Nats Send Morgan To Brewers For Prospect

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals traded center fielder Nyjer Morgan to the Brewers for infield prospect Cutter Dykstra and cash considerations on Sunday morning. The deal was finalized Saturday night.

The news comes two days after Morgan said he didn't fit in with the Nationals, comments that disappointed manager Jim Riggleman.

General manager Mike Rizzo said Morgan's comments to MLB.com had nothing to do with the transaction. CONTINUE....

Groin Strain May Cost Zimmerman A Week

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and catcher Ivan Rodriguez were scheduled to be in the starting lineup against the Mets on Tuesday night, but manager Jim Riggleman informed the media that Zimmerman and Rodriguez would not play because of injuries.

Zimmerman will be out of action for at least five days because of a groin strain. The Nationals didn't clarify how Zimmerman injured himself. CONTINUE....

Riggleman Likes Nats' Winning Attitude

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals showed signs of improvement under manager Jim Riggleman last year in winning 69 games -- 10 more than the previous season.

Riggleman is hoping the club can improve even further, now that it has outfielder Jayson Werth, first baseman Adam LaRoche and infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. on the roster.

MLB.com caught up with Riggleman on Wednesday morning to talk about the Nationals and his future with the team. CONTINUE....

First Round Of Cuts For Nationals

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals made their first round of cuts Friday as they reassigned left-hander Matt Chico and right-handers Joe Bisenius and Shairon Martis to Minor League camp.

Manager Jim Riggleman said he couldn't find any innings for the trio in Major League camp. Chico, Bisenius and Martis all have big league experience. Chico and Martis were once members of Washington's rotation, while Bisenius was in the Nats' bullpen. CONTINUE....

Nats retaining entire coaching staff for 2011

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Not only will Jim Riggleman return as manager of the Nationals in 2011, his entire coaching staff will do the same. The coaches were given the news last week, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

CONTINUE....

Nationals lose game, tempers in Miami

By Charlie Nobles / Special to MLB.com

MIAMI -- Manager Jim Riggleman went into Wednesday night's game expecting the Marlins to hit Nyjer Morgan with a pitch in retaliation for the home-plate collision on Tuesday that injured catcher Brett Hayes.

And after Morgan was hit in the fourth inning of an eventual 16-10 Nationals loss at Sun Life Stadium, Riggleman asked his team leaders if they wanted to retaliate.

"They told me, 'Naw, it's over,' " Riggleman said in the quiet of his clubhouse office. "Well, when they throw at him a second time, then it's not over."

MORE....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 .257
b-Mench, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .143
Batista, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .125
c-Harris, W, PH-LF 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 .190
Desmond, SS 4 2 3 2 0 1 1 .281
Bernadina, LF 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 .268
Slaten, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Storen, D, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 .268
Espinosa, 2B 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 .500
Morse, RF 5 0 2 1 0 1 0 .302
Kennedy, A, 2B-1B 4 0 1 1 1 0 4 .253
Gonzalez, Al, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 .283
Nieves, C 4 2 2 1 0 0 3 .209
Olsen, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .087
Stammen, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .237
a-Maxwell, PH-CF 3 2 2 0 0 1 1 .134
Totals 38 10 16 10 1 6 15 .256
a-Doubled for Stammen in the 6th. b-Singled for Morgan in the 6th. c-Singled for Batista in the 7th.
Florida AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Maybin, CF 4 2 1 1 1 0 0 .236
Morrison, LF 4 3 2 0 1 1 0 .294
Ramirez, H, SS 3 3 1 1 2 1 0 .299
Sanchez, G, 1B 4 2 2 2 0 0 2 .287
Murphy, D, 2B 3 2 2 3 0 0 2 .318
Bonifacio, 2B 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 .256
Helms, 3B 5 2 3 5 0 2 2 .239
Stanton, RF 5 1 2 2 0 0 2 .239
Davis, B, C 5 1 2 2 0 0 1 .280
Volstad, P 3 0 0 0 0 3 1 .095
Badenhop, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Tracy, C, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .253
Sosa, J, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Nunez, L, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Luna, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .118
Sanches, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 39 16 15 16 5 9 11 .257
a-Grounded out for Badenhop in the 6th. b-Struck out for Nunez, L in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Desmond 2 (24, Volstad, Badenhop), Dunn, A (34, Volstad), Maxwell 2 (3, Volstad, Sosa, J), Espinosa (1, Badenhop).
HR: Nieves (3, 7th inning off Sosa, J, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Mench; Harris, W; Desmond 5; Dunn, A 3; Espinosa 2; Morse 2; Kennedy, A; Gonzalez, Al; Nieves 5; Maxwell 4.
RBI: Morse (28), Morgan (21), Desmond 2 (56), Kennedy, A (30), Mench (1), Bernadina (41), Espinosa (1), Nieves (16), Harris, W (28).
2-out RBI: Morse; Desmond.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Kennedy, A; Bernadina 2; Nieves 2.
S: Olsen.
SF: Morgan; Desmond; Bernadina.
GIDP: Gonzalez, Al; Kennedy, A.
Team RISP: 8-for-16.
Team LOB: 9.

