Washington Nationals No.1 On SI.com's MLB Power Rankings.

Ministry of Plenty

Doghouse

Dave at District Sports Page

bluelineswinger

d_c_guy

jeff550

SaratogaCountySports

The Washington Nationals, GM Mike Rizzo And Run Prevention.

Ministry of Plenty

Doghouse

Dave at District Sports Page

bluelineswinger

d_c_guy

jeff550

SaratogaCountySports

Washington Nationals: 2012 MLB Non-Waiver Trade Deadline Chatter.

If the Washington Nationals can find a deal before today's 4:00 pm EDT that helps them out long-term and doesn't force them to trade significant prospects for a short-term or rental player, the Nats have said they'll consider it. Principal owner Mark Lerner said as much when he talked to the Washington Post's James Wagner back in the first week of July. "'If [General Manager Mike Rizzo] feels there's a part out there that he thinks will help us, we'll talk to them,'" Mr. Lerner told the WaPost reporter, "But really, we're not really interested in rentals.'"

The Nationals have been mentioned in connection to several high-end starters, but as the 2012 MLB Non-Waiver Deadline approaches they don't appear desperate to make a big splash. The Nationals are 61-40, they've won eight of the last ten games, and they're reportedly not interested in shaking up the chemistry they've developed over the course of the first 101 games of the season .

I like what we have here and I don't see any emergency move needed,'" Nats' skipper Davey Johnson told reporters including the Washington Times' Amanda Comak recently, "It's always interesting to see who trades places. I imagine clubs that are probably trying to get to the top (unlike the Nationals who are in first place) will be more active.'" The 69-year-old skipper, in his second year in D.C., at the helm of the NL East's 1st place team, is as confident in the Nationals now as he was this past winter when he told reporters that winning the pennant was the goal and the Nats could fire him if he didn't reach it. "'I really meant that,'" Johnson told Cal and Billy Ripken in a recent MLB Network Interview, "If we don't get there they should fire my a**!"

"There's not a whole lot of things that we'd like to upgrade,'" Nats' GM Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore in a July 17th article entitled, "Mike Rizzo: Nationals looking long-term at the trade deadline."

"'If there's a way we can upgrade with a clear upgrade,'" the general manager told reporters, echoing the Nats' owner's comments, "'we certainly would exhaust all the ideas to try and do that.'"

Jayson Werth is on his way back sooner rather than later as he rehabs from the broken wrist suffered in May. Drew Storen is already back and building up arm strength as he works his way back from elbow surgery. Adding the outfielder and reliever to a first-place team is just like making a deadline deal anyway, right? There's a difference of opinion about whether or not the Nationals are in the market for an infielder or whether or not they're comfortable going forward with some combination of Jesus Flores, Sandy Leon and Jhonatan Solano behind the plate.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, among others, still has the Nationals in the market for a starting pitcher since they'll eventually lose Stephen Strasburg to the as-yet-undetermined innings limit he's on. The ESPN.com reporter wrote yesterday in his "Rumblings and Grumblings" column that a rival executive told him the Nationals had positioned themselves perfectly as a "fallback option" should the Chicago Cubs fail to work out a trade for veteran right-hander Ryan Dempster. The last word on the subject from Mr. Stark yesterday came via Twitter (@jaysonst), where he wrote that, "One exec who spoke with #Nationals says: 'If I looked up and saw that Washington traded for Ryan Dempster it wouldn't be a surprise.'"

Most people in D.C. would be surprised if that or any deal happened before 4:00 pm EDT this afternoon. After that the Nationals play the Phillies in Nationals Park with Stephen Strasburg on the mound in the nation's capital against Cliff Lee... if the Phillies don't trade him beforehand...

Game 101: Bernadina's HR (+5.6%) didn't even register

by Doghouse on Jul 29, 2012 6:40 PM EDT

Tweet 15 comments  |  Add comment  |  0 recs  | 

Read More: Ryan Zimmerman (3B - WAS), Gio Gonzalez (P - WAS), Steve Lombardozzi (2B - WAS), Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers

Comments

• ' Top of comments
• ' Top of page
• ' Stories
• ' Federal Baseball
• ' SB Nation

Washington Nationals Keep Coming Back, Beat Milwaukee Brewers 11-10 In Extras To Take Three of Four In Miller Park.

' Nats vs Not-Greinke: Davey Johnson told reporters earlier in this series that he didn't think his Washington Nationals would see now-former Milwaukee Brewers' starter Zack Greinke in the finale of the four-game set in Wisconsin's Miller Park. The former Cy Young Award-winning Kansas City Royals' right-hander is starting for the Los Angeles Angels today. In Greinke's place for the Brewers' was 26-year-old '04 1st Rounder Mark Rogers, who's made four major league starts before this afternoon's, the last one back in 2010. Since then injuries, surgery and disciplinary action have combined to keep the right-hander off of a major league mound, but he returned to Milwaukee today, and surrendered a solo home by Steve Lombardozzi in the first at bat of the game. The Nats' 23-year-old infielder took a 3-1 fastball from Rogers to right and into the second deck for his second home run of 2012 and a 1-0 Nationals' lead over the Brewers early in the Sunday matinee.

' #Chatteronthemound: Brewers' outfielder Carlos Gomez doubled, sending a low line drive by third on a 79 mph 2-1 curve from Gio Gonzalez in the bottom of the first. Gomez's 10th double of 2012 was followed by a groundout by Ryan Braun, a HBP on Corey Hart and a two-out walk to Rickie Weeks that loaded the bases with two outs and pushed the Nats' starter up to 18 pitches in the home-half of the first. Gonzalez missed with 2-1 fastball inside to Jonathan Lucroy in the next at bat, and was animated, clearly upset with the way the inning was going, and he missed with a 3-1 fastball outside to walk in the tying run. 1-1. A grounder back to the mound by Cody Ransom bounced off Gio's glove and fell in unplayable in the grass behind the mound. 2-1 Brewers. 26 pitches for Gio Gonzalez to get through the first.

