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Motte, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Ankiel, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .230
Thompson, B, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .091
Totals 35 9 11 8 6 7 19

a-Popped out for Boggs, M in the 6th. b-Walked for Motte in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Schumaker 2 (30, Stammen, Sosa, J), Pujols 2 (34, Stammen, Sosa, J).
HR: Holliday (19, 3rd inning off Stammen, 2 on, 1 out), Rasmus (14, 5th inning off Villone, 2 on, 2 out).
TB: Schumaker 5; Ryan, Br 2; Pujols 4; Holliday 4; Rasmus 5; DeRosa.
RBI: Holliday 3 (86), Rasmus 3 (44), Ryan, Br (28), Pujols (109).
2-out RBI: Rasmus 3; Ryan, Br; Pujols.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Boggs, M; Holliday; Ludwick 2.
GIDP: LaRue.
Team RISP: 3-for-12.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
SB: Rasmus (3, 2nd base off Stammen/Nieves).

FIELDING
DP: 2 (Ryan, Br-Schumaker-Pujols, Boggs, M-Ryan, Br-Pujols).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Stammen (L, 4-7) 4.2 4 6 3 4 4 1 5.11
Villone 0.1 1 1 1 0 0 1 4.19
Sosa, J 1.0 3 2 2 0 1 0 7.71
Rivera, S 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5.19
Bergmann 1.0 1 0 0 2 2 0 5.70

St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Boggs, M (W, 2-2) 6.0 8 3 3 1 1 1 4.57
McClellan 0.1 2 1 1 1 0 0 3.21
Miller, T 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.77
Motte 1.1 1 0 0 1 2 0 5.59
Thompson, B 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.02

IBB: Holliday (by Stammen), Pujols (by Bergmann).
Pitches-strikes: Stammen 89-51, Villone 12-9, Sosa, J 22-13, Rivera, S 6-5, Bergmann 23-11, Boggs, M 88-56, McClellan 17-9, Miller, T 1-1, Motte 22-15, Thompson, B 13-9.
Groundouts-flyouts: Stammen 4-6, Villone 0-1, Sosa, J 1-1, Rivera, S 3-0, Bergmann 1-0, Boggs, M 11-6, McClellan 1-0, Miller, T 0-1, Motte 2-0, Thompson, B 1-1.
Batters faced: Stammen 23, Villone 2, Sosa, J 6, Rivera, S 4, Bergmann 6, Boggs, M 26, McClellan 4, Miller, T 1, Motte 5, Thompson, B 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Villone 2-2, Miller, T 2-0, Motte 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Brian O'Nora. 1B: Scott Barry. 2B: Tom Hallion. 3B: Ron Kulpa.
Weather: 75 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 11 mph, L to R.
T: 2:53.
Att: 44,028.
August 29, 2009

Bergmann serves up walk-off blast in loss

By B.J. Rains / MLB.com

ST. LOUIS -- Jason Bergmann gave up a walk-off homer to Albert Pujols in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Nationals fell to the Cardinals, 3-2, on Friday night at Busch Stadium.

Bergmann serves up walk-off blast in loss....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Harris, W, CF 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .230
Orr, 2B 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 .333
Zimmerman, R, 3B 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 3 .281
Belliard, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249
Willingham, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .293
Dukes, RF 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 .244
Bard, J, C 4 0 1 1 0 1 3 .236
Gonzalez, Al, SS 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 .256
Lannan, P 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 .149
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 2 7 2 2 6 12

BATTING
2B: Dukes 2 (18, Hawksworth, Motte), Bard, J (14, Hawksworth).
TB: Harris, W; Orr; Dukes 5; Bard, J 2; Gonzalez, Al.
RBI: Orr (1), Bard, J (24).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn, A; Bard, J; Lannan; Gonzalez, Al.
SF: Orr.
Team RISP: 1-for-8.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
SB: Orr (1, 2nd base off Smoltz/Molina, Y).
CS: Harris, W (3, 2nd base by Smoltz/Molina, Y).

FIELDING
E: Zimmerman, R (15, throw).
DP: 2 (Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A, Zimmerman, R-Dunn, A).


St. Louis AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Lugo, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 .292
Ryan, Br, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 .294
Pujols, 1B 4 1 1 1 0 0 2 .316
Holliday, LF 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 .310
Ludwick, RF 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .265
DeRosa, 3B 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 .261
Molina, Y, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 .285
Rasmus, CF 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .249
Smoltz, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .143
Hawksworth, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Reyes, D, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Greene, K, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .215
Motte, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 28 3 5 2 2 2 8

a-Homered for Reyes, D in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Holliday (34, Lannan).
HR: Greene, K (6, 8th inning off Lannan, 0 on, 1 out), Pujols (41, 9th inning off Bergmann, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Lugo; Pujols 4; Holliday 2; DeRosa; Greene, K 4.
RBI: Greene, K (24), Pujols (108).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rasmus.
GIDP: Molina, Y; Holliday.
Team RISP: 1-for-5.
Team LOB: 3.

FIELDING
E: Molina, Y (4, throw).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan 8.0 4 2 2 2 2 1 3.95
Bergmann (L, 2-4) 0.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 5.86

St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Smoltz 6.0 4 1 1 1 6 0 6.71
Hawksworth 1.0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2.86
Reyes, D 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3.77
Motte (W, 4-4) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.76

Bergmann pitched to 1 batter in the 9th.

Pitches-strikes: Lannan 91-62, Bergmann 3-2, Smoltz 93-62, Hawksworth 13-7, Reyes, D 15-5, Motte 14-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lannan 17-5, Bergmann 0-0, Smoltz 7-4, Hawksworth 2-1, Reyes, D 2-1, Motte 1-2.
Batters faced: Lannan 29, Bergmann 1, Smoltz 22, Hawksworth 5, Reyes, D 4, Motte 4.
Umpires: HP: Ron Kulpa. 1B: Brian O'Nora. 2B: Scott Barry. 3B: Tom Hallion.
Weather: 71 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, In from LF.
T: 2:13.
Att: 40,033.
August 28, 2009

Nats put Morgan on DL, promote Orr

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals placed center fielder Nyjer Morgan on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a broken left hand and selected the contract of infielder Pete Orr from Triple-A Syracuse.

Nats put Morgan on DL, promote Orr....

Morgan lost for year with broken hand

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- The Nationals received devastating news on Thursday after their 5-4 victory over the Cubs, as center fielder Nyjer Morgan is out for the season due to a broken left hand.

Morgan will fly to Baltimore on Friday to see a hand specialist and get reevaluated.

Morgan lost for year with broken hand....

Nats jump on Cubs early, hold on

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- The Nationals received timely hitting and edged the Cubs, 5-4, at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon, taking two of three games in the series.

Nats jump on Cubs early, hold on....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .307
Harris, W, CF 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 .230
Guzman, C, SS 5 1 1 2 0 0 5 .303
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 2 0 0 2 .303
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 1 1 1 2 0 .283
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Willingham, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .296
Padilla, J, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .077
Belliard, 2B-1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 .249
Dukes, RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 .236
Bard, J, C 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .236
Martin, J, P 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 .231
Clippard, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .256
Totals 31 5 5 5 6 5 12

BATTING
2B: Guzman, C (22, Wells, R).
HR: Zimmerman, R (27, 1st inning off Wells, R, 1 on, 0 out), Dunn, A (34, 3rd inning off Wells, R, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Harris, W; Guzman, C 2; Zimmerman, R 4; Dunn, A 4; Bard, J.
RBI: Guzman, C 2 (46), Zimmerman, R 2 (88), Dunn, A (90).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Guzman, C.
S: Bard, J.
Team RISP: 2-for-5.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
SB: Morgan 2 (42, 2nd base off Wells, R/Hill, K, 3rd base off Wells, R/Hill, K).


Chi Cubs AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Theriot, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 .293
Bradley, RF 5 0 0 0 0 1 3 .255
Lee, D, 1B 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 .293
Ramirez, A, 3B 4 1 3 3 0 0 0 .328
Fukudome, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .275
Soriano, A, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .238
Fontenot, 2B 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 .226
Gregg, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Fox, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .295
Guzman, A, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Grabow, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hill, K, C 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 .234
b-Fuld, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .278
Wells, R, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .189
Baker, Je, 2B 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 .281
Totals 31 4 6 4 4 7 14

a-Struck out for Gregg in the 8th. b-Walked for Hill, K in the 9th.

BATTING
HR: Ramirez, A (11, 3rd inning off Martin, J, 1 on, 2 out), Lee, D (25, 5th inning off Martin, J, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Lee, D 5; Ramirez, A 6; Fontenot.
RBI: Ramirez, A 3 (42), Lee, D (86).
2-out RBI: Ramirez, A 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Soriano, A 2; Theriot 2; Bradley.
S: Wells, R.
Team RISP: 2-for-7.
Team LOB: 7.


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martin, J (W, 3-3) 5.0 4 3 3 2 2 2 4.85
Clippard (H, 2) 1.2 2 1 1 1 3 0 2.63
Burnett, S (H, 10) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.00
MacDougal (S, 14) 1.2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3.10

Chi Cubs IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Wells, R (L, 9-7) 6.1 5 5 5 4 4 2 3.06
Gregg 1.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.20
Guzman, A 0.2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3.20
Grabow 0.1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2.81

WP: MacDougal.
HBP: Theriot (by Martin, J), Lee, D (by Martin, J).
Pitches-strikes: Martin, J 103-64, Clippard 30-20, Burnett, S 11-5, MacDougal 27-18, Wells, R 110-65, Gregg 13-8, Guzman, A 11-6, Grabow 9-4.
Groundouts-flyouts: Martin, J 4-9, Clippard 1-1, Burnett, S 1-0, MacDougal 3-0, Wells, R 6-9, Gregg 1-3, Guzman, A 1-1, Grabow 0-1.
Batters faced: Martin, J 23, Clippard 8, Burnett, S 1, MacDougal 6, Wells, R 28, Gregg 5, Guzman, A 3, Grabow 2.
Inherited runners-scored: Burnett, S 2-0, Gregg 1-0, Grabow 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Bill Welke. 1B: Jerry Layne. 2B: Tony Randazzo. 3B: Rob Drake.
Weather: 64 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, In from RF.
T: 2:46.
Att: 35,174.
August 27, 2009

Nationals let game get away late

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- An errant throw by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and an unproductive bullpen spoiled a great outing by right-hander Livan Hernandez as the Cubs defeated the Nationals, 9-4, at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night.

Nationals let game get away late....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Harris, W, CF 5 1 2 1 0 1 1 .227
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 1 1 0 1 2 .304
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 .304
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 5 .283
Willingham, LF 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 .300
Dukes, RF 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 .239
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 3 1 0 0 1 1 1 .257
Nieves, C 4 1 1 1 0 0 2 .261
Hernandez, L, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .122
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
b-Belliard, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .254
Totals 30 4 7 4 5 9 17

a-Struck out for Hernandez, L in the 7th. b-Struck out for Rivera, S in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R (29, Grabow), Harris, W (15, Marmol).
TB: Harris, W 3; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R 3; Dukes; Nieves.
RBI: Willingham (57), Guzman, C (44), Nieves (22), Harris, W (21).
2-out RBI: Guzman, C; Harris, W.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dukes; Dunn, A; Guzman, C 2.
S: Hernandez, L.
SF: Willingham.
GIDP: Gonzalez, Al; Dukes.
Team RISP: 2-for-9.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: Dukes (6, fielding).
DP: 2 (Guzman, C-Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A, Dunn, A-Guzman, C-Rivera, S).