BASERUNNING
SB: Harris, W (4, 2nd base off Sosa, J/Davis, B), Morgan 2 (33, 2nd base off Volstad/Davis, B, 3rd base off Volstad/Davis, B).

BATTING
2B: Ramirez, H (26, Olsen), Helms (8, Olsen), Davis, B (1, Olsen), Morrison (11, Olsen), Murphy, D (6, Stammen).
HR: Stanton (15, 2nd inning off Stammen, 1 on, 2 out), Davis, B (1, 4th inning off Stammen, 0 on, 0 out), Maybin (7, 7th inning off Slaten, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Maybin 4; Morrison 3; Ramirez, H 2; Sanchez, G 2; Murphy, D 3; Helms 4; Stanton 5; Davis, B 6.
RBI: Ramirez, H (69), Murphy, D 3 (16), Helms 5 (31), Davis, B 2 (5), Stanton 2 (41), Sanchez, G 2 (72), Maybin (23).
2-out RBI: Davis, B; Helms 3; Stanton 2; Sanchez, G 2; Murphy, D.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Volstad; Helms.
Team RISP: 8-for-13.
Team LOB: 5.

FIELDING
E: Stanton (3, fielding), Sanchez, G (9, missed catch).
DP: 2 (Ramirez, H-Sanchez, G, Bonifacio-Ramirez, H-Sanchez, G).

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Olsen(L, 3-8) 1.2 8 9 9 2 1 0 5.88
Stammen 3.1 5 6 6 2 4 2 5.36
Batista 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4.05
Slaten 0.2 1 1 1 0 1 1 3.06
Storen, D 1.1 0 0 0 1 2 0 3.43
Totals 8.0 15 16 16 5 9 3 4.22
Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Volstad(W, 9-9) 5.0 9 6 6 1 4 0 4.82
Badenhop 1.0 3 2 2 0 0 0 4.18
Sosa, J 1.0 3 2 2 0 1 1 6.61
Nunez, L 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.76
Sanches 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2.72
Totals 9.0 16 10 10 1 6 1 3.99
Volstad pitched to 1 batter in the 6th.

WP: Stammen, Volstad.
IBB: Ramirez, H (by Olsen).
HBP: Sanchez, G (by Slaten), Nieves (by Volstad), Gonzalez, Al (by Volstad), Morgan (by Volstad).
Pitches-strikes: Olsen 55-37, Stammen 70-42, Batista 12-10, Slaten 21-12, Storen, D 27-17, Volstad 85-48, Badenhop 24-15, Sosa, J 23-14, Nunez, L 13-9, Sanches 23-16.
Groundouts-flyouts: Olsen 2-1, Stammen 3-2, Batista 2-0, Slaten 0-1, Storen, D 1-1, Volstad 5-5, Badenhop 2-1, Sosa, J 2-0, Nunez, L 3-0, Sanches 1-1.
Batters faced: Olsen 15, Stammen 17, Batista 4, Slaten 4, Storen, D 5, Volstad 27, Badenhop 6, Sosa, J 6, Nunez, L 3, Sanches 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Stammen 1-1, Storen, D 1-0, Badenhop 1-1.
Ejections: Florida Marlins pitcher Chris Volstad ejected by HP umpire Marvin Hudson (6th); Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman ejected by HP umpire Marvin Hudson (7th); Washington Nationals pitcher Doug Slaten ejected by HP umpire Marvin Hudson (7th); Florida Marlins pitcher Jose Veras ejected by 1B umpire Derryl Cousins (6th); Washington Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan ejected by HP umpire Marvin Hudson (6th); Florida Marlins Manager Edwin Rodriguez ejected by HP umpire Marvin Hudson (6th).
Umpires: HP: Marvin Hudson. 1B: Derryl Cousins. 2B: Mike Estabrook. 3B: Jim Wolf.
Weather: 86 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 16 mph, In from CF.
T: 3:22.
Att: 18,045