' Lumber: Mark Rogers retired the Nationals in order on ten pitches in the top of the second. Gio Gonzalez got the opposing pitcher looking with a 1-2 fastball for the first out of the Brewers' second. Michael Morse almost misjudged a line drive to left by Norichika Aoki, but made a last-second leaping grab and Bryce Harper closed his glove on the second, catching a pop to right by Carlos Gomez that ended an 11-pitch frame by the Nats' lefty. Steve Lombardozzi homered to start the game, and was 2 for 2 today after he reached safely on a swinging two-out bunt back to the mound in the Nationals' third, but he was stranded there when Bryce Harper K'd swinging to end the top of the inning.

' Morse's Arm: Ryan Braun took a four-pitch walk to start bottom of the third, then scored from third as Corey Hart got caught in a rundown after singling on a line drive to left. Braun took third on Michael Morse's arm, then waited for his opportunity to score as Ryan Zimmerman cut Morse's weak throw in and ran Hart down. 3-1 Milwaukee. Jonathan Lucroy fouled a ball off Jesus Flores' shoulder, then lined to left for a two-out single, but Cody Ransom K'd swinging to end the third. A 21-pitch inning by Gio Gonzalez had the lefty up to 59 pitches overall.

' Back Tightness: Adam LaRoche went the other way with a 96 mph 1-1 fastball outside, lining to left for a one-out single in the Nationals' fourth. A 95 mph 2-1 heater inside from Brewers' starter Mark Rogers caught Michael Morse on the elbow, putting two runners on with one out, but Danny Espinosa K'd swinging at a 96 mph fastball outside and Roger Berndina K'd swinging at a full-count slider to end a 19-pitch inning by Milwaukee's right-hander. LaRoche left the game after the fourth, replaced at first by Tyler Moore. Gio Gonzalez retired the eight and nine batters in the Brewers' order, but hit Norichika Aoki to put a runner on with two down before Carlos Gomez grounded into a force at second to end the inning after 11 pitches from Gonzalez.

' Good Gio Innings: Gio Gonzalez singled with one down in the Nationals' fifth, but was erased on a force at second on a Steve Lombardozzi grounder to short. Bryce Harper (0 for 2, K) stepped in with a runner on and two out and K'd swinging at a 96 mph full-count fastball outside on the eighth pitch of the at bat with the Brewers' starter. Gio Gonzalez needed nine pitches total to get through the bottom of the inning with the ninth pitch a 94 mph full-count fastball to Rickie Weeks that was called strike three by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. Finally Gio and Mike agree on a call. The nine-pitch inning had Gonzalez up to 78 pitches after five. Still 3-1 Milwaukee.

' 2B+2B, Then K+K: Ryan Zimmerman's 22nd double of 2012 was an opposite field line drive to right on a 94 mph 2-2 fastball from Mark Rogers. Tyler Moore's 5th double of 2012 was a RBI two-bagger to left that bounced off the Papa John's scoreboard and brought Zimmerman around to make it a one-run game in the sixth. 3-2 Brewers. Michael Morse K'd swinging for out no.1 and K no. 6 for Rogers. Danny Espinosa K'd swinging for out no.2 and K no. 7. Roger Bernadina K'... walked with two down to end Mark Rogers' start after 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's, 1 HR, 98 P, 59 S, 5/4 GO/FO. Right-hander Tim Henderson took over for Rogers and retired Jesus Flores two pitches later. Still 3-2 Milwaukee.

' A leadoff single by Jonathan Lucroy and a four-pitch walk to Cody Ransom put two on for Cesar Izturis, who bunted bother runners over/gave up an out. Pinch hitter Aramis Ramirez stepped in with first base open so he was intentionally walked to load the bases and a surprise bunt by Norichika Aoki caught everyone off guard, allowing a run to score as Aoki reached safely on a blown call by first base ump Tim Welk. So the bases were still loaded for Carlos Gomez, whose sac fly to center brought in another run. 5-2 Brewers. 20-pitch inning for Gio Gonzalez has him up to 98 pitches.

' Gio Gonzalez's Line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 4 K's, 98 P, 57 S, 8/2 GO/FO.

' Rally On Livan?: Corey Brown, hitting for Gio, and Steve Lombardozzi both went the other way for back-to-back singles off Brewers' right-hander Livan Hernandez in the top of the seventh. Bryce Harper took a 3-1 curve for ball four and walked to load the bases in front of Ryan Zimmerman. Zim (who was 7 for 25 w/ 2 doubles and 2 HR's vs Livan in his career) grounded to third where Cody Ransom started a 5-3 DP, but a run scored to make it 5-3 Milwaukee. A fly to right by Tyler Moore ended the inning. Two-run lead for the Brewers in the seventh.

' [CHOMP!]: Make that a four-run lead. Ryan Mattheus took over in the bottom of the seventh and gave up back-to-back hits by Corey Hart, who singled, and Rickie Weeks, who homered to center. Two-run blast. 7-3 Brewers. Weeks' 11th HR of 2012. Milwaukee reliever Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez gave up a seven-pitch, leadoff walk to Michael Morse in the top of the eighth and one out later (after Espinosa K'd swinging), Roger "The Shark" Bernadina took K-Rod deep to left-center for a two-run blast that made it a 7-5 game in Milwaukee's favor. A line drive to center by Jesus Flores ended K-Rod's day. Flores took third when Corey Brown lined a 2-1 fastball to right for his first double of the year and scored when Steve Lombardozzi grounded out to the right side. 7-6 game. A wild pitch by Axford with Harper up brought Brown in from third and tied it at 7-7 after seven and a half.

' Mattheus Comes Back, So Do Brewers: The tie lasted all of four pitches as Brewers' outfielder Norichika Aoki hit a one-out home run to right field on an 0-1 fastball from Mattheus. Aoki's sixth sailed out to right and Carlos Gomez followed with a home run of his own to center field in the next at bat to quickly make it a 9-7 game with one down in the eighth. A two-out double to left ended Mattheus' day after 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3 HR's. 9-7 Milwaukee after eight.

