GB&U: Close But No Cigar

RESULT: Nats lose to Mets 9-7.

GOOD: Wil Nieves. 3-for-5, two run single in ninth inning to bring up tying run. Elijah Dukes. Monster 2-run shot to left, his 13th of the year. Emilio! 2-for-5 with a run and RBI. Kory Casto with two hits and an RBI. Guzman had two more hits, raising his average to .315.

BAD: Zim, 0-for-4 again. Bullpen. Bergmann, Speigner and Manning each give up a run already trailing in the game. If ANY of them do their jobs, the Nats would have had a chance last night.

UGLY: Shairon Martis. I know he's just 21, and he was rushed into this here at the end of the year due to Bergmann's stinking up the joint (Fire Jim Bowden and I see opposite sides of this issue). But Martis was awful from the start. His fastball had no movement and his other pitches were just dull. He needs at least another full year in AA honing his other pitches so on the nights when he doesn't have his good stuff he can get hitters out. His line: 3 IP, 6 ERs, 5 hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 3 HRs.

INJURY UPDATE: From the Nats Redundancy Department of Redundancy: Kearns, Flores, Belliard and Young all shut down for the year.

NEXT GAME: Tonight for game four at 7:10 pm. A match-up of "aces". Tim Redding (10-9, 4.54) faces Johan Santana (13-7, 2.70).

Lannan Tosses Gem, Beats Mets 7-2

Washington -- Washington National rookie starter John Lannan has pitched in his share of bad luck this season, considering that he has been one of the better pitchers for a team that is last in most batting statistics. But Monday night, facing a team that currently leads the N.L. East, Lannan took matters into his own hands, allowing only one hit and one earned run over seven innings, and the beleaguered Nationals bullpen suffered no repeat of Sunday's collapse, holding on for the 7-2 victory over the New York Mets before 21,759 patrons at Nationals Park.

Lannan (W, 9-13, 3.97) had struggled a little bit of late, but was sharp from the very beginning on this beautiful evening for baseball. The game time temperature was 77, and dipped to the low 70s with a light breeze by the middle innings. By that point, Lannan was well in control of the game. He scattered three walks, and struck out seven, including all-star 3B David Wright and the resurgent 1B Carlos Delgado twice each. Lannan has three 1-2-3 innings, including the sixth and seventh, showing his team that he does indeed have the strength to pitch deep into a meaningful game. He threw 59 of his 97 pitches for strikes, and left after the seventh to a standing ovation from the Nats faithful.

Offensively, Washington was paced by 2B Anderson Hernandez' two-run double in the sixth inning and Elijah Dukes' three-run shot in the eighth, his twelfth of the season. Ryan Zimmerman and Aaron Boone both drove in runs, Lastings Milledge went 3-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base, and all-star SS Cristian Guzman added two more hits.

The defense even chipped in with an outstanding diving catch by Willie Harris in left field, robbing OF Fernando Tatis of a hit, and two double plays, none bigger than in the top of the eighth, as Michael Hinckley, who has yet to surrender a run in seven and two-thirds innings since his call-up, got Wright to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to quash any chance of a Mets comeback.

But John Lannan's progression from draft pick to prospect to rotation mainstay was the story of the night. His development remains one of the main topics of what otherwise has been mostly a season of disappointment for the Washington Nationals and their fans as they challenge for the worst record in the major leagues.

The four-game series continues Tuesday night, as Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.48) and the Nats try to play spoiler against Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.77) and the Mets, who find themselves perilously close to another late-season division lead collapse.

NATS NOTES: The win puts the Nats record at 57-93. Washington is 26.5 games behind the Mets in the division, who now are only one-half game ahead of suddenly red-hot Philadelphia. The Nats are one-half game "ahead" of both Seattle and San Diego for the worst record in baseball.