Nats rally in ninth, but can't hold off Astros

By Gene Duffey / Special to MLB.com

HOUSTON -- Nationals closer Matt Capps thought he had the Astros' Lance Berkman struck out to end the game. So did manager Jim Riggleman. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, too.

Instead, third-base umpire Bill Hohn called it a checked swing on Berkman, making the count 2-2, and Berkman lined the next pitch from Capps into left field, scoring two runs to beat the Nationals, 8-7, on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park.

Nats rally in ninth, but can't hold off Astros....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Guzman, C, 2B 5 1 1 0 0 1 4 .324
Morgan, CF 5 2 2 1 0 1 0 .256
Zimmerman, R, 3B 1 2 0 0 4 1 0 .306
Dunn, A, 1B 3 1 0 0 2 2 4 .269
Willingham, LF 4 0 0 1 0 1 4 .275
Desmond, SS 5 0 2 1 0 1 1 .265
Bernadina, RF 4 0 1 1 1 2 0 .241
Nieves, C 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 .213
b-Harris, W, PH 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .179
Slaten, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Batista, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
d-Gonzalez, Al, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 .311
Capps, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Stammen, P 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 .300
a-Morse, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250
Storen, D, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Kennedy, A, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 .248
Maldonado, C, C 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 .125
Totals 36 7 8 5 7 13 24 .259
a-Struck out for Stammen in the 6th. b-Hit by pitch for Nieves in the 8th. c-Struck out for Burnett, S in the 8th. d-Grounded into a forceout for Batista in the 9th.
BATTING
2B: Nieves (4, Myers).
TB: Guzman, C; Morgan 2; Desmond 2; Bernadina; Nieves 3.
RBI: Morgan (9), Willingham (36), Harris, W (16), Desmond (28), Bernadina (13).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn, A 2; Guzman, C 2; Maldonado, C 2.
SF: Willingham.
Team RISP: 3-for-12.
Team LOB: 11.

FIELDING
E: Zimmerman, R (6, fielding).

Houston AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Bourn, CF 4 3 1 0 2 0 0 .272
Keppinger, 2B 5 1 3 0 0 0 3 .302
Berkman, 1B 5 1 3 5 1 1 1 .241
Lee, C, LF 5 0 1 0 0 0 4 .206
Pence, RF 3 2 2 1 2 0 1 .277
Blum, SS 4 0 1 1 0 2 2 .253
Manzella, SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 .205
Feliz, 3B 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 .215
Cash, C 4 0 2 0 0 1 4 .161
Myers, P 3 0 0 0 0 1 6 .043
a-Michaels, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .205
Lyon, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Lindstrom, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Lopez, W, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Sullivan, PH 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .196
Totals 39 8 15 8 6 5 25 .233
a-Grounded out for Myers in the 7th. b-Doubled for Lopez, W in the 9th.
BATTING
2B: Berkman (8, Stammen), Bourn (10, Storen, D), Sullivan (1, Capps).
HR: Pence (9, 5th inning off Stammen, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Bourn 2; Keppinger 3; Berkman 4; Lee, C; Pence 5; Blum; Feliz; Cash 2; Sullivan 2.
RBI: Berkman 5 (22), Blum (10), Feliz (17), Pence (24).
2-out RBI: Berkman 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Myers 4; Pence; Manzella 2.
S: Keppinger; Cash.
SF: Feliz.
Team RISP: 5-for-15.
Team LOB: 14.

FIELDING
E: Blum (3, fielding), Berkman (1, throw).