' Last Chance: John Axford came back out for the ninth. Ryan Zimmerman K'd swinging at a high fastball for out no.1. Pinch hitter Mark DeRosa walked with one down and Michael Morse ... took a 96 mph 0-2 fastball all the way the other way for a line drive HR to right! 9-9 on Morse's 8th. Axford blows the lead. It's tied at 9-9 after eight and a half. Craig Stammen came back for the bottom of the ninth and retired the side in order to send it to extra innings.

' FREE BASEBALL!!: Milwaukee right-hander Jose Veras threw a nine-pitch 1-2-3 10th. Davey Johnson stuck with Craig Stammen for the bottom of the inning. The Nats' right-hander got Norichika Aoki swinging, got a groundout from Carlos Gomez and a second K from Ryan Braun in a 12-pitch, 1-2-3 10th. Still 9-9. Bryce Harper led off the eleventh against Veras with a walk, then went first-to-third' on a single to right by Ryan Zimmerman. Mark DeRosa K'd looking at a two-strike slider inside for out no.1, but Michael Morse came through again, lining to left to score Harper and Zim and make it an 11-9 game in the eleventh. Morse took third on an Espinosa single to center. Roger Bernadina walked to load the bases with one down. Kameron Loe came on for Milwaukee. Jesus Flores K'd on a check-swing strike three and Corey Brown flew to left to end the top of the inning.

' Clipp'd?: Tyler Clippard came on for the bottom of the eleventh looking for save no. 20 of 2012 and gave up a leadoff home run to straight center by Corey Hart. 11-10 on Hart's 19th. Rickie Weeks K'd looking at a 2-2 change for out no.1. Nyjer Morgan got thrown out by Danny Espinosa on a diving play at short. TWO!! Cody Ransom worked the count full and walked with two down, but Cesar Izturis popped up to Michael Morse in foul territory to end it. 11-10 final. Nats take three of four from Milwaukee.

' Miss The Game? The D.C. Faithful Were Watching...

' Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 101: Bernadina's HR (+5.6%) didn't even register":

Via FanGraphs

• Free passes: Gio Gonzalez (-27.9%) walks 5 and hits a two batters, giving up 5 R (3 ER) over 6 IP.
• Opportunities: Ryan Zimmerman (+6.5%) hits into a bases-loaded GDP in the 7th (-17.1%), but singles to put runners corners in the 11th (+23.2%).
• Bandbox'd: Ryan Mattheus (-40.9%) can't keep the ball in the yard, giving up a two-run HR (-6.6%) to go further behind in the 7th and two solo HRs (-29.9%, -7.8%) to go behind after the game-tying rally in the top of the 8th.
• Teammate picker-upper: Michael Morse (+58.8%) is 2-3 with a walk and a game-tying, two-run, oppo-boppo blast in the 9th (+36.0%), as well as a go-ahead, two-run double in the 11th (+24.9%).
• Horse: Craig Stammen (+27.8%) keeps it close or tied for 7 big outs.
• Interesting: Tyler Clippard (+8.7%) gives up a leadoff homer in the 11th (-10.7%) and a two-out walk before getting the game-ending popup to earn a shutdown.
• Notable rookies: Steve Lombardozzi (+9.3%) leads off the game with a solo dinger (+10.1%). Tyler Moore (+9.9%) hits an RBI double to get the Nats within 1 in the 6th (+14.1%). Bryce Harper (+9.1%) walks to load the bases in the 7th (+10.7%) and again to lead off the 11th (+8.2%). Corey Brown (+33.9%) doubles in the 8th (+14.1%) then scores the tying run on a WP (+20.0%).

Nationals now 61-40.

Washington Nationals' Adam LaRoche Leaves Game With "Back Tightness"

32-year-old Nats' first baseman Adam LaRoche was 1 for 2 today with a one-out single in the fourth which left him 10 for 22 with three home runs on the Washington Nationals' six-game trip through New York and Milwaukee. LaRoche was stranded after his hit and he came back out for the fourth before leaving the field. 25-year-old rookie 1B/OF Tyler Moore replaced LaRoche at first and went 1 for 2 with a double and an RBI in the Nationals' extra-innings win over the Brewers. During the game the Nationals (via Twitter @NationalsPR) sent out the following update:

1B Adam LaRoche left today's game in the middle of the 4th inning with back tightness. He is listed as day-to-day.

' Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) July 29, 2012

After the game, Nats' skipper Davey Johnson talked to reporters about the issue, explaining that LaRoche's, "... back was spasming," and when the first baseman complained to third base coach Bo Porter, the manager said to himself, "'Well, I can't lose him,' so [we] immediately made a change." Johnson noted that LaRoche saw a doctor, "... and the doctor said it was just muscle spasms and [trainer Lee Kuntz] came out and confirmed that and [LaRoche] should be alright. A day off, he should be fine."

Johnson said LaRoche is never one to complain or come out of a game, "He's pretty durable. He never says anything, never comes out of a ballgame, so when I heard that he had a problem I immediately made the change."

When LaRoche spoke to reporters after the game, including the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore, he told them his back had been bothering him for around a week and he was quoted stating he had "no clue" if he'd be good to go when Washington starts a three-game series with the visiting Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday night. LaRoche did say, however, as the WaPost's Mr. Kilgore wrote, that he was, "... confident the injury will not hold him out a significant portion of games."

In 95 game and 347 at bats this season, the veteran of nine MLB seasons, in his second year in DC., has a .265/.342/.499 line with 22 doubles and 19 HR's.

Wisconsin's Own Jordan Zimmermann Leads Washington Nationals To 4-1 Win Over The Milwaukee Brewers.