Dukes Issues Apology

Courtesy of Nats Journal:

"I just wanted to apologize to my teammates and the Nationals organization and the fans for my actions in the game Wednesday. It was wrong. I basically let my emotions just get the best of me. You know, it was just tough for me to take in what I had to endure, basically, and I just shouldn't have did it and it was wrong. I wanted to apologize about it, because you know, I talked to Jim Bowden and Manny Acta and I let them know that I apologize for it, and I'll try not to let it happen again. And for my teammates especially, I just want to apologize again to them for my actions."

Appropriate. Contrite. Consice.

Since Boz Brought It Up...

I wasn't going to continue on about the Dukes incident from Wednesday's game. Plenty of others have already fanned the flames on the continuing saga of Elijah Dukes and his episode in New York Wednesday night.

Now The Washington Post's esteemed veteran columnist, Tom Boswell, has chimed in with his opinion, presumably since there are no more swim meets to write about.

First of all, what would Boz know about being toxic in the Nats clubhouse? This is only the second time this summer he's written about the Nats. The Natosphere's long-term criticism of the Post coverage (of lack thereof) for the Nationals is an exhausted subject, including in this space. But Boz takes the cake in today's column, offering conflicting views about who Dukes is, how he acts and how he reacts to events.

In one breath, Boz admits,

In a season of boredom and disappointment, Dukes has been, by far, the best reason to watch the Nats. In their search for core pieces of their future, youngsters Lastings Milledge, Jesús Flores and John Lannan have shown promise, but hardly greatness. Others, including Collin Balester, Emilio Bonifacio and Joel Hanrahan, are on the horizon. But besides Zimmerman, Dukes stands alone.

But then, as if Boz himself has his finger on the pulse of the clubhouse, decrees,

When he smiles, or connects with a fastball, electricity hits his team and you can see the vague outline of a future. But when he beats his chest after a walk-off walk, infuriating the pitcher, or glares at the home plate ump as his walk-off home run is still leaving the park, the Nationals' room grows darker.

Conflicting statements about Dukes are hardly new. Even his own teammates are divided on the issue. Chico Harlan, in his story about the Wednesday's game, offered quotes by Zimmerman, Milledge and Acta, and each had a different reaction to the unpleasantness. But what bothered me in Harlan's gamer was how he seemingly pitted Zim's comments against what Milledge said, and both comments were played down by Acta's statement. In the presentation, it's like Harlan was TRYING to create a rift.

The Post has been timid in it's coverage of Dukes, however, compared to his hometown paper, the St. Pete Times. While a profile of a troubled athlete is a legitimate story, is it necessary to append that article with a list of birthdays, mother's names, and gender of his children? Isn't that just the least bit inflammatory? And forget about the treatment Wednesday's dust-up got in the New York papers. Sensationalism at its finest. You'd think after reading some of these articles, Dukes was the second coming of Edi Amin, Hitler and Kublai Khan all rolled into one. At least the ESPN.com games story mentions the histrionics where it belonged, at the bottom of the article.

With the constant undertones of subliminal racism permeating the media coverage of Dukes, it's no wonder the kid has an over-reaching and potentially dangerous sense of "prove them wrong" mentality. It's obviously what drives him on a daily basis, makes him the ballplayer that he is, but ultimately could drive him from the game and society.

It's true Dukes brings this on himself. Ultimately, it's him and him alone that will -- or won't -- change the public's perception of him. Boz counsels Dukes in his closing paragraph,

The choice is clear. Soon, Dukes has to grow up. Not totally, but enough. Adults adapt. Elijah, you have to be the one to change, because the game, like the world, never will.

Seems like someone that uses redemption as motivation would only use the word "change" as more fuel to the fire. What Dukes did the other night was nothing to warrant investigation, suspension or public reprimand, even if it happened on a once-a-week basis. Dukes knew, when he was hit with a 3-2 change-up to load the bases, that it wasn't intentional. He took his base without incident and the game went on. If he has to change anything, he just has to get used to getting hit. Cause if you're gonna blow a kiss or thump your chest toward the opponent's dugout, you're gonna get knocked down.