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Stammen 5.0 9 5 5 3 4 1 5.88
Storen, D 1.0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2.70
Burnett, S 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.12
Slaten 0.1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1.08
Batista 0.2 0 0 0 1 0 0 4.22
Capps(BS, 2)(L, 0-2) 0.2 2 2 0 1 0 0 2.88
Totals 8.2 15 8 6 6 5 1 4.29
Houston IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Myers 7.0 4 4 1 3 10 0 3.04
Lyon(H, 7) 1.0 1 1 1 2 2 0 3.63
Lindstrom(BS, 2) 0.1 3 2 2 2 1 0 2.82
Lopez, W(W, 2-0) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.86
Totals 9.0 8 7 4 7 13 0 4.59
WP: Storen, D.
IBB: Feliz (by Stammen), Bourn (by Capps).
HBP: Harris, W (by Lyon).
Pitches-strikes: Stammen 92-54, Storen, D 17-11, Burnett, S 10-7, Slaten 9-4, Batista 10-5, Capps 23-13, Myers 110-68, Lyon 29-16, Lindstrom 22-10, Lopez, W 7-5.
Groundouts-flyouts: Stammen 7-4, Storen, D 2-1, Burnett, S 1-1, Slaten 1-0, Batista 1-1, Capps 2-0, Myers 5-5, Lyon 0-1, Lindstrom 0-0, Lopez, W 2-0.
Batters faced: Stammen 27, Storen, D 5, Burnett, S 4, Slaten 3, Batista 3, Capps 6, Myers 30, Lyon 7, Lindstrom 6, Lopez, W 2.
Inherited runners-scored: Batista 2-0, Lopez, W 3-0.
Umpires: HP: Gary Darling. 1B: Bruce Dreckman. 2B: Paul Emmel. 3B: Bill Hohn.
Weather: 73 degrees, roof closed.
Wind: 0 mph, None.
T: 3:21.
Att: 25,249

Nats fall behind early, can't contain Mets

By Greg Rosenstein / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman made it clear he wasn't happy with what he saw during his team's 10-7 loss to the Mets at Nationals Park on Thursday night.

Nats fall behind early, can't contain Mets....

NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Reyes, Jo, SS 5 1 2 1 1 0 4 .216
Cora, 2B 4 0 0 1 0 0 4 .217
Bay, LF 5 2 3 0 0 1 2 .281
Davis, I, 1B 5 3 3 0 0 0 1 .289
Wright, D, 3B 4 0 1 4 0 0 3 .262
Pagan, CF 3 1 0 0 2 1 2 .271
Barajas, C 5 2 2 2 0 1 2 .276
Francoeur, RF 5 1 2 2 0 0 0 .225
Maine, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Valdes, R, P 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 .500
Acosta, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Matthews, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .189
Mejia, Je, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Feliciano, P, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Tatis, PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .220
Rodriguez, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 39 10 15 10 4 3 19 .246
a-Singled for Acosta in the 7th. b-Walked for Feliciano, P in the 9th.
BATTING
2B: Wright, D (9, Atilano, L), Davis, I 2 (7, Atilano, L, Atilano, L).
HR: Barajas (10, 6th inning off Walker, T, 1 on, 2 out).
TB: Reyes, Jo 2; Bay 3; Davis, I 5; Wright, D 2; Barajas 5; Francoeur 2; Valdes, R; Matthews.
RBI: Wright, D 4 (30), Francoeur 2 (23), Reyes, Jo (12), Cora (8), Barajas 2 (24).
2-out RBI: Barajas 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Pagan; Cora; Bay; Reyes, Jo.
S: Valdes, R.
SF: Wright, D; Cora.
GIDP: Reyes, Jo; Wright, D.
Team RISP: 4-for-11.
Team LOB: 9.

BASERUNNING
SB: Francoeur (4, 2nd base off Burnett, S/Nieves).

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Pagan (Rodriguez, I at 3rd base).
DP: (Cora-Davis, I).