' Zimmermann, Jordan: Last time out in New York, 26-year-old Nats' starter Jordan Zimmermann allowed just one run in 6.0 IP over which he gave up four hits total and recorded six K's. The Auburndale, Wisconsin-born pitcher's strong outing continued a streak of twenty-straight starts this year in which he's gone at least 6.0 IP. The '07 2nd Round pick, who hasn't lost a start since June 22nd in Baltimore, has won four of his last six outings with the Nationals 5-1 over that stretch, and he's posted a 0.95 ERA with six walks (1.42 BB/9) and 26 K's (6.16 K/9) in 38.0 IP over that period, lowering his 2012 ERA from 2.77 to 2.31 in the process. Before tonight, that was good for the fourth-lowest ERA in the National League. Nats' skipper Davey Johnson was impressed with what he saw from Zimmermann in that Citi Field start even though the pitcher received no decision in a game the Nats eventually won 8-2 in extra innings.

"Jordan was his usual self," the Nats' skipper said, "Pitched a great ballgame, [but] the offense didn't wake until the rain stopped about the seventh inning or eighth inning. But another great outing by Jordan, it was just a shame we couldn't save it for him." Zimmermann left that game in New York with 2-1 lead, but reliever Michael Gonzalez gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the seventh. Though Zimmermann was only at 89 pitches after 6.0 IP, his manager decided that was enough. "I'm not going to push Jordan at this point in time in the season," Johnson said, "He gave me six good innings and that was fine for me."

Though the Nationals' 69-year-old manager didn't want to go into specifics as to why he was pulling his starter early, Johnson did say that his decision was in part made with the rest of the season in mind. "I don't want to get into specifics for all my reasons why I do things," he said, "But it was the best thing for him and the best thing for the ballclub that he departed after six."

Before tonight's game Zimmermann was (7-6) on the year with a 2.31 ERA, 3.49 FIP, 23 walks (1.61 BB/9) and 90 K's (6.31 K/9) in 20 starts and 128.1 IP. After he left his first start in his home state tonight after 6.0 IP, the Nationals' right-hander had gone at least six inning in his twenty-first consecutive starts. Zimmermann left the game with a 4-1 lead, a 2.28 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 24 walks (1.50 BB/9) and 96 K's (6.43 K/9) in 21 starts and 134.1 IP...

Did Jordan Zimmermann and the Nats win?

' Milwaukee Bears vs Homestead Grays: Bears/Brewers' left-hander Randy Wolf gave up a two-out walk to the Nationals/Grays' Ryan Zimmerman in the top of the first, but the veteran starter got a grounder back to the mound from Michael Morse to end the opening frame after 17 pitches. No.27 in gray, Jordan Zimmermann, battled Norichika Aoki for seven pitches to get a groundout to short for the first out of the home-half of the inning. Zimmermann threw a 96 mph 2-2 fastball by Carlos Gomez and got Ryan Braun swinging with an 0-2 heater in a 16-pitch, 1-2-3 first. Wolf threw just 10 pitches in a 1-2-3 second against the Nats in which he retired Adam LaRoche, Tyler Moore and Jesus Flores in order. A 95 mph 0-2 fastball got a fly to right from Aramis Ramirez. Corey Hart K'd chasing a 2-2 slider. Rickie Weeks, however, was able to get hold of a 96 mph 2-2 four-seamer and he sent a line drive out to the right-center gap for his 20th double of the year, but a groundout to short by Brewers' backstop Martin Maldonado ended a 17-pitch second by the Nats' right-hander. 0-0 in Milwaukee.

' The Pride Of Auburndale, WI: Wolf threw an 11-pitch, 1-2-3 second, striking out Zimmermann and Danny Espinosa to end his third scoreless frame. After the Nats' starter struck Cody Ransom out with an 0-2 fastball, he tried to bust the Brewers' left-handed hitting and throwing pitcher inside and gave up a one-out single to left when Randy Wolf hit a 95 mph 1-2 four-seamer to the opposite field. Norichika Aoki sent what could have been a DP grounder back up the middle in the next at bat, but it bounced off the rosin bag behind the mound and slowed down enough that there was no play for Nats' SS Danny Espinosa. Two on, 1 one out. Carlos Gomez bunted both runners over, giving away an out and Ryan Braun grounded out to third to end a 14-pitch frame. Still no score.

' Chiefs! Chiefs! Chiefs!: Corey Brown was 0 for 1 tonight, and 0 for 11 overall ten games into his Major League career when he stepped to the plate in the top of the fourth and hit a 1-1 curve from Randy Wolf to left-center for an oppo-boppo blast, his first major league hit and his first major league home run. The 26-year-old A's '07 1st Round pick (59th overall), acquired along with RHP Henry Rodriguez in the deal that sent Josh Willingham to Oakland, has a .300/.384/.559 line at Triple-A Syracuse this season, with 19 doubles and 21 HR's and he now has 22 HR's overall on the year. 1-0 Nats on Brown's first HR for Washington. Tyler Moore, who's hit 31 HR's in each of his last two seasons in the Nats' system, had nine HR's in 29 games and 115 plate appearances at Triple-A this year, and five in the Nationals' lineup before he hit the second home run of the inning two outs after Brown's. Adam LaRoche comes around to score on Moore's sixth after singling his own way on. 3-0 Nationals after three and a half in Miller Park. 29-pitch inning for Wolf.

' Zimmermann Surrenders Run, Wisconsinites Shocked: Aramis Ramirez hit his 35th double of the year off the right-center wall after battling Jordan Zimmermann for nine pitches in the first at bat of the Brewers' fourth. A broken bat groundout to second by Corey Hart moved Ramirez over to third, and a Rickie Weeks single brought him home to make it a 3-1 game in the Nats' favor. Weeks, 2 for 2, took an 0-1 fastball through the right side of the infield and moved into scoring position himself on a one-out walk to Martin Maldonado. Zimmermann got a visit from pitching coach Steve McCatty then got a 5-4-3 inning-ending DP out of Cody Ransom to end a 26-pitch frame. 3-1 Nats after four.