Stay classy Elijah. Don't hear the word "change", think "adapt". Celebrate in the clubhouse. Don't let your emotion motivate your opponent. Let your immense talent do your chest-thumping and kiss blowing for you. Others went through worse. Live long enough to become a nuisance.

Stock Photos (c) C. Nichols 2008.

GB&U: 18 Is Not Enough

RESULT: Nats lose to Mets 13-10.

GOOD: Cristian Guzman. First career two home run game. 5 RBIs. Elijah Dukes. Home run, did not take Pelfrey's head off after the beaning.

BAD: Opening Day Odalis Perez. Yuck. I won't even type his numbers. Joel Hanrahan. Another home run allowed. Sa-ool Rivera. The season can't end fast enough for him. He's throwing meatballs up there right now.

UGLY: Dukes taunting the Mets fans. I'm going to say this slowly so everyone knows where I stand: This...has...got...to...stop. I am the biggest unabashed Dukes fan around here, I think the kid can hit 40 home runs (sorry if I'm propounding Bill Ladson-like hyperbole here). But he has to know that his actions last night night were wrong and irresponsible.

INJURY UPDATE: Flores tried to do some simple drills pre-game and had to stop. He ain't coming back this year, it would be foolhardy to think and prepare otherwise.

NEXT GAME: Second off-day this week today. Nats start a three-game series with the Marlins Friday. If you play a Major League baseball game, and no one is there to see it, does it still count in the standings?

Nats Pitching Wastes Power Surge; Lose to Mets 13-10

Queens -- There have not been many instances where the Washington Nationals have hit three home runs in one game this season, let alone lose a game in which they accomplished the feat. But that's the exact scenario that played out before 52,431 screaming New York Mets fans Wednesday night at Shea Stadium, as the Nats fell 13-10 to the division leaders.

For the second night in a row at the soon to be replaced and demolished Shea, the Nats fought back from a large deficit and scored more runs than their season average, only to be ultimately thwarted in their efforts to play spoiler to the contending Mets. Cristian Guzman continued--and added to--his amazing run at the plate, smacking two home runs and driving in five on yet another three-hit night. His "slash" numbers (batting average, on-base average and slugging average) are all at full single season career highs at .314/.344/.445, and he now has nine home runs and 52 RBIs for the season.

The Nats also got a long home run by Elijah Dukes, his eleventh (2-for-4, 2 runs), who taunted the crowd on his way around the bases and then at the dugout, blowing kisses to the Queens faithful. Dukes later would be brushed back and have words with Mets starter Mike Pelfrey, and in a subsequent at bat, hit by Pelfrey on a 3-2 count.

"Some people react different than other ones," Manager Manny Acta said of Dukes. "It's very common after a homer to get pitched inside. I think we'll let it go at that."

Washington totaled ten runs on eleven hits and five walks, and on a normal night, that might have been enough for victory. But David Wright led the Mets on a thirteen hit, eight walk evening of their own, as he went 4-for-4 with a walk, home run, three RBIs and four runs scored. Wright, almost forgotten in New York with the re-emergence of 1B Carlos Delgado, is hitting .296 with 28 HRs and 109 RBIs for the Metropolitans. OFs Carlos Beltran and Fernando Tatis each added three hits and two RBIs as well, and former Nat Brian Schneider chipped in with a two-run single in what would be the deciding seventh inning.

The Nationals found themselves down early in the game, due to a season's worst outing by starter Odalis Perez. Perez surrendered an RBI single to Beltran in the first inning, got through the second unscathed but then completely collapsed in the third. Perez struck out his opponent, Pelfrey, to start -- and finish -- the inning, an indication of just how bad it was. With one out, SS Jose Reyes singled to center, then stole second base ahead of Ryan Church's base on balls. Wright knocked in Reyes and moved Church to third with a single up the middle. Beltran took Perez' second pitch to deep left center for a double, scoring Church and advancing Wright to third base. Perez intentionally walks Delgado to get to Tatis, and the surprisingly resurgent outfielder made him pay, as he crushed one to deep left center for a double as well, plating Wright and Beltran. Second baseman Damion Easley finished the carnage, singling to left field, scoring Delgado and Tatis.