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 3 0 1 0 1 2 2 .255
Batista, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Gonzalez, Al, PH-2B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .297
Kennedy, A, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 .255
c-Guzman, C, PH-RF 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .333
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 0 0 1 1 2 3 .311
Dunn, A, 1B 5 2 2 0 0 0 3 .261
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Willingham, LF 4 2 1 0 1 1 1 .262
Rodriguez, I, C 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 .333
Nieves, C 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 .216
Bernadina, RF 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 .281
Walker, T, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Harris, W, PH-CF 3 0 1 3 0 0 1 .183
Desmond, SS 5 1 2 1 0 0 2 .277
Atilano, L, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .091
Morse, RF-1B 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 .250
Totals 37 7 12 7 7 7 19 .263
a-Singled for Walker, T in the 6th. b-Walked for Batista in the 8th. c-Singled for Kennedy, A in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Dunn, A 2 (12, Valdes, R, Valdes, R), Nieves (3, Mejia, Je), Willingham (6, Rodriguez, F).
3B: Rodriguez, I (1, Valdes, R).
TB: Morgan; Kennedy, A; Guzman, C; Dunn, A 4; Willingham 2; Rodriguez, I 4; Nieves 2; Harris, W; Desmond 2.
RBI: Bernadina (8), Harris, W 3 (13), Desmond (19), Guzman, C (15), Zimmerman, R (25).
2-out RBI: Desmond; Guzman, C; Zimmerman, R.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bernadina; Zimmerman, R; Morgan; Dunn, A 2.
Team RISP: 4-for-14.
Team LOB: 10.

FIELDING
E: Desmond 2 (9, missed catch, fielding), Walker, T (1, fielding).
DP: 3 (Kennedy, A-Desmond-Dunn, A 2, Atilano, L-Dunn, A).

NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Maine 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6.13
Valdes, R(W, 2-1) 5.0 7 3 3 1 6 0 3.20
Acosta 1.0 1 0 0 2 1 0 3.27
Mejia, Je 1.2 2 3 3 2 0 0 3.79
Feliciano, P 0.1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1.50
Rodriguez, F 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2.18
Totals 9.0 12 7 7 7 7 0 3.95
Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Atilano, L(L, 3-1) 4.1 9 7 6 3 1 0 5.06
Walker, T 1.2 4 3 2 0 1 1 5.06
Batista 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5.55
Burnett, S 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2.84
Totals 9.0 15 10 8 4 3 1 4.56
Maine pitched to 1 batter in the 1st.
Valdes, R pitched to 2 batters in the 6th.

WP: Mejia, Je.
IBB: Reyes, Jo (by Atilano, L), Pagan (by Atilano, L).
Pitches-strikes: Maine 5-1, Valdes, R 80-47, Acosta 23-8, Mejia, Je 38-19, Feliciano, P 14-7, Rodriguez, F 14-8, Atilano, L 91-57, Walker, T 23-18, Batista 27-14, Burnett, S 15-9.
Groundouts-flyouts: Maine 0-0, Valdes, R 2-5, Acosta 0-1, Mejia, Je 4-0, Feliciano, P 0-1, Rodriguez, F 1-2, Atilano, L 3-6, Walker, T 1-1, Batista 5-1, Burnett, S 1-0.
Batters faced: Maine 1, Valdes, R 22, Acosta 5, Mejia, Je 9, Feliciano, P 3, Rodriguez, F 4, Atilano, L 25, Walker, T 10, Batista 6, Burnett, S 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Valdes, R 1-0, Acosta 2-2, Feliciano, P 3-2, Walker, T 3-3.
Umpires: HP: Tim Tschida. 1B: Bob Davidson. 2B: Alfonso Marquez. 3B: Tim Timmons.
Weather: 81 degrees, clear.
Wind: 2 mph, R to L.
T: 3:31.
Att: 23,612

Storen will get call to join Nats in St. Louis

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

DENVER -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman announced after Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Rockies that reliever Brian Bruney will be designated for assignment and the team will purchase the contract of right-hander Drew Storen on Monday.

Storen will get call to join Nats in St. Louis....

Nats all alone in second place in NL East

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Manager Jim Riggleman said before Tuesday's game against the Mets that the Nationals want to make a statement and show they are not a 100-loss team, like they were the previous two years.