' TKCHZ!!: Jordan Zimmermann got his three-run lead back when Ryan Zimmerman sent a solo shot to straight-center on a 90 mph first pitch fastball from Randy Wolf in the Nationals fifth. The two-out blast was Zimmerman's 15th, and it went 400ft+ and out to Miller Park's batter's eye, over a leaping Carlos Gomez. 4-1 Nationals after four and a half. Jordan Zimmermann needed 11 pitches to retire the Brewers in order in the bottom the fifth, collecting his 5th K along the way and completing five innings on 85 pitches overall.

' MOAR MOORE: Tyler Moore beat out a sharp grounder to third, arriving just ahead of a throw over from Aramis Ramirez, who made a nice backhand play and strong toss. Randy Wolf got groundouts from Jesus Flores and Steve Lombardozzi though, and ended the top of the sixth at 89 pitches overall after an 11-pitch frame. Ryan Braun K'd swinging at a 93 mph 1-2 four-seamer. Aramis Ramirez popped out on the first pitch he saw. Corey Hart grounded out to short. An eight-pitch, 1-2-3 sixth for Zimmermann has him up to 93 P. He's done.

' Jordan Zimmermann's line: 6.0 IP. 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 93 P, 69 S, 7/6 GO/FO.

' Storen Warning?: Randy Wolf gave up a one-out single by Danny Espinosa, but one out later struck Ryan Zimmerman out to end a 16-pitch inning at 105 pitches overall on the night. Still 4-1 Nationals. Drew Storen took over in the seventh, putting Rickie Weeks on with a HBP on the left elbow. Three outs later Storen was through a scoreless inning of work in relief with the help of a slick play at third by Ryan Zimmmerman, who robbed pinch hitter Jonathan Lucroy of an extra base hit with a diving stab. 12-pitch inning for Storen, still 4-1 Nationals.

' eMb: Brewers' reliever and former Expos' prospect Jim Henderson gave up a one-out Adam LaRoche single, but nothing else in a scoreless top of the eighth. Sean Burnett retired the first two batters he faced before surrendering an opposite field single by Ryan Braun, who'd gone 0 for 3 tonight before that hit. Aramis Ramirez's fly ball to Roger Bernadina in right ended an 11-pitch inning by the Nationals' lefty. Brewers' right-hander Kameron Loe gave up leadoff single by Steve Lombardozzi in the Nats' ninth, but Lombo was stranded at third three outs later in what was still a three-run game. 4-1 Nationals after eight and a half.

' Ready Or Not: Nats' closer Tyler Clippard took over in the bottom of the ninth looking for save no. 19 of 2012. Corey Hart K'd swinging over a 1-2 change. ONE!! Rickie Weeks flew out to Roger Bernadina on an 0-2 cutter from Clippard. TWO!!! Martin Maldonado K'd swinging at a 2-2 change to end it. 1-2-3 Nationals win. Win no. 8 for Zimmermann. Save no.19 for Clipp. Win no. 60 for Washington.

' Miss The Game? The D.C. Faithful Were Watching...

' Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 100: Smurfy 60!":

Tonight's game thread: JZ's back... and he's mad as heck.

Via FanGraphs

• Home town hero: Jordan Zimmermann (+22.0%) throws 6 innings, striking out 6, walking 1 and only allowing 1 ER.
• Off the Schneid: Corey Brown (+9.1%) makes his first MLB hit count, going yard to put the Nats up 1-0 in the 4th (+12.9%).
• More rookie excellence: Tyler Moore (+18.6%) is 2-4 with a two-run bomb to put the Nats up 3-0 later in the 4th (+19.9%).
• Cynical, stat-padding veteran: Ryan Zimmerman (+7.5%) jacks a meaningless, junk-time solo shot to put the Nats up 4-1 (+9.4%).

Nationals now 60-40.

Game 100: Smurfy 60!

Ministry of Plenty

Doghouse

Dave at District Sports Page

bluelineswinger

d_c_guy

jeff550

SaratogaCountySports

Washington Nationals' Manager Davey Johnson On Jordan Zimmermann's Outing And Shoulder.

Washington Nationals' right-hander Jordan Zimmermann left his 20th start of the 2012 season in Citi Field last week after just 6.0 innings and 89 pitches against the New York Mets. After the start, Davey Johnson told reporters that he had his reasons for removing the 26-year-old starter after a relatively short outing, but he chose not to elaborate, explaining, "I don't want to get in to specifics for all my reasons why I do things, but it was the best thing for him and the best thing for the ballclub that he departed after six."

In his daily pregame interview with 106.7 the FAN in D.C.'s Dave Jageler before Saturday night's game in Milwaukee, the Nats' skipper told the Nationals' radio announcer that the '07 2nd Round pick has been dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder which has led to the starter taking longer to get loose.

"He's had a little bit of inflammation in his shoulder, there's no secret," Johnson said, "And the only problem is he has a little problem getting loose. Any time that comes up, he's taking medication and stuff, but it's a concern that I'm not going to let him throw a whole lot if pitches if I can help it."

Asked if some of the shorter, 6.0-inning outings recently have ended early after just six innings and 87-95 pitches to protect the right-hander, Davey Johnson said, "He's been very pitch-efficient and he's leading our club in innings I think, he goes six or seven innings, I don't think he's ever gone less than six, but I try to protect all of them, not just Jordan."

"But with [Zimmermann] having a little a little bit... he struggles a little bit to get loose and then he's fine," the manager continued, "He has no problem, but I'll watch him pretty close."

Zimmermann went 6.0 innings again tonight in Milwaukee where he earned the win, allowing five hits, one earned run and one walk while recording five K's and throwing 93 pitches, 69 of them strikes, improving to (8-6) on the year with a 2.28 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 24 walks (1.50 BB/9) and 96 K's (6.43 K/9) in 21 starts and 134.1 IP. "Zim was Zim," Davey Johnson said after the game, "He struggled a little bit in the fourth inning, but picked up the pace and the sixth, just overpowered them, he breezed through the sixth."

"He's had a little trouble warming up," Davey Johnson explained, elaborating on what the issue has been for the Nats' right-handed starter, "So we were a little concerned about that, that's what I was telling you about I was holding his pitches down. He's fine, but it concerns me any time when they have a little bit of trouble getting loose."