Just like that, the Nats trailed 7-1. Perez would complete the inning, but not return for the fourth. He allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on eight hits and three walks. But as poorly as he pitched, he did not take the loss.

The resilient Nats scored a single run in the fourth on a Wil Nieves ground out, three in the fifth inning courtesy of a Ryan Zimmerman ground out and Kory Casto two-run single, and two in the sixth inning on Guzman's two-run shot to right field to take Perez off the hook and tie the game.

Unfortunately, Saul Rivera (L, 5-6, 3.68) gave the lead right back in the bottom of the seventh, allowing consecutive singles to Wright and Beltran, Delgado's sacrifice fly, and Schneider's bases loaded, two out, two run single. The score was 11-7 entering the eighth inning, but the visitors were still undaunted. Aaron Boone hit a one out single to left center and Emilio Bonifacio walked, setting up Cristian Guzman's second home run of the night, a deep blast to right field just in front of the Big Red Apple that looms over right field. With just one out though, the Nats could not extend the rally, as Zimmerman flied out and Milledge grounded to third to go to the bottom of the inning still trailing by one.

The score didn't stand there long though. With Joel Hanrahan on the mound, Church drew a five pitch pass and Wright, capping his perfect evening, took a 2-2 fastball to deep left center, and all left fielder Roger Bernadina could do was watch it leave the park. Luis Ayala entered for the Mets, and recorded his second 1-2-3 save in as many nights for New York, his seventh in eight attempts since the trade.

The recent scoring outburst has to be a harbinger of good things toward next season, but the disappointment of scoring 18 runs in two games --with two losses to show for it -- was evident in the Washington dugout following the final out.

Washington is off on Thursday before starting a three-game series in Miami against the Florida Marlins. Friday's starters are expected to be Shairon Martis (0-1, 3.60) and Scott Olson (6-10, 4.41).

NATS NOTES: The loss drops Washington to 56-90. San Diego lost as well, so the teams remain tied for the worst record in the Major Leagues. Seattle won, and is now three games ahead of both teams in the loss column.

C Jesus Flores tested his sprained ankle before the game, and was still in a considerable amount of pain doing the simplest drills, such as playing catch. The team will not rush his return, Acta said.

Stock Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

GB&U: Extra Innings, Extra Effort Over the Weekend

RESULT: Nats take two from Braves over weekend; Saturday 8-5 in 10 innings, Sunday 7-4 in 14 innings.

GOOD: Saturday -- Elijah Dukes! 4-for-5, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 2 runs. Ryan Zimmerman. 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs. Guz! Ho-hum, two more hits. Ryan Langerhans! Pinch-hit homer in the 10th. Wee Willie also hit his 13th homer of the season.

Sunday -- Dukes! 1-for-7 (ouch), but three-run double in top of the 14th. Boy, Oh Boy Alberto Gonzalez. 3-for-4 with a walk, his first home run and 3 RBIs! THE BULLPEN!!! 8 innings of shut out ball, including five in extra innings. Very solid.

BAD: Saturday -- Joel Hanrahan. The dreaded "blown-save-win". 3 hits and 2 walks in one inning allowing two earned runs. He got bailed out by Langerhans, et al.

Sunday -- Collin Balestar. There will be days like these. 11 hits and 2 BBs in just six innings. Pretty amazing he only gave up four earned with that many base runners.

UGLY: Saturday -- Emilio! 0-for-5. Haven't had too many of those lately though, as his average is up to .254 including the O-fer.

Sunday -- Luke Montz. Sorry kid. 0-for-7, five runners stranded. There's an underlying reason he wasn't a prospect entering the season.

NEXT GAME: Off on Monday, the guys can probably use the rest. Tuesday it's up to New York to face the suddenly struggling Mets. Opening Day Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.14) faces some guy named Jonathon Niese (0-0, 15.00 in 3 IP).

GB&U: Dodgers Dead In The Water

RESULT: Nats spank Dodgers 11-2.