Nats all alone in second place in NL East....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 .275
Kennedy, A, 2B-1B 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 .247
Zimmerman, R, 3B 4 1 1 1 1 0 3 .321
Dunn, A, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 .252
1-Taveras, PR-LF-RF 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 .133
Willingham, LF 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 .267
Gonzalez, Al, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .281
Rodriguez, I, C 4 0 4 1 0 0 0 .393
Bernadina, RF 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 .212
Bruney, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Batista, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Desmond, SS 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 .255
Atilano, L, P 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 .125
Slaten, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Walker, T, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Burnett, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Harris, W, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .189
Totals 35 3 11 3 5 7 21 .257

1-Ran for Dunn, A in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Rodriguez, I (9, Maine), Dunn, A (8, Feliciano, P).
HR: Kennedy, A (2, 3rd inning off Maine, 0 on, 1 out), Zimmerman, R (6, 3rd inning off Maine, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Morgan 2; Kennedy, A 4; Zimmerman, R 4; Dunn, A 2; Willingham; Rodriguez, I 5; Atilano, L.
RBI: Kennedy, A (12), Zimmerman, R (16), Rodriguez, I (13).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Willingham 2; Atilano, L; Bernadina; Taveras.
GIDP: Desmond.
Team RISP: 3-for-14.
Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING
SB: Morgan 2 (8, 2nd base off Mejia, Je/Barajas, 3rd base off Maine/Barajas), Kennedy, A (5, 2nd base off Maine/Barajas), Rodriguez, I (2, 2nd base off Maine/Barajas).

FIELDING
PB: Rodriguez, I (1).
DP: (Zimmerman, R-Dunn, A).

NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Pagan, CF 5 1 2 1 0 0 3 .269
Castillo, L, 2B 4 0 1 1 1 1 1 .270
Reyes, Jo, SS 4 0 1 0 0 2 4 .237
Cora, SS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .182
Bay, LF 4 0 1 0 1 2 2 .248
Wright, D, 3B 4 0 2 0 0 1 3 .277
Davis, I, 1B 4 0 1 0 0 1 5 .311
Francoeur, RF 4 0 1 0 0 2 2 .241
Barajas, C 4 1 2 0 0 0 2 .244
Maine, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Takahashi, H, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
a-Matthews, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .136
Feliciano, P, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Mejia, Je, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Catalanotto, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .160
Totals 37 2 12 2 2 11 24 .241
a-Struck out for Takahashi, H in the 7th. b-Grounded out for Mejia, Je in the 9th.
BATTING
2B: Barajas (3, Atilano, L).
HR: Pagan (2, 9th inning off Batista, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Pagan 5; Castillo, L; Reyes, Jo; Cora; Bay; Wright, D 2; Davis, I; Francoeur; Barajas 3.
RBI: Castillo, L (8), Pagan (13).
2-out RBI: Castillo, L.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Davis, I 2; Castillo, L; Reyes, Jo; Barajas 2.
S: Maine.
Team RISP: 1-for-12.
Team LOB: 11.

BASERUNNING
SB: Pagan (4, 2nd base off Atilano, L/Rodriguez, I).

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Francoeur (Kennedy, A at 1st base), Pagan (Rodriguez, I at home).
DP: 2 (Francoeur-Castillo, L-Davis, I, Castillo, L-Cora-Davis, I).

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Atilano, L(W, 3-0) 5.1 5 0 0 2 5 0 3.57
Slaten(H, 1) 1.1 3 1 1 0 1 0 6.75
Walker, T(H, 1) 0.2 1 0 0 0 2 0 5.29
Burnett, S 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4.70
Bruney(H, 3) 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.74
Batista(S, 1) 1.0 2 1 1 0 2 1 5.85
Totals 9.0 12 2 2 2 11 1 4.37
NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Maine(L, 1-2) 6.0 7 2 2 4 5 2 5.45
Takahashi, H 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.05
Feliciano, P 0.1 3 1 1 0 1 0 1.88
Mejia, Je 1.2 1 0 0 1 1 0 2.35
Totals 9.0 11 3 3 5 7 2 3.58
Burnett, S pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