Chi Cubs AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Theriot, SS 4 1 1 0 1 1 1 .295
Bradley, RF 4 2 1 3 1 2 1 .259
Lee, D, 1B 5 0 1 2 0 2 2 .290
Ramirez, A, 3B 5 0 2 1 0 0 3 .320
Fukudome, CF 4 1 2 0 1 0 3 .278
Fuld, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .278
Soriano, A, LF 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 .240
Baker, Je, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 2 4 .283
Hill, K, C 3 2 3 2 1 0 0 .237
Harden, P 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 .205
Guzman, A, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Miles, PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .177
Grabow, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Fontenot, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .225
Marmol, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 36 9 13 9 4 8 20

a-Hit a sacrifice bunt for Guzman, A in the 7th. b-Doubled for Grabow in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Fukudome (29, Hernandez, L), Hill, K (9, Sosa, J), Fontenot (19, Sosa, J), Lee, D (29, Sosa, J).
HR: Bradley (11, 3rd inning off Hernandez, L, 1 on, 2 out).
TB: Theriot; Bradley 4; Lee, D 2; Ramirez, A 2; Fukudome 3; Soriano, A; Baker, Je; Hill, K 4; Fontenot 2.
RBI: Bradley 3 (35), Hill, K 2 (18), Fontenot (37), Lee, D 2 (85), Ramirez, A (39).
2-out RBI: Bradley 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ramirez, A 2; Harden.
S: Miles.
GIDP: Baker, Je; Fukudome.
Team RISP: 6-for-15.
Team LOB: 8.

FIELDING
DP: 2 (Ramirez, A-Baker, Je-Lee, D, Theriot-Baker, Je-Lee, D).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Hernandez, L 6.0 5 2 2 2 6 1 5.36
Bergmann (L, 2-3) 1.0 2 1 1 0 1 0 5.60
Villone 0.0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3.99
Sosa, J 0.1 4 5 5 2 1 0 7.13
Rivera, S 0.2 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.40

Chi Cubs IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Harden 6.0 5 2 2 2 5 0 3.99
Guzman, A (W, 3-3) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.23
Grabow (H, 19) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2.83
Marmol 1.0 1 2 2 3 2 0 3.64

Villone pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

WP: Sosa, J 2, Harden.
IBB: Hill, K (by Hernandez, L).
HBP: Guzman, C (by Harden).
Pitches-strikes: Hernandez, L 116-71, Bergmann 23-15, Villone 5-2, Sosa, J 35-22, Rivera, S 9-7, Harden 95-66, Guzman, A 15-10, Grabow 18-11, Marmol 33-17.
Groundouts-flyouts: Hernandez, L 4-8, Bergmann 1-1, Villone 0-0, Sosa, J 0-0, Rivera, S 2-0, Harden 9-4, Guzman, A 1-0, Grabow 0-3, Marmol 1-0.
Batters faced: Hernandez, L 25, Bergmann 6, Villone 1, Sosa, J 7, Rivera, S 2, Harden 24, Guzman, A 3, Grabow 4, Marmol 7.
Inherited runners-scored: Sosa, J 1-1, Rivera, S 2-1.
Umpires: HP: Rob Drake. 1B: Bill Welke. 2B: Jerry Layne. 3B: Tony Randazzo.
Weather: 63 degrees, overcast.
Wind: 6 mph, In from CF.
T: 3:05.
Att: 36,562.
August 26, 2009

Dunn making defensive strides at first

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Since Nick Johnson was traded to the Marlins on July 31, slugger Adam Dunn has become the everyday first baseman for the Nationals.

Since that day, Dunn has made one error in 23 starts at first base, but he has told interim manager Jim Riggleman and general manager Mike Rizzo there is still room for improvement.

Dunn making defensive strides at first....

Livan signs deal, returns to Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- The Nationals signed right-hander Livan Hernandez to a Major League contract on Tuesday night, six days after the Mets gave the veteran his unconditional release.

Hernandez, who went 7-8 with a 5.47 ERA for New York, will be in the rotation and serve as a mentor for Washington's young starting pitchers.

Livan signs deal, returns to Nationals....

Strasburg among Nationals to play in AFL

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- The Nationals have decided that six players from their organization will play for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

Two of those players will be right-handers Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen, their first-round picks in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Strasburg among Nationals to play in AFL....

Nats capitalize on offensive chances

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- A day after being shut down by the Brewers at Nationals Park, the Nationals' offense came out smoking in a big way at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night. Washington collected 14 hits, pounding the Cubs, 15-6.

Nats capitalize on offensive chances....



Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Harris, W, CF 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 .223
Guzman, C, SS 5 1 1 0 0 1 0 .305
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 3 2 1 2 0 0 .301
Dunn, A, 1B 4 2 1 0 1 3 2 .286
Padilla, J, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .077
Willingham, LF 4 5 4 6 1 0 0 .301
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
Belliard, 2B-1B 5 2 3 0 0 1 3 .256
Dukes, RF 3 1 2 5 2 0 2 .238
Nieves, C 4 0 1 3 0 0 1 .262
Mock, P 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 .067
Clippard, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .260
Totals 37 15 14 15 6 8 11

BATTING
2B: Dukes (16, Zambrano, C), Zimmerman, R (28, Marshall).
HR: Willingham 2 (21, 4th inning off Zambrano, C, 0 on, 1 out; 8th inning off Gorzelanny, 2 on, 2 out), Dukes (8, 5th inning off Heilman, 3 on, 2 out).
TB: Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R 3; Dunn, A; Willingham 10; Belliard 3; Dukes 6; Nieves.
RBI: Nieves 3 (21), Willingham 6 (56), Dukes 5 (51), Zimmerman, R (86).
2-out RBI: Dukes 4; Willingham 3.
SF: Nieves.
GIDP: Clippard; Nieves.
Team RISP: 5-for-9.
Team LOB: 3.

BASERUNNING
CS: Dukes (9, home by Zambrano, C/Soto).

FIELDING
E: Zimmerman, R (14, throw), Guzman, C (16, fielding).
PB: Nieves (3).
DP: 2 (Zimmerman, R-Belliard-Dunn, A, Nieves-Guzman, C).


Chi Cubs AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Theriot, SS 5 0 0 0 0 1 1 .296
Bradley, RF 4 2 4 1 1 0 0 .259
Lee, D, 1B 5 0 1 0 0 2 4 .291
Ramirez, A, 3B 5 1 2 0 0 0 2 .318
Fukudome, CF 5 1 2 1 0 1 3 .275
Fox, J, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 .297
Soto, C 4 0 1 2 0 2 2 .218
Fontenot, 2B 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 .222
Guzman, A, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Gorzelanny, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222
b-Fuld, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .278
Gregg, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Zambrano, C, P 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .245
Heilman, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Miles, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .177
Marshall, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231
Baker, Je, 2B 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 .284
Totals 39 6 12 6 2 8 19

a-Struck out for Heilman in the 5th. b-Grounded out for Gorzelanny in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Soto (13, Mock), Lee, D (28, Clippard).
HR: Zambrano, C (4, 3rd inning off Mock, 0 on, 1 out), Bradley (10, 7th inning off Clippard, 0 on, 2 out), Baker, Je (3, 9th inning off Rivera, S, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Bradley 7; Lee, D 2; Ramirez, A 2; Fukudome 2; Soto 2; Zambrano, C 4; Baker, Je 4.
RBI: Zambrano, C (8), Fukudome (47), Soto 2 (31), Bradley (32), Baker, Je (15).
2-out RBI: Soto 2; Bradley.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Theriot; Fontenot; Ramirez, A; Fukudome.
GIDP: Soto.
Team RISP: 3-for-10.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
CS: Ramirez, A (1, 2nd base by Mock/Nieves).

FIELDING
E: Fontenot (7, throw), Fox, J (4, fielding).
DP: 2 (Theriot-Baker, Je-Lee, D, Baker, Je-Theriot-Lee, D).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Mock (W, 3-5) 5.2 7 4 4 2 6 1 5.23
Clippard 1.1 2 1 1 0 0 1 2.50
Rivera, S 2.0 3 1 1 0 2 1 5.55

Chi Cubs IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Zambrano, C (L, 7-5) 4.1 7 8 8 3 4 1 3.80
Heilman 0.2 1 1 1 0 1 1 4.55
Marshall 1.1 3 3 3 1 2 0 4.70
Guzman, A 0.2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3.29
Gorzelanny 1.0 2 3 3 1 1 1 5.72
Gregg 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4.32

IBB: Dukes (by Marshall).
HBP: Harris, W (by Zambrano, C).
Pitches-strikes: Mock 89-59, Clippard 24-15, Rivera, S 36-26, Zambrano, C 95-55, Heilman 7-5, Marshall 32-18, Guzman, A 4-3, Gorzelanny 25-14, Gregg 8-3.
Groundouts-flyouts: Mock 4-6, Clippard 0-4, Rivera, S 2-2, Zambrano, C 4-4, Heilman 1-0, Marshall 2-0, Guzman, A 2-0, Gorzelanny 0-2, Gregg 3-0.
Batters faced: Mock 25, Clippard 6, Rivera, S 10, Zambrano, C 23, Heilman 3, Marshall 8, Guzman, A 2, Gorzelanny 6, Gregg 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Clippard 1-0, Heilman 3-3, Guzman, A 3-2.
Umpires: HP: Tony Randazzo. 1B: Rob Drake. 2B: D.J. Reyburn. 3B: Jerry Layne.
Weather: 77 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 7 mph, Out to CF.
T: 2:55.
Att: 37,297.
August 25, 2009

Zimmerman a Heart and Hustle finalist

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is a finalist for the Heart and Hustle Award.

The esteemed award honors an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball, and best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

Zimmerman a Heart and Hustle finalist....

Nats lose control late to drop finale

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Collin Balester had one bad inning, and it turned out to be the turning point of the game as the Nationals lost to the Brewers, 7-1, at Nationals Park on Monday.

Nats lose control late to drop finale....

Milwaukee AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Lopez, F, 2B 4 0 1 1 1 1 2 .314
Catalanotto, RF 4 1 1 0 0 2 3 .300
Vargas, C, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Iribarren, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .231
Weathers, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Stetter, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Braun, LF 5 1 1 2 0 3 2 .312
Fielder, 1B 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 .304
McGehee, C, 3B 4 1 1 0 1 1 1 .297
Cameron, M, CF 3 1 0 0 1 2 3 .258
Kendall, C 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 .244
Gallardo, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .184
a-Gerut, PH-RF 2 1 2 3 0 0 0 .214
Escobar, A, SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 .313
Totals 37 7 10 7 4 13 15

a-Singled for Gallardo in the 6th. b-Flied out for Vargas, C in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Catalanotto (5, Balester).
HR: Braun (27, 6th inning off Balester, 1 on, 0 out), Gerut (5, 8th inning off Sosa, J, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Lopez, F; Catalanotto 2; Braun 4; Fielder 2; McGehee, C; Kendall; Gerut 5; Escobar, A.
RBI: Braun 2 (91), Kendall (32), Gerut 3 (23), Lopez, F (43).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Kendall; Braun.
Team RISP: 4-for-9.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: McGehee, C (11, fielding).
DP: (McGehee, C-Fielder).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .307
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Morse, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .286
Guzman, C, SS 5 0 1 0 0 0 4 .306
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 0 0 2 1 2 .299
Dunn, A, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 2 2 .286
Willingham, RF 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 .292
Harris, W, LF-CF 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 .227
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 2 5 .262
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Padilla, J, LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .077
Nieves, C 4 0 1 1 0 1 1 .262
Balester, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .125
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Belliard, 2B 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 .246
Totals 33 1 6 1 5 11 21

a-Singled for MacDougal in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Harris, W (14, Gallardo), Guzman, C (21, Gallardo).
TB: Morse; Guzman, C 2; Harris, W 3; Nieves; Belliard.
RBI: Nieves (18).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham; Morgan; Gonzalez, Al 3; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R.
S: Balester.
GIDP: Guzman, C.
Team RISP: 1-for-15.
Team LOB: 11.