GOOD: Cristian Guzman! Hits for the CYCLE!!! His career rebirth continues with a feat not accomplished in these parts since April 2005. Relatively recent history for a Cycle. Anyway, Guz went 4-for-5 with two runs and three RBIs.

Elijah Dukes! Two home runs, three runs and four RBIs! His moderate showboating on the second homer aside, these are the kinds of nights Nats fans dream of out of Dukes.

Ryan Zimmerman! 3-for-5, two runs scored. Zim's got the average up to .272. Maybe his shoulder is starting to feel less cranky on him. Still think we're going to see a completely different player in spring training. Oh, by the way...Ryan's only 23. Bob and Don reminded me of that tonight.

John Lannan! Another quality start, dominating after allowing a two-run shot to Manny in the first. 6 IP, 2 ERs, 4 hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, WIN! He's now 8-12, 3.92.

BAD: Not much to choose from. Have to hang it on Wil Nieves (0-for-4, K) Sorry Wil.

UGLY: The Dodgers. Whew, they stink. Getting swept by the worst team in baseball, losers of seven straight and nine straight overall on the road. They go into Arizona

NEXT GAME: Tomorrow the Nats welcome Atlanta for a three-game series. Odalis Perez (5-10, 4.21) takes on Jorge Campillo (7-6, 3.37).

PROGRAMMING NOTE: I will be on vacation as soon as I finish typing, and will return Monday afternoon. Cheryl has permission to post over the weekend if she likes. Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.

GB&U: Cubs Take Rubber Match

RESULT: Nats lose 6-1 to Cubs.

GOOD: Austin Kearns. Put the Nats on the board with his 7th home run of the season. Want to know why the Nats are so bad this year? Check out this analysis on Runs Created by Fire Jim Bowden. Excellent work.

BAD: Jason Bergmann. 6.1 IP, 4 ERs, 4 hits, 4BBs, 6 Ks. He's a reliever. Get over it.

UGLY: Only 4 hits and one walk yesterday off Rich Harden, Carlos Marmol and Jeff Samardzija. In fact, the Nats got Harden into exactly ONE three-ball count before the 7th inning. That is not winning baseball.

INJURY UPDATE: Good news: Elijah Dukes is rehabbing in Columbus. Bad news: He was ejected for arguing balls and strikes yesterday.

NEXT GAME: Off-day Monday. Tuesday starts a three-game series with the Los Angels Dodgers. Collin Balestar (2-6, 4.99) takes on Derek Lowe (0-10, 3.89) for the Dodgers.

GB&U: Day Trippin'

RESULT: Nats beat Rockies 6-3 in Game 1 of double-header.

GOOD: Lastings Milliedge. Two no-doubt-about-it homers and a run scoring single. He's fairly mashing the ball these days. Jason Bergmann! Good Jason shows up in the sunshine. 7 IP, 1 ER (Holliday's homer), 7 hits, 2 BBs and 7 Ks. Good day's work. Emilio!, Zim and Belly all had two hits apiece.

BAD: Kearns, Flores and Guz (GUZ!) all 0-for-4, though Guz walked once and scored in his first start in 11 days. Word has it he needed to introduce himself to Emilio! at second base whenthe Rockies came to bat.

UGLY: Dukes to the DL. I talked about it earlier, but this is really a bummer. The team is going out of its way to say this is a calf strain, but one has to wonder if it's not related to rushing back from knee surgery less than five weeks ago. A lost season for Dukes, too. Would have been fun to watch him develop teh next 45 games. He needs those at bats.

INJURY UPDATE: In addition to the above, Boy oh boy Alberto missed again with his "glute" injury.

NEXT GAME: Already underway! Odalis got the first two, walked Holliday and grooved one to Atkins who didn't miss it. 2-0 Rocks after one full. Ubaldo Jiminez on the hill for Colorado. he needed 17 pitches in the first, so maybe this ends up one of those old fashioned Coors Field football games.