WP: Bruney.
IBB: Desmond (by Maine), Zimmerman, R (by Mejia, Je).
Pitches-strikes: Atilano, L 102-59, Slaten 20-14, Walker, T 14-8, Burnett, S 3-1, Bruney 11-6, Batista 18-12, Maine 114-66, Takahashi, H 9-8, Feliciano, P 16-9, Mejia, Je 21-12.
Groundouts-flyouts: Atilano, L 5-6, Slaten 1-1, Walker, T 0-0, Burnett, S 0-0, Bruney 0-1, Batista 1-0, Maine 3-7, Takahashi, H 0-3, Feliciano, P 0-0, Mejia, Je 4-0.
Batters faced: Atilano, L 23, Slaten 6, Walker, T 3, Burnett, S 1, Bruney 2, Batista 5, Maine 27, Takahashi, H 3, Feliciano, P 4, Mejia, Je 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Slaten 2-0, Walker, T 2-0, Burnett, S 1-0, Bruney 2-0, Mejia, Je 2-0.
Ejections: New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes ejected by HP umpire Laz Diaz (8th); New York Mets Manager Jerry Manuel ejected by HP umpire Laz Diaz (8th).
Umpires: HP: Laz Diaz. 1B: John Hirschbeck. 2B: James Hoye. 3B: Wally Bell.
Weather: 57 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 19 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:23.
Att: 29,313.

'Irritated' at loss, Nats show skipper they care

By Charlie Nobles / Special to MLB.com

MIAMI -- Shortly after the Nationals lost their second straight one-sided game to the Marlins on Sunday, manager Jim Riggleman was in his team's clubhouse checking for reactions.

He liked what he saw.

'Irritated' at loss, Nats show skipper they care....

Washington AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Morgan, CF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .274
Bruney, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Capps, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
c-Guzman, C, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .271
Kennedy, A, 2B 5 0 0 0 0 1 2 .214
Zimmerman, R, 3B 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 .370
Dunn, A, 1B 3 0 1 1 1 2 2 .233
Willingham, LF 3 1 0 0 1 2 3 .263
Harris, W, RF 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 .175
b-Maxwell, PH-CF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .174
Desmond, SS 4 0 1 1 0 3 4 .247
Nieves, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 .200
Lannan, P 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 .000
Batista, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Bernadina, PH-CF-RF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .091
Totals 33 3 6 3 5 11 16 .250
a-Grounded out for Batista in the 7th. b-Walked for Harris, W in the 8th. c-Doubled for Capps in the 9th.
BATTING
2B: Desmond (5, Johnson, J), Harris, W (4, Johnson, J), Zimmerman, R (10, Badenhop), Guzman, C (5, Nunez, L).
TB: Morgan; Guzman, C 2; Zimmerman, R 2; Dunn, A; Harris, W 2; Desmond 2.
RBI: Desmond (11), Lannan (1), Dunn, A (10).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Dunn, A; Morgan; Desmond 3; Kennedy, A.
Team RISP: 2-for-11.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
CS: Morgan (5, 2nd base by Johnson, J/Paulino, R).

FIELDING
Outfield assists: Morgan (Paulino, R at 2nd base), Maxwell (Lamb at 3rd base).

Florida AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Maybin, CF 4 2 1 0 1 1 0 .247
Sanchez, G, 1B 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 .274
Badenhop, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Jones, H, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Leroux, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Lamb, PH 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 .176
Nunez, L, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ramirez, H, SS 5 2 3 4 0 0 1 .316
Cantu, 3B-1B 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 .296
Uggla, 2B 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 .295
Paulino, R, C 4 0 2 0 1 1 3 .318
Ross, C, RF 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 .264
Carroll, B, LF 2 2 1 1 1 0 3 .281
Johnson, J, P 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .231
Helms, 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .417
Totals 35 9 13 9 6 5 11 .270
a-Doubled for Leroux in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Paulino, R (4, Lannan), Sanchez, G (8, Lannan), Ross, C (6, Lannan), Carroll, B (3, Lannan), Lamb (1, Bruney).
HR: Ramirez, H 2 (5, 3rd inning off Lannan, 2 on, 1 out; 6th inning off Batista, 0 on, 2 out).
TB: Maybin; Sanchez, G 3; Lamb 2; Ramirez, H 9; Uggla 2; Paulino, R 3; Ross, C 2; Carroll, B 2.
RBI: Sanchez, G (12), Ramirez, H 4 (14), Ross, C (13), Carroll, B (6), Lamb 2 (3).
2-out RBI: Ross, C; Carroll, B; Ramirez, H.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Carroll, B 2; Ramirez, H; Johnson, J; Paulino, R 2.
Team RISP: 5-for-9.
Team LOB: 9.