BASERUNNING
SB: Nieves (1, 2nd base off Gallardo/Kendall), Zimmerman, R (2, 2nd base off Gallardo/Kendall).


Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Gallardo (W, 12-10) 5.0 4 1 1 4 8 0 3.51
Vargas, C 2.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2.35
Weathers 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.57
Stetter 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3.82

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Balester (L, 1-4) 5.0 5 4 4 3 6 1 6.82
Bergmann 0.0 1 2 2 1 0 0 5.50
Villone 1.1 2 0 0 0 2 0 3.76
Sosa, J 1.2 2 1 1 0 3 1 4.67
MacDougal 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.23

Balester pitched to 4 batters in the 6th.
Bergmann pitched to 2 batters in the 6th.

WP: Gallardo, Bergmann.
IBB: Cameron, M (by Bergmann).
Pitches-strikes: Gallardo 108-62, Vargas, C 30-21, Weathers 9-7, Stetter 15-8, Balester 75-47, Bergmann 11-5, Villone 29-17, Sosa, J 32-21, MacDougal 14-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Gallardo 5-3, Vargas, C 2-3, Weathers 0-1, Stetter 3-0, Balester 3-6, Bergmann 0-0, Villone 1-1, Sosa, J 0-2, MacDougal 1-0.
Batters faced: Gallardo 25, Vargas, C 7, Weathers 3, Stetter 4, Balester 23, Bergmann 2, Villone 6, Sosa, J 7, MacDougal 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Bergmann 2-1, Villone 3-3.
Umpires: HP: Mike Muchlinski. 1B: Laz Diaz. 2B: Mike Reilly. 3B: Chuck Meriwether.
Weather: 84 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 6 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:11.
Att: 17,805.
August 24, 2009

Bats back up Stammen as Nats win

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals' bullpen needed a break on Sunday afternoon, and Craig Stammen gave it to them. The right-hander delivered a quality start and helped Washington defeated Milwaukee, 8-3, at Nationals Park.

Bats back up Stammen as Nats win....

Milwaukee AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Lopez, F, 2B 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 .314
Counsell, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .282
Braun, LF 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .313
Bourgeois, LF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .273
Fielder, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .303
Cameron, M, CF 3 0 0 0 1 2 1 .260
Catalanotto, RF 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .302
Villanueva, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .125
a-Iribarren, PH 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .250
DiFelice, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Weathers, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-McGehee, C, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .298
Rivera, Mi, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 .241
Parra, M, P 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .135
Gerut, RF 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 .206
Escobar, A, SS 3 1 1 1 0 0 2 .321
Totals 33 3 6 3 2 3 12

a-Doubled for Villanueva in the 7th. b-Popped out for Weathers in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Parra, M (2, Stammen), Iribarren (2, Stammen).
HR: Escobar, A (1, 5th inning off Stammen, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Lopez, F; Braun; Iribarren 2; Parra, M 2; Gerut; Escobar, A 4.
RBI: Lopez, F (42), Escobar, A (2), Gerut (20).
2-out RBI: Lopez, F.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rivera, Mi; Cameron, M.
Team RISP: 2-for-7.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
SB: Braun (12, 2nd base off Stammen/Bard, J).

FIELDING
E: Escobar, A (2, missed catch), Counsell (5, fielding).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 .310
Guzman, C, SS 5 3 2 1 0 0 0 .307
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 2 2 3 1 0 0 .301
Dunn, A, 1B 4 1 2 1 1 0 3 .288
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265
Willingham, LF 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 .296
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Padilla, J, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .083
Belliard, 2B-1B 3 0 1 2 1 0 3 .241
Bard, J, C 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .234
Morse, RF 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .167
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Stammen, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 .207
Harris, W, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .221
Totals 34 8 10 8 3 2 16

BATTING
2B: Morse (1, Parra, M).
HR: Guzman, C (6, 2nd inning off Parra, M, 0 on, 2 out), Dunn, A (33, 3rd inning off Parra, M, 0 on, 0 out), Zimmerman, R (26, 4th inning off Parra, M, 1 on, 1 out).
TB: Morgan; Guzman, C 5; Zimmerman, R 5; Dunn, A 5; Belliard; Bard, J; Morse 2.
RBI: Zimmerman, R 3 (85), Belliard 2 (22), Morgan (39), Guzman, C (43), Dunn, A (89).
2-out RBI: Belliard 2; Guzman, C.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Stammen; Belliard.
S: Stammen; Morgan.
Team RISP: 2-for-6.
Team LOB: 8.


Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Parra, M (L, 8-10) 3.1 8 8 5 1 0 3 6.54
Villanueva 2.2 2 0 0 1 1 0 6.01
DiFelice 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.45
Weathers 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3.65

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Stammen (W, 4-6) 6.1 5 3 3 1 1 1 5.08
Burnett, S 0.2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3.04
Clippard 2.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2.34

WP: Burnett, S.
HBP: Willingham (by Villanueva).
Pitches-strikes: Parra, M 72-44, Villanueva 56-29, DiFelice 12-9, Weathers 14-8, Stammen 97-60, Burnett, S 14-9, Clippard 29-18.
Groundouts-flyouts: Parra, M 4-6, Villanueva 1-6, DiFelice 0-2, Weathers 2-1, Stammen 9-9, Burnett, S 1-1, Clippard 0-4.
Batters faced: Parra, M 21, Villanueva 12, DiFelice 3, Weathers 4, Stammen 25, Burnett, S 3, Clippard 7.
Inherited runners-scored: Burnett, S 1-1.
Ejections: Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun ejected by 1B umpire Mike Muchlinski (6th).
Umpires: HP: Chuck Meriwether. 1B: Mike Muchlinski. 2B: Laz Diaz. 3B: Mike Reilly.
Weather: 82 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 8 mph, L to R.
T: 2:51.
Att: 21,484.
August 23, 2009

Rally effort impressive, but Nats fall

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- An error by second baseman Ronnie Belliard proved costly as the Nationals lost to the Brewers, 11-9, at Nationals Park on Saturday night after a one-hour, 21-minute rain delay pushed back the start of the tilt.

Washington, on a five-game losing streak, dropped its record to 17-19 under interim manager Jim Riggleman.

Rally effort impressive, but Nats fall....



Milwaukee AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Lopez, F, 2B 6 2 4 2 0 0 1 .315
Cameron, M, CF 6 3 4 3 0 2 2 .262
Braun, LF 6 1 2 2 0 0 3 .313
Fielder, 1B 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 .305
McGehee, C, 3B 5 1 2 1 0 0 4 .300
Coffey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Hoffman, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bourgeois, RF 3 0 1 1 0 1 2 .273
a-Catalanotto, PH-RF 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 .309
Kendall, C 5 1 2 1 0 0 3 .244
Escobar, A, SS 3 2 1 0 1 1 2 .320
Burns, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .077
DiFelice, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Narveson, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
b-Iribarren, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .182
Vargas, C, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Counsell, 3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .285
Totals 39 11 16 10 6 6 20

a-Flied out for Bourgeois in the 6th. b-Bunted out for Narveson in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Braun (28, Lannan), Escobar, A (1, Lannan), Lopez, F 3 (28, Lannan, Villone, MacDougal), McGehee, C (14, Lannan), Cameron, M (24, Rivera, S), Kendall (12, Sosa, J).
HR: Cameron, M (18, 2nd inning off Lannan, 1 on, 1 out).
TB: Lopez, F 7; Cameron, M 8; Braun 3; McGehee, C 3; Bourgeois; Kendall 3; Escobar, A 2.
RBI: Braun 2 (89), Lopez, F 2 (41), Cameron, M 3 (54), Bourgeois (2), McGehee, C (38), Kendall (31).
2-out RBI: Bourgeois; Cameron, M; McGehee, C; Lopez, F; Kendall.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Kendall; Braun 2; Catalanotto; Cameron, M; Escobar, A 2.
S: Burns 2; Escobar, A.
GIDP: McGehee, C.
Team RISP: 8-for-21.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
E: McGehee, C (10, fielding).
DP: 2 (Lopez, F-Escobar, A-Fielder, McGehee, C-Lopez, F-Fielder).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 5 0 2 1 0 0 2 .310
Gonzalez, Al, SS 4 1 1 1 0 2 1 .265
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 .286
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 0 0 1 1 5 .299
Belliard, 2B 4 2 3 4 0 0 0 .240
Dukes, RF 4 0 0 1 0 1 1 .233
Padilla, J, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .083
b-Harris, W, PH-LF 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .222
Nieves, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .262
Lannan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .159
Rivera, S, P 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 .500
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Guzman, C, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .306
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 35 9 10 8 3 6 12

a-Struck out for Bergmann in the 6th. b-Homered for Padilla, J in the 8th. c-Singled for Sosa, J in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Belliard (7, Burns), Morgan (15, Narveson).
HR: Belliard (5, 3rd inning off Burns, 3 on, 2 out), Harris, W (5, 8th inning off Coffey, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Morgan 3; Gonzalez, Al; Belliard 7; Harris, W 4; Nieves; Rivera, S; Guzman, C.
RBI: Dukes (46), Belliard 4 (20), Morgan (38), Gonzalez, Al (27), Harris, W (20).
2-out RBI: Belliard 4.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Zimmerman, R.
SF: Gonzalez, Al.
GIDP: Gonzalez, Al; Padilla, J.
Team RISP: 2-for-6.
Team LOB: 4.

FIELDING
E: Morgan (4, fielding), Belliard (5, throw).
DP: (Gonzalez, Al-Belliard-Dunn, A).


Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Burns 3.0 5 6 6 2 2 1 6.17
DiFelice 0.1 1 2 2 1 1 0 3.52
Narveson (W, 1-0) 2.2 2 0 0 0 2 0 6.75
Vargas, C (H, 2) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.57
Coffey (H, 21) 1.0 2 1 1 0 0 1 2.51
Hoffman (S, 27) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.95

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan 1.2 7 7 7 2 0 1 4.03
Rivera, S 3.1 2 1 1 1 3 0 5.64
Bergmann (L, 2-2) 1.0 2 1 1 1 0 0 4.98
Villone 0.2 2 1 1 0 0 0 3.89
Sosa, J 1.1 2 1 1 2 2 0 4.60
MacDougal 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.32

IBB: Fielder (by Bergmann), Catalanotto (by Sosa, J).
HBP: Dunn, A (by Narveson).
Pitches-strikes: Burns 53-34, DiFelice 11-4, Narveson 33-23, Vargas, C 7-5, Coffey 18-11, Hoffman 9-8, Lannan 43-26, Rivera, S 53-32, Bergmann 20-9, Villone 10-8, Sosa, J 22-12, MacDougal 17-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Burns 4-3, DiFelice 0-0, Narveson 1-5, Vargas, C 2-1, Coffey 3-0, Hoffman 2-0, Lannan 3-2, Rivera, S 3-4, Bergmann 2-1, Villone 2-0, Sosa, J 2-0, MacDougal 2-0.
Batters faced: Burns 15, DiFelice 3, Narveson 11, Vargas, C 3, Coffey 5, Hoffman 3, Lannan 14, Rivera, S 13, Bergmann 6, Villone 4, Sosa, J 7, MacDougal 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Narveson 2-2, Rivera, S 1-1, Sosa, J 1-0.
Ejections: Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman ejected by HP umpire Mike Reilly (3rd).
Umpires: HP: Mike Reilly. 1B: Chuck Meriwether. 2B: Mike Muchlinski. 3B: Laz Diaz.
Weather: 75 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 5 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:07 (1:21 delay).
Att: 19,374.
August 22, 2009

Nationals Welcome Strasburg to Washington

The Washington Nationals introduced No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg to fans and media in the nation's capital Friday.

Early output not enough for Nationals

By Pete Kerzel / Special to MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Starter J.D. Martin served up a pair of first-pitch homers and the Nationals lost, 7-3, to the Brewers on Friday night, extending their skid to four games.

Early output not enough for Nationals....



Milwaukee AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Lopez, F, 2B 5 0 2 2 0 1 1 .310
Counsell, SS-3B 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 .286
Braun, LF 4 1 1 0 1 0 2 .313
Fielder, 1B 5 1 1 2 0 2 3 .306
Hoffman, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
McGehee, C, 3B-1B 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 .297
Cameron, M, CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 .256
Catalanotto, RF 4 2 2 0 0 0 1 .312
Escobar, A, SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .318
Kendall, C 4 1 3 1 0 0 1 .241
Looper, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .200
a-Iribarren, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .200
Coffey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Gerut, PH-RF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .203
Totals 37 7 12 7 2 7 15

a-Flied out for Looper in the 7th. b-Walked for Coffey in the 9th.

BATTING
HR: Fielder (33, 1st inning off Martin, J, 1 on, 2 out), McGehee, C (10, 4th inning off Martin, J, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Lopez, F 2; Braun; Fielder 4; McGehee, C 4; Cameron, M 2; Catalanotto 2; Kendall 3.
RBI: Fielder 2 (110), McGehee, C (37), Lopez, F 2 (39), Kendall (30), Counsell (31).
2-out RBI: Fielder 2; Lopez, F.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Counsell; Fielder.
SF: Counsell.
Team RISP: 3-for-7.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
CS: Braun (5, 2nd base by Clippard/Nieves).

FIELDING
E: Lopez, F (14, throw).
DP: (McGehee, C-Lopez, F-Fielder).
Pickoffs: Looper (Belliard at 1st base).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .309
Guzman, C, SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .304
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 2 0 0 1 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 .288
Willingham, RF 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 .299
Harris, W, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .218
Belliard, 2B 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .228
Nieves, C 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 .263
Martin, J, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .273
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 29 3 5 3 2 7 6

a-Lined out for Clippard in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Morgan (14, Looper).
HR: Dunn, A (32, 1st inning off Looper, 0 on, 2 out), Zimmerman, R (25, 9th inning off Hoffman, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Zimmerman, R 4; Dunn, A 4; Belliard; Nieves.
RBI: Zimmerman, R 2 (82), Dunn, A (88).
2-out RBI: Dunn, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Morgan.
S: Guzman, C; Martin, J.
GIDP: Willingham.
Team RISP: 0-for-3.
Team LOB: 3.

BASERUNNING
PO: Belliard (1st base by Looper).

FIELDING
DP: (Nieves-Guzman, C).


Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Looper (W, 11-6) 6.0 4 2 2 2 4 1 4.95
Coffey (H, 20) 2.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2.40
Hoffman 1.0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2.00

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martin, J (L, 2-3) 6.2 8 4 4 0 4 2 4.76
Villone 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.72
Clippard 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2.48
Sosa, J 1.0 4 3 3 1 0 0 4.40

Pitches-strikes: Looper 78-50, Coffey 16-13, Hoffman 13-8, Martin, J 89-63, Villone 3-3, Clippard 16-7, Sosa, J 23-12.
Groundouts-flyouts: Looper 9-4, Coffey 1-3, Hoffman 1-1, Martin, J 7-9, Villone 0-0, Clippard 0-0, Sosa, J 0-3.
Batters faced: Looper 23, Coffey 6, Hoffman 4, Martin, J 28, Villone 1, Clippard 3, Sosa, J 8.
Inherited runners-scored: Villone 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Laz Diaz. 1B: Mike Reilly. 2B: Chuck Meriwether. 3B: Mike Muchlinski.
Weather: 83 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 5 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:28 (:20 delay).
Att: 26,307.
August 21, 2009

Strasburg meets and greets in DC

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Under sunny skies and with fans filling the seats on the third-base side of Nationals Park, there was pomp and circumstance on the field on Friday afternoon, when the Nationals introduced Stephen Strasburg at a news conference. Several hundred Nationals fans also showed up for the gathering.

"This is amazing," Strasburg said of the crowd. "To play at San Diego State, where we didn't get many fans until this year, this is pretty special."

Strasburg meets and greets in DC....

Offense falls silent in finale

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Garrett Mock continues to get better as a pitcher, but he had some bad luck on Thursday night as the Nationals lost to the Rockies, 4-1, at Nationals Park.

Offense falls silent in finale....

Colorado AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Gonzalez, C, CF 4 0 1 1 0 1 0 .288
Spilborghs, LF 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 .253
Helton, 1B 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .319
Tulowitzki, SS 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 .274
Hawpe, RF 4 0 1 1 0 3 2 .304
Stewart, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 4 1 .226
Barmes, 2B 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 .249
Torrealba, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 .252
Hammel, P 3 0 0 0 0 3 3 .111
Betancourt, R, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Atkins, G, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
Street, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 34 4 6 3 2 13 8

a-Flied out for Betancourt, R in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Gonzalez, C (10, Mock), Tulowitzki (21, Bergmann).
TB: Gonzalez, C 2; Spilborghs; Helton; Tulowitzki 2; Hawpe; Torrealba.
RBI: Gonzalez, C (19), Tulowitzki (66), Hawpe (73).
2-out RBI: Gonzalez, C; Tulowitzki; Hawpe.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hawpe; Spilborghs; Stewart.
Team RISP: 2-for-6.
Team LOB: 5.


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 .310
Guzman, C, SS 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .307
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 2 2 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 .287
Willingham, LF 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 .303
Dukes, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 .236
Bard, J, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .234
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .266
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Mock, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .083
a-Padilla, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .111
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Harris, W, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .222
Totals 31 1 4 1 2 7 7

a-Grounded out for Mock in the 5th.

BATTING
2B: Dunn, A (26, Hammel).
TB: Guzman, C; Dunn, A 3; Willingham.
RBI: Dunn, A (87).
2-out RBI: Dunn, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dukes 2; Willingham.
Team RISP: 2-for-5.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
SB: Guzman, C (4, 2nd base off Hammel/Torrealba).

FIELDING
E: Guzman, C (15, fielding), Dukes (5, fielding).


Colorado IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Hammel (W, 8-7) 7.0 3 1 1 2 3 0 4.54
Betancourt, R (H, 14) 1.0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2.61
Street (S, 32) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.18

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Mock (L, 2-5) 5.0 3 2 2 2 8 0 5.10
Burnett, S 2.1 0 0 0 0 3 0 3.08
Bergmann 0.1 2 2 2 0 0 0 4.86
Clippard 1.1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2.56

WP: Mock.
Pitches-strikes: Hammel 85-51, Betancourt, R 17-13, Street 13-10, Mock 91-56, Burnett, S 35-23, Bergmann 18-10, Clippard 21-15.
Groundouts-flyouts: Hammel 12-6, Betancourt, R 0-0, Street 1-1, Mock 3-4, Burnett, S 4-0, Bergmann 1-0, Clippard 1-1.
Batters faced: Hammel 26, Betancourt, R 4, Street 3, Mock 20, Burnett, S 8, Bergmann 3, Clippard 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Clippard 1-1.
Umpires: HP: Hunter Wendelstedt. 1B: Dana DeMuth. 2B: Doug Eddings. 3B: Brian Knight.
Weather: 89 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 7 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:50.
Att: 18,036.
August 20, 2009

Rizzo lands Nationals' GM position

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals officially named Mike Rizzo their general manager at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, removing the word "acting" that had been a part of Rizzo's title for 5 1/2 months.

Rizzo lands Nationals' GM position....

Nats to name Rizzo GM on Thursday

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals will officially promote Mike Rizzo to general manager at a news conference on Thursday at Nationals Park, according to a baseball source, who said the Nationals made the decision that Rizzo was their man a couple of days ago.

Nats to name Rizzo GM on Thursday....

Nats can't overcome Balester's bad night

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Collin Balester had a rough night on the mound as the Rockies defeated the Nationals, 5-4, at Nationals Park on Wednesday night.

Nats can't overcome Balester's bad night....

Colorado AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Gonzalez, C, LF 3 2 2 1 1 0 1 .289
Fowler, CF 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 .270
Helton, 1B 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 .320
Tulowitzki, SS 4 0 1 2 1 1 4 .273
Hawpe, RF 3 0 1 0 2 2 3 .304
Stewart, 3B 4 0 0 0 1 0 7 .229
Barmes, 2B 5 1 2 1 0 0 5 .251
Iannetta, C 5 0 0 0 0 2 6 .221
Marquis, P 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 .196
Morales, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .400
Betancourt, R, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Street, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 33 5 9 5 10 7 29

BATTING
2B: Tulowitzki (20, Balester), Marquis (3, Balester), Barmes (26, Rivera, S), Hawpe (34, MacDougal).
3B: Fowler (7, Balester).
HR: Barmes (20, 5th inning off Rivera, S, 0 on, 2 out), Gonzalez, C (8, 8th inning off Sosa, J, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Gonzalez, C 5; Fowler 3; Helton; Tulowitzki 2; Hawpe 2; Barmes 6; Marquis 2.
RBI: Tulowitzki 2 (65), Fowler (31), Barmes (64), Gonzalez, C (18).
2-out RBI: Barmes.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Iannetta 2; Stewart 2; Hawpe 2.
GIDP: Tulowitzki 2.
Team RISP: 3-for-14.
Team LOB: 12.

BASERUNNING
CS: Barmes (8, home by Rivera, S/Bard, J).

FIELDING
DP: (Tulowitzki-Barmes-Helton).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 .312
Guzman, C, SS 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 .307
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 2 2 1 1 0 .304
Dunn, A, 1B 3 0 2 0 1 1 2 .285
Willingham, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 .303
Dukes, RF 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .240
Belliard, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .226
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Harris, W, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .223
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bard, J, C 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 .237
Balester, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .143
Rivera, S, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
a-Padilla, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .125
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .270
Totals 34 4 10 4 2 3 11

a-Grounded out for Rivera, S in the 5th. b-Struck out for Sosa, J in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R (27, Marquis).
3B: Zimmerman, R (2, Marquis), Morgan (7, Marquis).
HR: Bard, J (3, 9th inning off Street, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Morgan 4; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R 5; Dunn, A 2; Bard, J 5; Gonzalez, Al.
RBI: Zimmerman, R 2 (80), Guzman, C (42), Bard, J (23).
2-out RBI: Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Belliard; Willingham; Dunn, A.
S: Guzman, C; Morgan.
GIDP: Willingham.
Team RISP: 3-for-9.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Morgan (40, 2nd base off Marquis/Iannetta).