BREAKING NEWS: Dukes to DL: UPDATE for 4-6 weeks!!!

Straight from the horse's mouth:

The Washington Nationals today placed outfielder Elijah Dukes on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to August 3, with a right calf strain and recalled right-handed pitcher Garrett Mock from Columbus of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.Mock returns for a fourth stint with the Nationals this season. To date, the rookie has posted a 5.27 ERA

(8 ER/13.2 IP) in five games/two starts with Washington. During his most-recent stint with Washington, which came in late July, Mock fired 3.0 one-hit scoreless innings of relief spanning three appearances, during which did not issue a walk, fanned five and posted a batting average against of .091 (1-for-11).

The 25 year-old Mock was 6-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 19 games/17 starts for Columbus. Mock’s strikeout-to-walk ratio in the International League was a stellar 3.8/1 (96 strikeouts/25 walks), and he currently ranks fourth in the IL in ERA.

Dukes, 24, is batting .264 (48-for-182) with six home runs and 23 RBI in 54 games with the Nationals this season. Among those with 200 plate appearances, his .364 on-base percentage leads all Nationals. This is Dukes’ third trip to the Disabled List this season. His previous DL stints were due to right-hamstring and right-knee issues.

And now this from the Washington Redskins Newspaper (I mean, the Post):

An MRI exam of Elijah Dukes's bothersome right calf revealed a strain far more significant than the team first believed, and as a result, Dukes, the team's starting left fielder, will miss four to six weeks.

Bottom(feeder) Line: Ugh. Just when you think you're out, they pull you right back in...

Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008.

GB&U: This Ain't So Hard

RESULT: Nats come from behind to beat Reds 10-6.

GOOD: Austin Kearns! 3-for-5 and an RBI. Emilio Bonifacio! 2-for-5, swinging bunt double, triple to straight-away right field. Alberto Gonzalez. 3-for-5, two runs. Ronnie Belliard! Pinch-hit 2-run homer! PETE ORR!!! Pinch-hit two run single.

BAD: Jason Bergmann. Six runs--five earned--in six innings on six hits and three walks. Gave up five runs in the second putting the Nats in a hole tonight, but recovered and kept 'em in it for a while until the bats heated up.

UGLY: Elijah Dukes hit his calf with a swing in the eighth inning and had to be helped off and left the game. It was described as a cramp, and he's day-to-day. The Nats can't afford him to be hurt again. Dukes did not start due to arriving late for the game today, and Manny has very few rules, but the first one is: Be On Time. Hopefully Dukes got the message today and this doesn't linger.

INJURY UPDATE: Guzman entered the game at short, with Gonzalez moving to third and Harris to left field when Dukes hurt himself. Guz did not handle a ball, but at least we know who's closer to returning, him or Zimmerman. Zim was a DNP.

NEXT GAME: Sunday matinee. It's a battle of rookie pitchers, as Colin Balestar (1-3, 5.13) takes on Johnny Cueto (7-10, 5.02).

And Dukes Shall Lead Them; Nats Stop Skid

Washington--Elijah Dukes returned from the 15-day disabled list and provided a spark -- one of many on the day -- as the Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds Friday night 5-2, ending a nine-game losing streak. The Nats jumped all over Reds starter Homer Bailey, touching him for five runs and eighth hits in the first two innings.

Bailey (L, 0-5, 7.55) would not see the third inning, as the once heralded "can't miss" prospect continued to struggle in his first full season in the big leagues. "I was damn near putting it on a tee for them," Bailey said. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, as long as they don't cut your arms off -- and they're still attached."

Bailey's opponent, Nats starter Odalis Perez, was as sharp as he has been all season, dominating the Reds line-up, pitching seven and one-third innings, giving up just one earned run on three hits and three walks, striking out five along the way.

