GB&U: Set-Up for Losing

RESULT: Nats lose to Giants 6-4.

GOOD: Ryan Zimmerman. He went 3-for-5. Feels good to type his name again. Jesus Flores. Who else? Homers and drives in two. Leads the team in RBIs. Not bad for a guy who the team felt they had to go out and sign TWO GUYS to block his play. Wee Willie Harris! Just another 2-for-5 day.

BAD: Cristian Guzman. 1-for-5, 1-for-9 since signing his new contract.

UGLY: Luis Ayala. Another 8th inning implosion. Issued a four-pitch walk. Gave up three earned on three hits. Pitching "backwards" and leaving soft breaking balls up and over the plate. Where's his nasty slider? Pitching coach Randy St. Claire doesn't know either.

INJURIES: Sounds like Lastings Milledge will be back this weekend from the groin injury he suffered a month ago. He's been hitting the ball solidly at Columbus on his rehab stint.

NEXT GAME: Today at 3:35 pm, the finale in San Fran. Looking to avoid the sweep, Tim Redding (7-4, 4.17) takes on hard-luck Matt Cain (5-8, 4.08). Boy, are we accustomed to that kind of story.