FIELDING
E: Balester (1, pickoff).
DP: 2 (Guzman, C-Belliard-Dunn, A, Guzman, C-Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A).


Colorado IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Marquis (W, 14-8) 6.0 9 3 3 1 1 0 3.58
Morales, F (H, 4) 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2.63
Betancourt, R (H, 13) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.68
Street (S, 31) 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 3.24

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Balester (L, 1-3) 1.1 3 3 3 5 1 0 6.75
Rivera, S 3.2 3 1 1 2 3 1 6.16
Villone 1.0 1 0 0 2 2 0 3.75
Sosa, J 2.0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2.70
MacDougal 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3.41

Marquis pitched to 1 batter in the 7th.
Villone pitched to 1 batter in the 7th.

IBB: Zimmerman, R (by Morales, F).
HBP: Gonzalez, C (by Villone).
Pitches-strikes: Marquis 84-56, Morales, F 15-7, Betancourt, R 9-7, Street 10-9, Balester 51-24, Rivera, S 57-40, Villone 39-20, Sosa, J 34-21, MacDougal 12-8.
Groundouts-flyouts: Marquis 14-3, Morales, F 1-1, Betancourt, R 0-2, Street 3-0, Balester 0-3, Rivera, S 6-1, Villone 0-1, Sosa, J 2-3, MacDougal 3-0.
Batters faced: Marquis 27, Morales, F 4, Betancourt, R 3, Street 4, Balester 12, Rivera, S 14, Villone 7, Sosa, J 7, MacDougal 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Morales, F 1-0, Rivera, S 2-0, Sosa, J 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Brian Knight. 1B: Hunter Wendelstedt. 2B: Dana DeMuth. 3B: Doug Eddings.
Weather: 80 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, Out to CF.
T: 3:11.
Att: 16,187.
August 19, 2009

Fans invited to welcome Strasburg to DC

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' No. 1 pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, will be introduced at a press conference at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, and everyone with a ticket to that night's game is invited to come watch and, even better, participate.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.nationals.com/one.

Fans invited to welcome Strasburg to DC....

Three Nats up for Hank Aaron Award

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- What do Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham and Ryan Zimmerman have in common? They are candidates for the Hank Aaron Award -- and for a good reason. They hit in the middle of the Nationals' batting order and are among the reasons why the team has one of the best offenses in the National League.

Three Nats up for Hank Aaron Award....

Rizzo may be out as Nats' acting GM

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- A day after the Nationals signed their No. 1 Draft pick, Stephen Strasburg, to a record contract, it appears that acting general manager Mike Rizzo has not secured that role for the longer term.

According to YahooSports.com, the Nationals are expected to name Jerry DiPoto of Arizona as GM.

Rizzo may be out as Nats' acting GM....

Rockies snap Nats' win streak in opener

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Carlos Gonzalez's eighth-inning home run helped the Rockies edge the Nationals, 4-3, at Nationals Park on Tuesday night.

Rockies snap Nats' win streak in opener....

Colorado AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Gonzalez, C, LF 5 1 1 1 0 0 2 .282
Fowler, CF 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 .270
Helton, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 .318
Tulowitzki, SS 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 .273
Hawpe, RF 4 1 1 2 0 1 3 .304
Atkins, G, 3B 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 .227
Stewart, 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .232
Barmes, 2B 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 .249
Iannetta, C 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 .226
Jimenez, U, P 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 .239
a-Smith, S, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .291
Street, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 4 6 4 5 7 11

a-Walked for Jimenez, U in the 9th.

BATTING
HR: Hawpe (17, 2nd inning off Stammen, 0 on, 1 out), Gonzalez, C (7, 8th inning off Burnett, S, 0 on, 0 out), Barmes (19, 9th inning off Clippard, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Gonzalez, C 4; Fowler; Helton; Hawpe 4; Barmes 4; Jimenez, U.
RBI: Hawpe 2 (72), Gonzalez, C (17), Barmes (63).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Helton; Atkins, G 2.
GIDP: Jimenez, U.
Team RISP: 0-for-3.
Team LOB: 6.


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 0 3 1 0 0 0 .310
Guzman, C, SS 5 0 1 1 0 1 4 .308
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 0 0 1 0 4 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 3 2 .282
Willingham, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .307
Dukes, RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .244
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 4 1 2 0 0 0 3 .267
Nieves, C 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 .261
b-Belliard, PH 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 .230
Stammen, P 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 .222
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Harris, W, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .224
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Bard, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .232
Totals 36 3 10 3 1 5 18

a-Singled for Bergmann in the 7th. b-Grounded into a forceout for Nieves in the 9th. c-Flied out for Clippard in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Stammen (3, Jimenez, U), Willingham (26, Jimenez, U).
TB: Morgan 3; Guzman, C; Willingham 2; Dukes; Gonzalez, Al 2; Stammen 2; Harris, W.
RBI: Stammen (4), Morgan (37), Guzman, C (41).
2-out RBI: Stammen; Morgan; Guzman, C.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn, A; Guzman, C; Gonzalez, Al 2; Zimmerman, R 2.
S: Morgan.
Team RISP: 3-for-12.
Team LOB: 9.

BASERUNNING
SB: Morgan (39, 2nd base off Jimenez, U/Iannetta).

FIELDING
DP: (Bergmann-Guzman, C-Dunn, A).


Colorado IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Jimenez, U (W, 11-9) 8.0 7 2 2 1 5 0 3.41
Street (S, 30) 1.0 3 1 1 0 0 0 3.12

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Stammen 5.1 4 2 2 2 3 1 5.13
Villone (BS, 2) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.86
Bergmann 1.1 0 0 0 1 1 0 4.36
Burnett, S (L, 2-3) 0.1 1 1 1 1 0 1 3.22
Clippard 1.2 1 1 1 1 3 1 2.67

WP: Stammen.
HBP: Nieves (by Jimenez, U).
Pitches-strikes: Jimenez, U 108-72, Street 16-13, Stammen 80-50, Villone 1-1, Bergmann 20-13, Burnett, S 10-4, Clippard 29-19.
Groundouts-flyouts: Jimenez, U 10-9, Street 1-2, Stammen 7-6, Villone 1-0, Bergmann 2-1, Burnett, S 0-1, Clippard 1-1.
Batters faced: Jimenez, U 33, Street 6, Stammen 22, Villone 1, Bergmann 4, Burnett, S 3, Clippard 7.
Inherited runners-scored: Villone 3-1, Bergmann 2-0, Clippard 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Doug Eddings. 1B: Brian Knight. 2B: Hunter Wendelstedt. 3B: Dana DeMuth.
Weather: 88 degrees, overcast.
Wind: 6 mph, In from RF.
T: 2:37.
Att: 18,192.
August 18, 2009

Nats come to terms with top pick Strasburg

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals agreed to terms with right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, less than two minutes before Monday's midnight ET deadline.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team, but it's reportedly a four-year contract worth more than $15 million. That exceeds the previous record of $10.5 million that right-hander Mark Prior received from the Cubs after the 2001 Draft.

Nats come to terms with top pick Strasburg....

Zimmerman comes through in a pinch

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Ryan Zimmerman's pinch-hit single helped the Nationals defeat the Reds, 5-4, at Great American Ball Park on Sunday afternoon.

Washington took three out of four games from Cincinnati and improved its record to 17-14 under interim manager Jim Riggleman.

Zimmerman comes through in a pinch....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 5 0 0 0 0 1 1 .306
Guzman, C, SS 5 0 0 0 0 2 1 .309
Belliard, 3B-2B 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231
Dunn, A, 1B 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 .285
Willingham, LF 4 2 3 3 0 0 2 .308
Dukes, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 .244
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
b-Zimmerman, R, PH-3B 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .305
Nieves, C 4 0 3 0 0 0 1 .265
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Lannan, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .159
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Harris, W, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .221
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bard, J, C 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .233
Totals 36 5 9 4 0 4 11

a-Flied out for Bergmann in the 7th. b-Singled for Gonzalez, Al in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Dunn, A 2 (25, Lehr, Lehr), Willingham (25, Lehr).
HR: Willingham (19, 4th inning off Lehr, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Dunn, A 4; Willingham 7; Zimmerman, R; Nieves 3.
RBI: Willingham 3 (50), Zimmerman, R (78).
2-out RBI: Zimmerman, R.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham; Nieves.
Team RISP: 3-for-7.
Team LOB: 6.

BASERUNNING
CS: Willingham (3, home by Lehr/Hanigan).

FIELDING
E: Belliard (4, fielding).


Cincinnati AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Taveras, CF 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 .240
Sutton, 2B 4 1 0 0 1 1 2 .167
Votto, 1B 5 1 2 1 0 2 0 .318
Gomes, RF 4 1 2 3 0 0 1 .277
Masset, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rhodes, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Nix, L, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240
Balentien, LF 3 0 0 0 1 1 2 .230
Rosales, A, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .209
Janish, SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .212
Hanigan, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 3 .282
Lehr, P 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 .222
Burton, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Herrera, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dickerson, RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .269
Fisher, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 35 4 8 4 3 5 14

BATTING
2B: Lehr (1, Lannan).
HR: Gomes (15, 5th inning off Lannan, 2 on, 2 out).
TB: Taveras; Votto 2; Gomes 5; Janish; Hanigan; Lehr 2.
RBI: Votto (58), Gomes 3 (36).
2-out RBI: Votto; Gomes 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Hanigan; Janish; Sutton 2.
S: Lehr.
Team RISP: 3-for-7.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
SB: Taveras (25, 2nd base off Bergmann/Nieves).

FIELDING
E: Rosales, A (5, fielding).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan 5.2 7 4 4 3 2 1 3.68
Bergmann 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.55
Sosa, J (W, 2-1) 1.2 1 0 0 0 1 0 2.38
MacDougal (S, 13) 1.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.50

Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lehr 6.0 6 3 3 0 2 1 2.42
Burton (H, 5) 0.1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.53
Herrera (H, 6) 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.42
Masset (H, 9) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.92
Rhodes (BS, 1)(L, 0-1) 0.2 2 2 2 0 0 0 2.50
Fisher 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.88

WP: Lehr.
HBP: Dunn, A (by Lehr), Dunn, A (by Rhodes).
Pitches-strikes: Lannan 109-70, Bergmann 6-3, Sosa, J 28-18, MacDougal 16-9, Lehr 93-61, Burton 5-4, Herrera 7-5, Masset 3-2, Rhodes 10-8, Fisher 16-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lannan 5-10, Bergmann 0-0, Sosa, J 0-4, MacDougal 2-1, Lehr 9-6, Burton 0-1, Herrera 0-1, Masset 1-0, Rhodes 1-1, Fisher 1-1.
Batters faced: Lannan 28, Bergmann 1, Sosa, J 6, MacDougal 4, Lehr 25, Burton 2, Herrera 2, Masset 1, Rhodes 5, Fisher 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Bergmann 2-0, MacDougal 1-0, Herrera 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Angel Campos. 1B: Tim McClelland. 2B: Andy Fletcher. 3B: Greg Gibson.
Weather: 84 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 9 mph, R to L.
T: 3:04.
Att: 18,030.
August 16, 2009

Players eager for Strasburg deal to be done

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- The Stephen Strasburg signing saga is nearing its conclusion, as the Nationals and the big right-hander, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, close in on the Monday midnight ET deadline for selections to sign.