FIELDING
E: Johnson, J (2, throw).

Washington IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lannan(L, 1-2) 5.0 9 6 6 3 2 1 6.34
Batista 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 5.71
Bruney 1.2 3 2 2 3 3 0 6.23
Capps 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.66
Totals 8.0 13 9 9 6 5 2 4.81
Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Johnson, J(W, 3-1) 6.0 3 2 2 4 8 0 3.16
Badenhop 1.2 2 1 1 0 2 0 3.86
Jones, H 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00
Leroux(H, 1) 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.16
Nunez, L 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Totals 9.0 6 3 3 5 11 0 4.24
Jones, H pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.

IBB: Ross, C (by Lannan).
HBP: Carroll, B (by Lannan).
Pitches-strikes: Lannan 88-53, Batista 7-6, Bruney 48-26, Capps 3-2, Johnson, J 98-63, Badenhop 32-20, Jones, H 4-0, Leroux 4-3, Nunez, L 17-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lannan 5-7, Batista 2-1, Bruney 1-0, Capps 1-0, Johnson, J 6-2, Badenhop 1-1, Jones, H 0-0, Leroux 0-0, Nunez, L 1-1.
Batters faced: Lannan 27, Batista 4, Bruney 10, Capps 1, Johnson, J 25, Badenhop 7, Jones, H 1, Leroux 1, Nunez, L 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Capps 3-0, Jones, H 1-0, Leroux 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Angel Campos. 1B: Paul Nauert. 2B: Brian Gorman. 3B: Ted Barrett.
Weather: 85 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 16 mph, In from CF.
T: 2:50.
Att: 13,169.

Gonzalez earns spot on 25-man roster

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

JUPITER, Fla. -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman all but said that infielder Alberto Gonzalez is on the team's 25-man roster.

Gonzalez earns spot on 25-man roster....

Desmond awarded starting shortstop job

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Manager Jim Riggleman announced Sunday morning that Ian Desmond will be the Nationals' Opening Day shortstop, while the incumbent, Cristian Guzman, will be a utility player. Guzman will play all four infield positions.

Desmond awarded starting shortstop job....

Batista to be Nationals' long man

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman all but announced on Friday that Miguel Batista is his long man out of the bullpen, even though the right-hander is not having a strong Spring Training.

Batista to be Nationals' long man....

Nats' Morgan apologizes to Riggleman

Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan apologized to manager Jim Riggleman on Tuesday morning for sliding headfirst the previous day against the Marlins.

Nats' Morgan apologizes to Riggleman....

Nats eager for camp after busy offseason

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman believes the front office did its job improving the club this offseason.

Nats eager for camp after busy offseason....

Jim Riggleman to have pregame segment on radio

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman will have a pregame segment on WFED Federal News Radio starting April 5, when his team faces the Phillies at Nationals Park. Riggleman is the first Nationals manager to have such a segment.

Jim Riggleman to have pregame segment on radio....

Nationals' coaching staff in place

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have retained hitting coach Rick Eckstein, pitching coach Steve McCatty and third-base coach Pat Listach.

The club also named John McLaren the bench coach, replacing Pat Corrales; Jim Lett as bullpen coach, replacing Randy Knorr; and Dan Radison the first-base coach, replacing Marquis Grissom.

Nationals' coaching staff in place....

Nationals appoint Riggleman manager

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- As a kid growing up in the 1950s and '60s, Jim Riggleman was a Senators fan and often went to Griffith Stadium to watch them play.

On Thursday afternoon, Riggleman's dreams came true when the Nationals named him their permanent manager with a two-year deal, with an option for a third year. The monetary amount of the contract was not disclosed.

The news comes five months after Riggleman was named the interim skipper, replacing Manny Acta.

Nationals appoint Riggleman manager....

Valentine on short list for Nats manager

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Bobby Valentine has emerged as a top candidate to manage the Washington Nationals, Mike Rizzo, the team's general manager, told MLB.com on Tuesday.

An announcement is expected to come on Friday, two days after the annual GM Meetings here break up.

Valentine on short list for Nats manager....