The Nats' manager explained that it was an issue that Zimmermann has been dealing with for the last two or three starts for the first ten pitches or so of his warm-up in the bullpen. The issue was in "the back of his shoulder," the manager explained, adding simply, "Any time any little thing goes on like that it concerns me." After the first ten pitches or so, however, "He feels great," Johnson said, "But it's my job and [Pitching Coach Steve] McCatty's... every little thing, any little problem, and so, even though he was getting stronger it looked like, I said, 'That's it.'"

' Zimmermann via the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore on Twitter (@AdamKilgoreWP):

Davey's been extra protective of Znn lately b/c he's had trouble getting shoulder loose. Znn: "It's something every pitcher goes through."

' Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) July 29, 2012

Washington Nationals At Milwaukee Brewers: GameThread 99 Of 162.

---

Next Game

Washington Nationals
@ Milwaukee Brewers

Friday, Jul 27, 2012, 8:10 PM EDT
Miller Park

Ross Detwiler vs Michael Fiers

Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75.

' D.C. Starting Lineup:

1. Steve "#LomboLobby" Lombardozzi - 2B

2. "Run-Until-He's-Tagged, Tape-Measure-Testing, Laser-Throwing, Eyeblack-Oozing Baseball Cyborg" (aka Bryce Harper) - RF

3. THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! - 3B

4. Adam "Graceful, Effortless" LaRoche - 1B

5. The People's Champion Michael Morse - LF

6. "Left Side" Danny Espinosa - SS

7. The Shark - CF

8. Sandy Leon - C

9. Ross Detwiler - LHP

' LINKS:

Washington Nationals' Davey Johnson's Confidence In The Nats Is Nothing New.

posted by Patrick Reddington about 2 hours ago

12 comments | 0 recs

Wire Taps: Washington Nationals 20 Games Over .500... No Seriously, 20 Games Over .500.

posted by Patrick Reddington about 4 hours ago

20 comments | 0 recs

Washington Nationals 8-2 Over Milwaukee Brewers; Edwin Jackson With 7.0 Scoreless.

posted by Patrick Reddington about 16 hours ago

24 comments | 0 recs

Complete Coverage >

---

' For A Milwaukee Brewers Fan's Perspective, Check Out The SB Nation's Brewers Site: Brew Crew Ball.

' Tonight's Starting Pitcher, Ross Detwiler, Would Like To Challenge You To A Staring Contest:

---

Michael Fiers

#64 / Pitcher / Milwaukee Brewers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 195

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Jun 15, 1985

' 2011 Stats - (0-0), 2 G, 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB (13.50 BB/9), 2 K's (9.00 K/9), 0.00 ERA, 5.53 FIP, 2.50 WHIP.

' 2012 Stats - (3-4), 10 G, 9 GS, 59.2 IP, 1.96 ERA, 2.26 FIP, ERA+ = 211, 13 BB (1.96 BB/9), 58 K's (8.75 K/9), 1.06 WHIP.

vs D.C. - N/A

---

---

Ross Detwiler

#48 / Pitcher / Washington Nationals

Height: 6-5

Weight: 185

Bats: R

Throws: L

Born: Mar 06, 1986

' 2011 Stats - (4-5), 15 G, 10 GS, 66.0 IP, 3.00 ERA, 4.21 FIP, ERA+ = 128, 20 BB (2.73 BB/9), 41 K's (5.59 K/9), 1.26 WHIP.

' 2012 Stats - (5-3), 20 G, 14 GS, 92.2 IP, 3.01 ERA, 3.68 FIP, ERA+ = 132, 27 BB (2.62 BB/9), 62 K's (6.02 K/9), 1.22 WHIP.

vs D.C. - (0-1), 1 G, 1 GS, 3.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's, 0.00 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, .188 BAA.

---

' Fiers vs the Nats: N/A

' Detwiler vs the Brewers:

' Mr. Wilbon? Way To Go Nats!!!

' Mr. Kornheiser? "Don't Hate on the Nats, Baby!"

' Who's Watching The Nationals?

Game 99: Happy 60-Wins Day, JINXERS.

by Doghouse on Jul 27, 2012 10:59 PM EDT

Tweet 11 comments  |  Add comment  |  0 recs  | 

Read More: Ross Detwiler (P - WAS), Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers

Comments

• ' Top of comments
• ' Top of page
• ' Stories
• ' Federal Baseball
• ' SB Nation

Washington Nationals Can't Figure Out Mike Fiers. Milwaukee Brewers Win 6-0.

' Streaks And Streaks And: The Washington Nationals started Friday night's game on a six-game win streak. The Nats had also won four-straight Ross Detwiler starts. The Milwaukee Brewers were on a seven-game losing streak and they were 0-3 the last three times 27-year-old right-hander Mike Fiers took the mound. So you know how this one was going to end, right? Fiers, an '09 22 Round pick in his second MLB season, gave up a two-out walk to Ryan Zimmerman but completed a scoreless 13-pitch first when he popped up Adam LaRoche. Detwiler, the Nats' 07 1st Round pick, needed just six pitches to set Milwaukee's first three batters down in order in the bottom of the inning. One more streak? According to the Nationals on Twitter (@NationalsPR) that was Detwiler's 11th straight scoreless first inning... 0-0 after one in Miller Park.

' 2.0 Scoreless: Michael Morse walked in a six-pitch at bat to start the Nationals' second, but 16 pitches later Brewers' starter Mike Fiers was through a 22-pitch frame. Milwaukee third baseman Aramis Ramirez singled through the left side of the infield to start the bottom of the inning, but he was erased on a 6-4-3 DP off Brewers' first baseman Corey Hart's bat. Rickie Weeks took a 94 mph 1-1 four-seamer through short for a two-out single and took second on a wild pitch from Detwiler, but the Nats' left-hander got a weak grounder back to the mound from Jonathan Lucroy to end a 14-pitch frame. 20 pitches total through two scoreless for Detwiler. Still no score in Wisconsin...