Players eager for Strasburg deal to be done....

Healthy dose of runs points Nats to win

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Right-hander J.D. Martin received a lot of run support on Saturday night as the Nationals downed the Reds, 10-6, at Great American Ball Park.

Healthy dose of runs points Nats to win....



Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 5 2 2 0 0 1 3 .310
Belliard, 2B 5 2 2 1 0 2 0 .237
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 1 2 1 0 1 2 .303
Dunn, A, 1B 3 2 1 1 2 0 2 .281
Willingham, LF 3 1 1 1 0 0 3 .302
Harris, W, LF 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .222
Dukes, RF 4 1 2 3 0 1 2 .248
Bard, J, C 4 0 0 0 1 1 5 .234
Gonzalez, Al, SS 5 0 2 3 0 0 1 .267
Martin, J, P 4 1 2 0 0 2 1 .300
Kensing, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Clippard, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 41 10 14 10 3 9 21

BATTING
2B: Belliard (6, Cueto), Gonzalez, Al (13, Cueto).
3B: Dukes (2, Wells, K).
HR: Dunn, A (31, 2nd inning off Cueto, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Belliard 3; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn, A 4; Willingham; Dukes 4; Gonzalez, Al 3; Martin, J 2.
RBI: Dunn, A (86), Belliard (16), Zimmerman, R (77), Willingham (47), Gonzalez, Al 3 (26), Dukes 3 (45).
2-out RBI: Gonzalez, Al 3; Dukes 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Martin, J; Bard, J; Morgan 2; Dukes.
Team RISP: 6-for-15.
Team LOB: 8.

FIELDING
E: Martin, J 2 (2, throw, pickoff), Dukes (4, fielding).
Outfield assists: Dukes (Votto at 2nd base).


Cincinnati AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Dickerson, RF 4 1 2 0 1 0 1 .270
Taveras, CF 5 2 2 1 0 0 2 .241
Votto, 1B 4 1 2 3 1 0 1 .317
Phillips, B, 2B 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 .262
1-Sutton, PR-2B 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 .188
Nix, L, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .240
Rosales, A, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .212
Hanigan, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .283
Herrera, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Barker, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Burton, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Janish, SS 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 .211
Cueto, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .108
Wells, K, P 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 .333
Tatum, C 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 .121
Totals 36 6 9 6 3 4 15

a-Struck out for Herrera in the 8th.
1-Ran for Phillips, B in the 6th.

BATTING
2B: Dickerson (13, Martin, J), Rosales, A (9, Martin, J), Votto (18, Kensing).
HR: Sutton (1, 7th inning off Kensing, 1 on, 2 out).
TB: Dickerson 3; Taveras 2; Votto 3; Sutton 4; Rosales, A 2; Wells, K.
RBI: Votto 3 (57), Taveras (15), Sutton 2 (4).
2-out RBI: Taveras; Votto; Sutton 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Nix, L; Phillips, B; Janish; Votto.
Team RISP: 3-for-12.
Team LOB: 7.


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martin, J (W, 2-2) 6.0 6 1 0 1 1 0 4.61
Kensing 0.2 3 4 4 1 1 1 10.46
Clippard 1.2 0 1 0 1 2 0 2.51
Burnett, S 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.06

Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Cueto (L, 8-10) 2.2 8 7 7 0 1 1 4.61
Wells, K 4.0 5 3 3 2 5 0 6.27
Herrera 1.1 1 0 0 1 2 0 2.45
Burton 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.58

WP: Cueto.
HBP: Phillips, B (by Martin, J), Dukes (by Cueto).
Pitches-strikes: Martin, J 93-54, Kensing 22-10, Clippard 31-17, Burnett, S 5-3, Cueto 60-38, Wells, K 70-44, Herrera 28-16, Burton 8-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Martin, J 6-10, Kensing 0-1, Clippard 2-1, Burnett, S 1-1, Cueto 4-3, Wells, K 3-4, Herrera 2-0, Burton 0-2.
Batters faced: Martin, J 25, Kensing 6, Clippard 7, Burnett, S 2, Cueto 17, Wells, K 19, Herrera 6, Burton 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Burnett, S 1-1, Wells, K 1-0, Herrera 3-0.
Ejections: Cincinnati Reds Batting Coach Brook Jacoby ejected by HP umpire Greg Gibson (3rd).
Umpires: HP: Greg Gibson. 1B: Angel Campos. 2B: Tim McClelland. 3B: Andy Fletcher.
Weather: 87 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 4 mph, R to L.
T: 3:14.
Att: 30,494.
August 15, 2009

Backed by homers, Mock carries Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- In fine form, right-hander Garrett Mock demonstrated the type of pitcher he is capable of becoming. He pitched six solid innings on Friday night, as the Nationals blanked the Reds, 2-0, at Great American Ball Park.

Backed by homers, Mock carries Nats....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 5 0 2 0 0 0 1 .309
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .313
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 .281
1-Gonzalez, Al, PR-2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
Willingham, RF 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 .302
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Harris, W, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 6 .224
Belliard, 2B-1B 4 1 1 1 0 1 5 .232
Nieves, C 4 1 2 1 0 1 0 .252
Mock, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 .091
a-Padilla, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .143
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244
Totals 32 2 6 2 5 8 17

a-Struck out for Mock in the 7th.
1-Ran for Dunn, A in the 8th.

BATTING
HR: Belliard (4, 5th inning off Harang, 0 on, 0 out), Nieves (1, 7th inning off Harang, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Willingham; Belliard 4; Nieves 5.
RBI: Belliard (15), Nieves (17).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Belliard 2.
Team RISP: 0-for-4.
Team LOB: 8.

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Morgan (Harang at home).
DP: (Dunn, A).


Cincinnati AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Taveras, CF 4 0 2 0 1 0 0 .239
Janish, SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .217
Votto, 1B 4 0 1 0 0 3 2 .315
Phillips, B, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .264
Nix, L, LF 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .244
b-Balentien, PH-LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .234
Gomes, RF 3 0 1 0 1 2 1 .272
Rosales, A, 3B 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 .211
Tatum, C 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 .129
Harang, P 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 .156
a-Dickerson, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .266
Masset, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Cordero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Sutton, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
Totals 33 0 8 0 4 8 16

a-Flied out for Harang in the 7th. b-Flied out for Nix, L in the 8th. c-Grounded out for Cordero in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Gomes (8, Mock), Nix, L (23, Mock).
TB: Taveras 2; Janish; Votto; Phillips, B; Nix, L 2; Gomes 2; Harang.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Harang; Tatum 2.
Team RISP: 1-for-4.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Taveras (Morgan at 1st base).
DP: (Taveras-Votto).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Mock (W, 2-4) 6.0 6 0 0 4 6 0 5.27
Sosa, J (H, 3) 0.2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2.79
Burnett, S (H, 9) 0.1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.10
Bergmann (H, 6) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.60
MacDougal (S, 12) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.63

Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Harang (L, 6-14) 7.0 6 2 2 3 6 2 4.35
Masset 1.0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2.94
Cordero 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.75

Burnett, S pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

IBB: Gomes (by Mock).
Pitches-strikes: Mock 101-59, Sosa, J 7-5, Burnett, S 9-5, Bergmann 10-8, MacDougal 9-6, Harang 115-75, Masset 27-14, Cordero 6-4.
Groundouts-flyouts: Mock 2-8, Sosa, J 0-2, Burnett, S 0-0, Bergmann 0-2, MacDougal 3-0, Harang 3-11, Masset 0-1, Cordero 2-1.
Batters faced: Mock 26, Sosa, J 3, Burnett, S 2, Bergmann 3, MacDougal 3, Harang 29, Masset 5, Cordero 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Burnett, S 1-0, Bergmann 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Andy Fletcher. 1B: Greg Gibson. 2B: Angel Campos. 3B: Tim McClelland.
Weather: 82 degrees, clear.
Wind: 3 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:56.
Att: 19,606.
August 14, 2009

Nationals have powwow with Strasburg

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Trying to get a deal done with pitcher Stephen Strasburg before the midnight ET deadline on Monday, the Nationals met with their No. 1 pick during the middle of last week in Southern California, according to two club sources. The news was first reported by The Washington Times.

Nationals have powwow with Strasburg....

Nats can't contain Gomes, solve Arroyo

CINCINNATI -- Right fielder Jonny Gomes and right-hander Bronson Arroyo dominated the Nationals as the Reds won, 7-0, at Great American Ball Park on Thursday night.

Nats can't contain Gomes, solve Arroyo....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .308
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Harris, W, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .228
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .316
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .305
Dunn, A, 1B 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 .282
Willingham, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 .300
Dukes, RF 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 .245
Bard, J, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 .239
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
Balester, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .143
a-Padilla, J, PH-CF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
Totals 28 0 2 0 1 3 9

a-Popped out for Balester in the 6th. b-Grounded out for MacDougal in the 9th.

BATTING
TB: Zimmerman, R; Dunn, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham.
GIDP: Dukes.
Team RISP: 0-for-2.
Team LOB: 3.


Cincinnati AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Dickerson, CF 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .267
Gonzalez, A, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 .210
Votto, 1B 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 .315
Phillips, B, 2B 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 .264
Nix, L, LF 4 2 2 0 0 0 1 .243
Gomes, RF 4 3 3 5 0 1 0 .271
Rosales, A, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 .213
Hanigan, C 4 1 2 1 0 0 1 .287
Arroyo, P 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .119
Totals 32 7 8 7 3 4 6

BATTING
2B: Nix, L (22, Balester), Phillips, B (20, Rivera, S).
HR: Gomes 3 (14, 2nd inning off Balester, 1 on, 0 out; 4th inning off Balester, 1 on, 0 out; 6th inning off Bergmann, 0 on, 1 out), Hanigan (2, 2nd inning off Balester, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Phillips, B 2; Nix, L 3; Gomes 12; Hanigan 5.
RBI: Gomes 5 (33), Hanigan (9), Phillips, B (75).
2-out RBI: Phillips, B.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dickerson; Nix, L.
Team RISP: 1-for-4.
Team LOB: 4.

FIELDING
DP: (Gonzalez, A-Phillips, B-Votto).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Balester (L, 1-2) 5.0 5 5 5 2 2 3 6.00
Bergmann 1.0 2 1 1 0 1 1 4.75
Rivera, S 1.0 1 1 1 1 0 0 7.04
MacDougal 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.74

Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Arroyo (W, 11-11) 9.0 2 0 0 1 3 0 4.74

HBP: Morgan (by Arroyo).
Pitches-strikes: Balester 73-45, Bergmann 23-15, Rivera, S 14-9, MacDougal 14-9, Arroyo 103-63.
Groundouts-flyouts: Balester 8-5, Bergmann 0-2, Rivera, S 3-0, MacDougal 2-0, Arroyo 13-11.
Batters faced: Balester 22, Bergmann 5, Rivera, S 5, MacDougal 3, Arroyo 30.
Umpires: HP: Tim McClelland. 1B: Andy Fletcher. 2B: Greg Gibson. 3B: Angel Campos.
Weather: 83 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, In from LF.
T: 2:07.
Att: 16,889.
August 13, 2009

Nats leave Atlanta with a pair of losses

By Adam Rosenberg / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- The Nationals hoped that starting pitcher Craig Stammen would reverse his recent stretch of rough outings when he took the mound against the Braves on Wednesday.

Stammen did just that, but the Nationals were victimized by four Atlanta solo home runs and a strong outing from Braves starter Derek Lowe, as they dropped a 6-2 contest and ended up on the wrong end of a two-game sweep.

Nats leave Atlanta with a pair of losses....


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 0 2 0 1 0 3 .309
Guzman, C, SS 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 .319
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 .305
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 .281
Willingham, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 .304
Dukes, RF 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 .248
Bard, J, C 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 .243
Belliard, 2B 3 0 2 1 1 1 0 .231
Stammen, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 .200
a-Harris, W, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .230
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Padilla, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .250
Totals 31 2 9 2 6 7 13

a-Walked for Stammen in the 7th. b-Struck out for Villone in the 9th.

BATTING
2B: Dukes (15, Lowe, D).
TB: Morgan 2; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R; Dunn, A 2; Dukes 2; Belliard 2.
RBI: Dunn, A (85), Belliard (14).
2-out RBI: Belliard.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Morgan 2; Dukes.
GIDP: Willingham; Zimmerman, R; Guzman, C.
Team RISP: 2-for-6.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
CS: Morgan (17, 2nd base by Lowe, D/McCann).
PO: Morgan (1st base by McCann).


Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Church, CF 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 .279
Prado, 2B-3B 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 .313
Jones, C, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .295
Infante, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .344
McCann, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .287
Anderson, G, LF 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 .286
Escobar, Y, SS 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 .305
LaRoche, Ad, 1B 3 2 2 3 1 0 2 .259
Diaz, M, RF 3 0 0 0 1 2 5 .288
Lowe, D, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .175
a-Johnson, K, PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .227
Moylan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Norton, PH 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 .138
Gonzalez, M, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 31 6 8 6 5 4 15

a-Hit a sacrifice bunt for Lowe, D in the 7th. b-Walked for Moylan in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Prado (24, Stammen), Anderson, G (20, Stammen), McCann (29, Burnett, S).
HR: Anderson, G (10, 2nd inning off Stammen, 0 on, 0 out), LaRoche, Ad 2 (16, 2nd inning off Stammen, 0 on, 1 out; 7th inning off Sosa, J, 0 on, 1 out), Prado (8, 8th inning off Burnett, S, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Prado 6; Jones, C; McCann 2; Anderson, G 6; LaRoche, Ad 8.
RBI: Anderson, G (45), LaRoche, Ad 3 (50), Prado (37), Norton (6).
2-out RBI: Norton.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: McCann; Diaz, M; Church 3.
S: Johnson, K.
Team RISP: 0-for-8.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
DP: 3 (Escobar, Y-Prado-LaRoche, Ad, Jones, C-Prado-LaRoche, Ad 2).
Pickoffs: McCann (Morgan at 1st base).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Stammen 6.0 4 2 2 1 3 2 5.24
Sosa, J (L, 1-1) 0.1 1 1 1 1 0 1 3.00
Burnett, S 1.0 3 3 3 2 0 1 3.12
Bergmann 0.1 0 0 0 1 1 0 4.60
Villone 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.89

Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lowe, D (W, 12-7) 7.0 7 2 2 4 5 0 4.08
Moylan (H, 18) 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 3.33
Gonzalez, M 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2.72

IBB: Escobar, Y (by Burnett, S).
Pitches-strikes: Stammen 79-50, Sosa, J 10-5, Burnett, S 30-14, Bergmann 10-4, Villone 2-1, Lowe, D 101-59, Moylan 17-8, Gonzalez, M 20-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Stammen 7-8, Sosa, J 1-0, Burnett, S 1-2, Bergmann 0-0, Villone 0-1, Lowe, D 11-4, Moylan 0-2, Gonzalez, M 0-1.
Batters faced: Stammen 23, Sosa, J 3, Burnett, S 8, Bergmann 2, Villone 1, Lowe, D 28, Moylan 5, Gonzalez, M 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Burnett, S 1-0, Bergmann 3-1, Villone 3-0.
Umpires: HP: Sam Holbrook. 1B: Mike Estabrook. 2B: Larry Vanover. 3B: Dan Iassogna.
Weather: 84 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, In from CF.
T: 2:34.
Att: 17,886.
August 12, 2009

Nats' hot streak cooled off in Atlanta

By Adam Rosenberg / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- Entering Tuesday's game against the Braves, the Nationals' eight-game winning streak made them one of the hottest clubs in baseball. Unfortunately, the team they ran into at Turner Field proved to be just as hot.

Starter John Lannan was roughed up for five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, and the Nationals' offense was held in check by Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson as Washington dropped the first of two games with Atlanta, 8-1.

Nats' hot streak cooled off in Atlanta....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 1 2 0 0 2 1 .307
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 2 0 0 1 1 .319
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 1 1 0 2 2 .305
Dunn, A, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 4 2 .278
Willingham, LF 4 0 1 0 0 2 2 .308
Dukes, RF 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 .248
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .267
Nieves, C 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 .245
Lannan, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 .167
Kensing, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Harris, W, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .230
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 34 1 8 1 1 13 15

a-Flied out for Kensing in the 7th.

BATTING
2B: Gonzalez, Al (12, Hanson).
TB: Morgan 2; Guzman, C 2; Zimmerman, R; Willingham; Gonzalez, Al 2; Nieves.
RBI: Zimmerman, R (76).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham 2; Zimmerman, R; Harris, W; Nieves.
Team RISP: 1-for-9.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Zimmerman, R (1, 2nd base off Hanson/McCann), Morgan 2 (38, 2nd base off Hanson/McCann, 2nd base off Hanson/McCann), Guzman, C (3, 2nd base off Hanson/McCann).
CS: Morgan (16, 3rd base by Hanson/McCann).

FIELDING
E: Willingham (5, fielding), Guzman, C (14, fielding).
DP: 2 (Guzman, C-Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A, Dunn, A).


Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Church, CF 3 2 2 1 2 0 0 .284
Prado, 1B 5 1 1 1 0 0 3 .310
Jones, C, 3B 4 2 2 1 1 1 2 .296
McCann, C 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 .287
Escobar, Y, SS 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 .307
Anderson, G, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .284
Diaz, M, RF 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .291
Infante, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 .344
Hanson, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .091
O'Flaherty, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Norton, PH 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .138
Acosta, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 31 8 10 5 6 4 12

a-Walked for O'Flaherty in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Prado (23, Lannan), Church (20, Lannan), Escobar, Y (22, Kensing).
HR: Jones, C (15, 7th inning off Clippard, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Church 3; Prado 2; Jones, C 5; McCann; Escobar, Y 2; Anderson, G; Diaz, M; Infante.
RBI: Prado (36), Church (32), McCann (56), Escobar, Y (60), Jones, C (53).
2-out RBI: McCann; Escobar, Y.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Infante; Anderson, G 2; Prado; Jones, C.
S: Hanson 2.
GIDP: Diaz, M.
Team RISP: 5-for-12.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: Infante (3, missed catch).
PB: McCann (5).


Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan (L, 8-9) 4.2 6 6 5 4 1 0 3.58
Kensing 1.1 2 0 0 1 0 0 9.35
Clippard 1.0 1 1 1 0 2 1 2.67
Rivera, S 1.0 1 1 0 1 1 0 6.91

Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Hanson (W, 7-2) 6.2 7 1 1 0 9 0 3.05
O'Flaherty 1.1 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.52
Acosta 1.0 1 0 0 1 2 0 3.68

IBB: Jones, C (by Lannan).
Pitches-strikes: Lannan 81-44, Kensing 29-18, Clippard 18-12, Rivera, S 26-18, Hanson 101-69, O'Flaherty 16-11, Acosta 20-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lannan 8-4, Kensing 2-2, Clippard 0-1, Rivera, S 0-2, Hanson 5-5, O'Flaherty 1-1, Acosta 1-0.
Batters faced: Lannan 22, Kensing 7, Clippard 4, Rivera, S 6, Hanson 26, O'Flaherty 4, Acosta 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Kensing 2-1, O'Flaherty 1-0.
Ejections: Washington Nationals Batting Coach Rick Eckstein ejected by 3B umpire Larry Vanover (3rd).
Umpires: HP: Dan Iassogna. 1B: Sam Holbrook. 2B: Mike Estabrook. 3B: Larry Vanover.
Weather: 87 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 7 mph, L to R.
T: 3:01.
Att: 19,273.
August 11, 2009

Zimmermann to undergo elbow surgery

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will need right elbow reconstruction, according to acting general manager Mike Rizzo. Zimmermann is expected to be out 12 to 18 months.

Zimmermann, who in his first year in the big leagues, pitched in 16 games and was 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA and a team-leading 92 strikeouts. There is no word on when or where the surgery will take place.

Zimmermann to undergo elbow surgery....

Guzman clears waivers, staying with Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman has cleared waivers and will not be traded to the Red Sox, according to a baseball source.

Guzman clears waivers, staying with Nats....

Red-hot Nationals run win streak to eight

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander J.D. Martin was solid on the mound and helped the Nationals defeat the D-backs, 9-2, at Nationals Park on Sunday afternoon.

Washington has won eight consecutive games and is 14-11 under interim manager Jim Riggleman.

Red-hot Nationals run win streak to eight....


Arizona AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Oeltjen, T, LF 4 1 3 1 0 0 2 .400
Roberts, R, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 .278
Drew, S, SS 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 .268
Reynolds, M, 3B 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 .290
Tracy, C, 1B 4 0 2 0 0 0 2 .230
Snyder, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 .208
Rosales, L, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Parra, G, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .293
Schoeneweis, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Boyer, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Romero, A, RF 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 .307
Young, C, CF 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 .194
Petit, Y, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
a-Whitesell, J, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .191
Zavada, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Montero, C 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .283
Totals 33 2 10 2 3 3 16

a-Popped out for Petit, Y in the 5th. b-Grounded into a double play for Rosales, L in the 8th.

BATTING
2B: Young, C (23, Martin, J).
HR: Oeltjen, T (2, 1st inning off Martin, J, 0 on, 0 out), Reynolds, M (36, 8th inning off Sosa, J, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Oeltjen, T 6; Reynolds, M 4; Tracy, C 2; Romero, A 2; Young, C 2; Montero.
RBI: Oeltjen, T (2), Reynolds, M (80).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Snyder; Roberts, R 3.
GIDP: Snyder; Young, C; Parra, G.
Team RISP: 0-for-7.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
CS: Oeltjen, T (1, 2nd base by Martin, J/Bard, J).

FIELDING
E: Oeltjen, T (1, throw), Reynolds, M (18, throw), Young, C (2, fielding).
Pickoffs: Snyder (Willingham at 1st base).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 2 2 1 1 1 2 .305
Guzman, C, SS 4 1 2 1 1 1 2 .317
Zimmerman, R, 3B 5 3 3 0 0 0 4 .306
Dunn, A, 1B 4 1 1 2 0 1 4 .281
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Willingham, LF 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 .309
Harris, W, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231
Dukes, RF 5 0 2 3 0 0 1 .251
Bard, J, C 5 1 1 0 0 0 3 .247
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 .268
Martin, J, P 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 .167
Clippard, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Padilla, J, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .333
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Belliard, 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .222
Totals 38 9 16 7 4 4 18

a-Singled for Bergmann in the 6th.