' 1-2-3 vs 6-4-3: Ross Detwiler struck out in a five-pitch at bat. Steve Lombardozzi battled for seven pitches before he K'd looking at a 3-1 fastball. Bryce Harper was first-pitch swinging, but he flew out to center to end a 13-pitch third by the Brewers' Mike Fiers. Detwiler needed just 11 pitch to retire Milwaukee's 8-9-and-1 hitters in a 1-2-3 third, after which the left-hander was at 31 pitches overall with 3.0 scoreless in Miller Park. Mike Fiers allowed two walks in his first three innings, and retired Ryan Zimmerman to start the fourth before Adam LaRoche connected with an 0-1 change and sent a soft fly ball to center for the Nationals' first hit. A 1-0 curve to Michael Morse got the Brewers' right-hander a grounder to short, however, and Cody Ransom, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart combined on an inning-ending 6-4-3. Still 0-0.

' All W/ 2 Outs: Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun K'd swinging for outs no.1 and 2 and K's no. 2 and 3 for Ross Detwiler tonight, but Aramis Ramirez doubled to right-center with two down, just out of Bryce Harper's reach, and Corey Hart pulled an 0-1 fastball to left and just over the wall for a line drive two-run HR and a 2-0 Brewers' lead. Double no. 34 for Ramirez. HR no. 18 for Hart. While Detwiler's thrown 11-straight scoreless first innings, the fourth has been a problem for the Nats' starter. Before tonight's game, opposing hitters had a .298/.355/.333 line against the left-hander in the fourth innings he's pitched. Rickie Weeks doubled to center for the third-straight two-out hit, and a two-out walk to Jonathan Lucroy earned Detwiler a visit from Steve McCatty before a throw to second by Sandy Leon on an attempted double steal arrived in time to catch the Brewers' catcher and get Detwiler out of a jam. 2-0 Brewers after 4.0. 34-pitch inning for Detwiler.

' Ross Detwiler's Not Sharp: The Nationals managed just one hit off the Brewers' Mike Frier through five. The right-hander needed just 13 pitches to retire the Nats in order in the top of the fifth, after which he was up to 69 pitches overall. Ross Detwiler started the bottom of the fifth inning at 65 pitches total. Detwiler struck out the first two batters for the second-straight inning, getting Cody Ransom looking and the opposing pitcher swinging for outs 1 and 2 and K's 4 and 5 on the night, but Norichika Aoki doubled with two down and stole third when Detwiler forgot about/ignored him. Aoki then scored on Carlos Gomez's RBI single and Detwiler was done for the night with the score 3-0 Milwaukee. Craig Stammen came on and let Gomez steal third in front of Ryan Braun, who sent an opposite field RBI single to right to make it 4-0 Milwaukee. Braun stole second too, for the Brewers' third stolen base in four attempts, and Aramis Ramirez connected with a full-count slider, sending a towering HR to left-center to make it 6-0 Brewers. Ramirez's 12th HR.

' No, Livan! Not the Curve!!: Steve Lombardozzi singled to center and Bryce Harper took a one-out walk in the Nationals' sixth, bringing Ryan Zimmerman up with two on, but the Nats' third baseman K'd looking on a 72 mph 2-2 bender on the eighth pitch of his at bat with Mike Fiers. 2 on, 2 out for Adam LaRoche? But a fly to right ends the sixth and Fiers' sixth scoreless. 6-0 Milwaukee. Craig Stammen gave up a two-out walk to Cody Ransom in the Brewers' sixth, but one pitch later he'd retired Mike Fiers to end a 14-pitch inning. Still 6-0. Michael Morse singled to start the seventh, took a base on a wild pitch and went to third on a one-out single to center by Mark DeRosa that ended Mike Fiers' night. Livan Hernandez took over with runners on the corners and one out and a got a 6-3 DP off Sandy Leon's bat to end the top of the inning. Still 6-0 Milwaukee.

' Storen and H-Rod = Filthy At Least?: Nats' right-hander Drew Storen gave up a leadoff single by Norichika Aoki in the Brewers' seventh, but retired the next three batters in order in a nine-pitch inning. Corey Brown, Steve Lombardozzi and Bryce Harper in order in a scoreless eighth that ended with Harper swinging through a 70 mph full-count curve. Henry "Lightning" Rodriguez struck Corey Hart out on three pitches, got a groundout to short by Rickie Weeks and fly to center from Jonathan Lucroy in a 10-pitch, 1-2-3 inning. Jose Veras got Ryan Zimmerman looking to start the ninth. Adam LaRoche grounded out to second for out no.2. Michael Morse grounded out to third to end it. Nats' six-game win-streak snapped. 6-0 Brewers win.

' Miss The Game? The D.C. Faithful Were Watching...

' Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: COMING SOON! W00T!!!

Nationals now 59-40.

Game 96: An almost comfortable win

Ministry of Plenty

Doghouse

Dave at District Sports Page

bluelineswinger

d_c_guy

jeff550

SaratogaCountySports

Washington Nationals' Gio Gonzalez Has His Revenge. Nats Beat R.A. Dickey And New York Mets, 5-2.

' Gio vs New York: The Mets knocked Gio Gonzalez around and knocked him out after 3.1 IP last week in Nationals Park in a start in which the Nats' left-hander surrendered six hits, three walks and six runs to Washington's NL East rivals from New York. In his second career start in Citi Field tonight, Gonzalez took the mound after a scoreless, 14-pitch top of the inning in which Mets' right-hander R.A. Dickey gave up a two-out single by Ryan Zimmerman but nothing else. Washington's left-handed starter needed just six pitches to retire New York's first three batters in order, getting groundouts from Andres Torres, Daniel Murphy and David Wright in a 6-pitch, 1-2-3 bottom of the first. Adam LaRoche walked to start the second, but the Mets' 37-year-old knuckleballer set the next three Nationals down to complete a 17-pitch frame. 0-0 in NY after one and a half.

' E6 = 1-0: A high throw from deep in the hole at short put the leadoff runner on in the Mets' second. Scott Hairston reached safely on a throwing error by Danny Espinosa that pulled Adam LaRoche off the bag. Two outs later, after Hairston had stolen second, a single to right by Ronny Cedeno brought him around to give New York a 1-0 lead. Gonzalez threw 21 pitches in the bottom second of the inning...

' Harper Hates Knuckler: Bryce Harper battled R.A. Dickey for eight pitches before striking out on an 87 mph 2-2 knuckler, leaving him 0 for 2 with two K's tonight and 0 for 9 with 5 K's overall against the veteran right-hander this year. Dickey needed 14 pitches to get through the top of the third. Gio Gonzalez retired the Mets' batters in order in six pitches in the bottom of the inning. Still 1-0 New York.

' Zim pwns Knuckler: Ryan Zimmerman, who singled in his first at bat, doubled the second time up, going to right for a leadoff, opposite field ground-rule double that bounced into the stands in foul territory in right. A one-out single by Adam LaRoche moved Zimmerman to third and a two-out double by Danny Espinosa brought Zimmerman around to tie it at 1-1 after three and a half in New York. Zimmerman's 21st double. Espinosa's 25th. 1-1 game. Gio Gonzalez threw a five-pitch, 1-2-3 bottom of the fourth vs the Mets' Daniel Murphy, David Wright and Scott Hairston to finish four innings at 39 pitches overall, 27 of them strikes.

' Gio = Mad Efficient: A 13-pitch 5th had R.A. Dickey at 70 pitches overall after 5.0 innings in Citi Field. A 13-pitch, 1-2-3 5th by Gio Gonzalez had the Nats' lefty at 39 pitches overall. Bryce Harper K'd swinging in the top of the sixth for the third time tonight and the sixth time in 10 career at bats against the Mets' knuckleballer in Harper's rookie campaign. Dickey gave up a two-out single by Michael Morse then gave up a two-out, two-run home run by Adam LaRoche that sailed into the second deck in right and five rows back at that. 3-1 Nationals on LaRoche's 17th. Measure that one. Danny Espinosa singled in the next at bat, Roger Bernadina reached first safely on a swinging bunt and both runners scored when Jesus Flores lined to left for the third-straight two-out hit and Mets' left fielder Jason Bay sailed a throw way over home allowing two runs to score. 5-1 Nationals after five and a half.

' More Gio Goodness: Gio Gonzalez surrendered his first walk of the game to Andres Torres with two outs in the Mets' sixth. Daniel Murphy's grounder back to the mound ended a 16-pitch frame, after which Gio was at 68 pitches overall, up 5-1 after six innings in Citi Field in which he allowed just one hit. Bryce Harper was 0 for 4 tonight, but he avoided the Golden Sombrero when he lined out to second with one down in his fourth at bat in the sixth. Ryan Zimmerman singled off Mets' reliever Manny Acosta with two down, but a groundout to short by Michael Morse ended the top of the seventh with the score still 5-1 Nats.

' Zim. Keeps. Hitting: Ryan Zimmerman singled with two down in the Nationals' seventh, hitting in his third of four at bats tonight in New York. Manny Acosta got a groundout from Michael Morse to end the top of the frame. Nats' skipper Davey Johnson sent Gio Gonzalez came back out for the seventh. The Nationals' left-hander surrendered a two-out single by Ike Davis and a two-out walk to Jason Bay before retiring Ronny Cedeno on a groundout to short that ended a 19-pitch inning with Gio Gonzalez at 87 pitches overall.

' Gio's Done: Adam LaRoche singled off Mets' lefty Josh Edgin to start the eighth, then took second on a Roger Bernadina line drive to right that Scott Hairston couldn't catch. Both runners were stranded, however, when Edgin struck Jesus Flores and pinch hitter Tyler Moore out to end the top of the eighth...

' Gio Gonzalez's Line: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's, 87 P, 53 strikes, 12/4 GO/FO

' FIREWORKS!!: Ryan Mattheus took over for Gonzalez in the eighth, but stayed around just long enough to give up a solo blast by Mets' pinch hitter Jordany Valdespin, who set a Mets' team record with his 5th pinch hit home run of the season. 5-2 game on Valdespin's 7th overall. Davey Johnson went to Sean Burnett at that point, who retired the next three Mets in order to keep it a three-run lead at 5-2 Nats.

' Clipp'd: Ramon Ramirez let Bryce Harper on for the first time tonight, walking the Nats' outfielder with down and allowing him to avoid strikeout no. 4 on the night. Harper got caught stealing for out no.2 of the Nats' ninth. Ryan Zimmerman's grounder to Ike Davis ended the top of the ninth with the score still 5-2 Nationals. Tyler Clippard came on for the bottom of the ninth, looking for his 17th save of 2012. A win and the Nationals would hand R.A. Dickey his first loss since April 18th in Atlanta. David Wright K'd swinging. ONE!!! Scott Hairston K'd looking! TWO!! Ike Davis grounded back to the mound to end it. 5th straight loss for NY. R.A. Dickey takes the loss. Nats take first two in New York. 5-2 final.

' Miss The Game? The D.C. Faithful Were Watching...

' Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 96: An almost comfortable win":

Via FanGraphs

• Learning from Lannan? Gio Gonzalez (+21.2%) brings teh graondurz, only striking out 4 and walking 2 over 7 innings with a single run (unearned) allowed.
• Effortless offense: Adam LaRoche (+30.5%) is 2-3 with a walk and a two-out, two-run bomb to put the Nats ahead in the 6th (+30.2%).
• Rally time(s): Danny Espinosa (+9.6%) doubles in the tying run in the 4th (+12.7%). Jesus Flores (+7.9%) gets an RBI single to extend the lead in the 6th, with a bonus Shark run on an error (+13.7%).

Nationals now 57-39.

Washington Nationals At New York Mets: GameThread 96 Of 162.

Ministry of Plenty

Doghouse

Dave at District Sports Page

bluelineswinger

d_c_guy

jeff550

SaratogaCountySports