BATTING
2B: Zimmerman, R 2 (26, Petit, Y, Petit, Y), Willingham (24, Petit, Y), Gonzalez, Al (11, Petit, Y).
HR: Dunn, A (30, 1st inning off Petit, Y, 1 on, 2 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Guzman, C 2; Zimmerman, R 5; Dunn, A 4; Willingham 2; Dukes 2; Bard, J; Gonzalez, Al 3; Martin, J; Padilla, J.
RBI: Dunn, A 2 (84), Dukes 3 (42), Guzman, C (40), Morgan (36).
2-out RBI: Dunn, A 2; Dukes 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dukes; Guzman, C; Bard, J 2; Dunn, A 2.
S: Sosa, J.
Team RISP: 7-for-15.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
SB: Morgan 2 (36, 2nd base off Schoeneweis/Montero, 2nd base off Petit, Y/Snyder).
PO: Willingham (1st base by Snyder).

FIELDING
DP: 3 (Zimmerman, R-Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A, Guzman, C-Gonzalez, Al-Dunn, A, Gonzalez, Al-Guzman, C-Belliard).


Arizona IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Petit, Y (L, 2-6) 4.0 9 4 3 1 3 1 5.87
Zavada 1.1 2 1 1 1 0 0 3.13
Rosales, L 1.2 0 0 0 1 1 0 4.72
Schoeneweis 0.2 4 4 4 0 0 0 8.24
Boyer 0.1 1 0 0 1 0 0 4.35

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Martin, J (W, 1-2) 5.0 5 1 1 1 1 1 5.91
Clippard 0.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2.42
Bergmann (H, 5) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.66
Villone 0.2 3 0 0 0 0 0 3.93
Sosa, J (S, 2) 2.1 2 1 1 0 2 1 2.08

Clippard pitched to 2 batters in the 6th.

WP: Petit, Y.
IBB: Willingham (by Petit, Y).
Pitches-strikes: Petit, Y 83-58, Zavada 24-16, Rosales, L 21-11, Schoeneweis 14-8, Boyer 14-6, Martin, J 87-52, Clippard 11-3, Bergmann 9-6, Villone 13-10, Sosa, J 22-18.
Groundouts-flyouts: Petit, Y 3-5, Zavada 1-3, Rosales, L 2-2, Schoeneweis 2-0, Boyer 0-1, Martin, J 3-10, Clippard 0-0, Bergmann 2-1, Villone 2-0, Sosa, J 3-2.
Batters faced: Petit, Y 21, Zavada 7, Rosales, L 6, Schoeneweis 6, Boyer 3, Martin, J 20, Clippard 2, Bergmann 2, Villone 4, Sosa, J 8.
Inherited runners-scored: Rosales, L 3-1, Boyer 2-2, Bergmann 2-0, Sosa, J 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Tom Hallion. 1B: Phil Cuzzi. 2B: Brian O'Nora. 3B: Jerry Crawford.
Weather: 90 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 7 mph, L to R.
T: 3:01.
Att: 19,938.
August 9, 2009

Nationals put Guzman on waivers

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have put shortstop Cristian Guzman on waivers, but it's not yet known which team put in a claim for him.

Nationals put Guzman on waivers....

Mock leads Nats to seventh straight win

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Garrett Mock pitched the game of his life on Saturday night, and it helped the Nationals defeat the D-backs, 5-2, at Nationals Park for their seventh consecutive victory.

Mock leads Nats to seventh straight win....

Arizona AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Drew, S, SS 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 .270
Romero, A, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .296
Parra, G, RF 4 1 2 0 0 0 2 .294
Reynolds, M, 3B 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 .289
Montero, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 .281
Whitesell, J, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 .194
Young, C, CF 4 0 0 0 0 3 2 .193
Ojeda, A, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244
Boyer, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Haren, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 .231
a-Roberts, R, PH-2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286
Totals 31 2 5 2 3 7 8

a-Grounded out for Haren in the 7th.

BATTING
HR: Reynolds, M (35, 4th inning off Mock, 1 on, 1 out).
TB: Drew, S; Romero, A; Parra, G 2; Reynolds, M 4.
RBI: Reynolds, M 2 (79).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Parra, G.
GIDP: Romero, A.
Team RISP: 0-for-1.
Team LOB: 5.


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 .303
Guzman, C, SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .315
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 2 0 0 0 2 .302
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 1 1 0 0 2 .282
Padilla, J, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Willingham, RF 4 1 1 2 0 1 3 .309
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Harris, W, LF 4 1 1 0 0 3 3 .231
Bard, J, C 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 .249
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 .263
Mock, P 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .111
Burnett, S, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Belliard, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .224
Totals 31 5 8 5 0 6 11

BATTING
2B: Morgan (13, Haren).
3B: Harris, W (3, Haren).
HR: Willingham (18, 4th inning off Haren, 1 on, 0 out), Bard, J (2, 6th inning off Haren, 0 on, 2 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn, A; Willingham 4; Harris, W 3; Bard, J 4.
RBI: Dunn, A (82), Willingham 2 (46), Gonzalez, Al (23), Bard, J (22).
2-out RBI: Bard, J.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Harris, W.
SF: Gonzalez, Al.
Team RISP: 2-for-6.
Team LOB: 4.

FIELDING
DP: (Gonzalez, Al-Guzman, C-Dunn, A).


Arizona IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Haren (L, 11-7) 6.0 7 5 5 0 4 2 2.57
Boyer 2.0 1 0 0 0 2 0 4.38

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Mock (W, 1-4) 6.0 5 2 2 3 7 1 6.14
Burnett, S (H, 8) 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.63
Sosa, J (S, 1) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.42

HBP: Dunn, A (by Haren).
Pitches-strikes: Haren 89-58, Boyer 28-21, Mock 97-55, Burnett, S 26-17, Sosa, J 9-6.
Groundouts-flyouts: Haren 6-8, Boyer 2-2, Mock 7-4, Burnett, S 5-1, Sosa, J 0-3.
Batters faced: Haren 26, Boyer 7, Mock 25, Burnett, S 6, Sosa, J 3.
Umpires: HP: Jerry Crawford. 1B: Phil Cuzzi. 2B: Tom Hallion. 3B: Brian O'Nora.
Weather: 81 degrees, overcast.
Wind: 7 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:12.
Att: 24,551.
August 8, 2009

Comeback nets Nats sixth straight win

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals made another comeback under interim manager Jim Riggleman on Friday night. They were down five runs but defeated the D-backs, 7-6, at Nationals Park.

Comeback nets Nats sixth straight win....


Arizona AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Drew, S, SS 4 1 1 4 0 0 0 .270
Romero, A, RF 5 0 2 0 0 1 2 .299
Vasquez, E, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Parra, G, CF-RF 5 0 2 0 0 0 2 .292
Reynolds, M, 3B 5 1 3 1 0 1 1 .288
Snyder, C 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 .212
a-Montero, PH-C 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 .285
Oeltjen, T, LF 5 0 1 0 0 0 3 .273
Whitesell, J, 1B 3 2 1 1 1 0 1 .200
c-Tracy, C, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .224
Ojeda, A, 2B 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 .249
Garland, P 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 .083
Gutierrez, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Young, C, PH-CF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .195
Totals 39 6 13 6 3 6 16

a-Grounded out for Snyder in the 7th. b-Walked for Gutierrez, J in the 8th. c-Grounded out for Whitesell, J in the 9th.

BATTING
HR: Reynolds, M (34, 2nd inning off Balester, 0 on, 0 out), Whitesell, J (1, 2nd inning off Balester, 0 on, 2 out), Drew, S (9, 2nd inning off Balester, 2 on, 2 out).
TB: Drew, S 4; Romero, A 2; Parra, G 2; Reynolds, M 6; Oeltjen, T; Whitesell, J 4; Ojeda, A 2; Garland.
RBI: Reynolds, M (77), Whitesell, J (12), Drew, S 4 (47).
2-out RBI: Whitesell, J; Drew, S 3.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Oeltjen, T; Montero; Romero, A; Tracy, C.
SF: Drew, S.
Team RISP: 1-for-6.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
E: Parra, G (5, fielding).


Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .304
Guzman, C, SS 4 1 2 0 0 1 0 .316
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 .300
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 .281
Willingham, LF 4 2 3 2 0 1 0 .309
Villone, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
MacDougal, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Dukes, RF 3 1 1 3 0 0 2 .248
Belliard, 2B 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 .224
Bergmann, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Harris, W, LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .230
Nieves, C 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 .245
Balester, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .167
Rivera, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .266
Totals 32 7 11 7 2 6 9

BATTING
2B: Belliard (5, Garland), Dunn, A (23, Garland), Dukes (14, Garland).
HR: Zimmerman, R (24, 5th inning off Garland, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Morgan; Guzman, C 2; Zimmerman, R 4; Dunn, A 2; Willingham 3; Dukes 2; Belliard 3.
RBI: Dukes 3 (39), Nieves (16), Zimmerman, R (75), Willingham 2 (44).
2-out RBI: Willingham 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Balester; Morgan; Dukes.
SF: Dukes; Nieves.
Team RISP: 4-for-10.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
SB: Guzman, C (2, 2nd base off Gutierrez, J/Montero).
CS: Guzman, C (5, 2nd base by Garland/Snyder).


Arizona IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Garland 6.0 8 5 4 1 5 1 4.33
Gutierrez, J (L, 3-3) 1.0 3 2 2 1 0 0 4.53
Vasquez, E 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.93

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Balester 4.1 8 5 5 1 3 3 5.21
Rivera, S 1.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 7.42
Burnett, S 0.2 2 0 0 0 1 0 2.74
Bergmann (W, 2-1) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.82
Villone (H, 5) 0.1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.01
MacDougal (S, 11) 1.2 2 0 0 1 1 0 3.86

IBB: Dunn, A (by Gutierrez, J).
Pitches-strikes: Garland 111-74, Gutierrez, J 22-14, Vasquez, E 10-8, Balester 82-53, Rivera, S 18-12, Burnett, S 18-11, Bergmann 2-1, Villone 13-5, MacDougal 31-17.
Groundouts-flyouts: Garland 7-5, Gutierrez, J 1-2, Vasquez, E 2-0, Balester 2-8, Rivera, S 3-1, Burnett, S 1-0, Bergmann 1-0, Villone 1-0, MacDougal 2-2.
Batters faced: Garland 26, Gutierrez, J 7, Vasquez, E 3, Balester 22, Rivera, S 5, Burnett, S 4, Bergmann 1, Villone 3, MacDougal 8.
Inherited runners-scored: Rivera, S 2-0, Bergmann 2-0, MacDougal 2-1.
Ejections: Arizona Diamondbacks Manager A. J. Hinch ejected by 1B umpire Jerry Crawford (8th).
Umpires: HP: Brian O'Nora. 1B: Jerry Crawford. 2B: Phil Cuzzi. 3B: Tom Hallion.
Weather: 81 degrees, clear.
Wind: 1 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:07.
Att: 22,674.
August 7, 2009