The fun got started for the Nats in the very first inning, as Willie Harris continued his hot streak, reaching on a one-out single. Dukes followed with a seeing eye single to left field and both runners advanced when Reds catcher David Ross couldn't handle a breaking ball from Bailey on Austin Kearns' strikeout. Catcher Jesus Flores (1-for-4, two RBIs) lined a single to left center, and both Harris and Dukes, lumbering home from second, scored. Dukes was nowhere near full speed on the jaunt, but professed after the game, "No problems at all, man."

The hit parade continued in the second inning. Newly acquired shortstop Alberto Gonzalez led off with a double to right field and pitcher Perez sacrificed him cleanly to third. Lead-off hitter Emilio Bonifacio, acquired for closer Jon Rauch last week, gathered his first RBI as a National, singling up the middle an allowing Gonzalez (1-for-2, two walks) to walk home. Bonifacio immediately stole second base, and Harris walked to put two men on. Dukes (2-for-4, two RBIs) then delivered the big hit, a double down the line to left field, scoring Bonifacio and Harris all the way from first.

The Nats had all the runs they needed to beat the Reds on this night.

The rest was up to Perez to make the lead hold, and that he did. He only ran into trouble twice. In the fourth inning Reds SS Jeff Keppinger doubled to lead off, took third on a Jay Bruce ground out and scored on another ground out by Brandon Phillips. In the fifth, Perez allowed a one-out single to Andy Phillips, and immediately followed that with a walk to catcher David Ross. But Perez retired relief pitcher Nick Masset, just arrived from the American League in the Ken Griffey, Jr. trade and Jerry Hairston, Jr. flied out to end the inning.

Gonzales and Bonifacio made quite an excellent double-play combination. Gonzalez made several outstanding plays, displaying tremendous range and a rifle for an arm. Bonifacio made two nifty leaping plays in the ninth inning to snuff any chance of a late inning rally.

The Nats try to start a winning streak of their own tonight against the Reds. Jason Bergmann (1-8, 4.13) faces Josh Fogg (2-3, 7.84) for Cincinnati.

NATS NOTES: The victory moves Washington's record to 39-70. They trail NL East leading Philadelphia by 20 games.

With the release of C Paul LoDuca, Johnny Estrada and INF Felipe Lopez and the addition of SS Alberto Gonzalez and 2B Emilio Bonifacio, the Nationals are now the youngest team in the majors, with an average age of 27 years, 197 days.

The Nationals optioned RHP Garrett Mock to Triple-A Columbus to make room for Bonifacio. The team also reinstated RHP Ryan Wagner from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Columbus.

3B Ryan Zimmerman and SS Cristian Guzman both missed the game due to lingering discomfort with their bruised hands. Both are still listed day-to-day. Guzman has now missed six games, Zimmerman two.

GB&U: The Kids Are Alright

RESULT: Nats beat Griffey-less Reds 5-2.

GOOD: Infield Defense. Although that sells them short since they both made their presence felt hitting as well. SS Alberto Gonzalez and 2B Emilio Bonifacio both made a couple of tremendous plays, Gonzo on ranging for ground balls Guz doesn't even sniff and Boni leaping to snare two line drive sin the ninth to close it out. Welcome to DC boys.

And Elijah Dukes went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, even if he seemed to lumber a bit scoring from second base. I asked him after the game and he said, "No problems at all, man." So we'll take him at his word. He certainly didn't have a problem with his swing.

Odalis Perez gave up one earned on three hits and three walks in 7.1 IP, getting his first win at Nationals Park.

BAD: Kory Casto. 0-for-4, four left on base.

UGLY: Didn't you used to be Homer Bailey? Ouch. His fastball had zero life on it, looking like a BP fastball until Dusty Baker gave him the hook after two innings. Wow, so much for prize prospect.

INJURY UPDATE: Guz and Zim both sit nursing sore digits. Still both day-to-day.

NEXT GAME: Saturday at 7:10 pm against the Reds. Jason Bergman (1-8, 4.13) faces off with Josh Fogg (2-3, 7.84).

GB&U: If the home team hits a walk off, and there's no one there to hear it...

RESULT: Nats lose to Marlins 6-5.

GOOD: Home runs by Elijah Dukes and Dmitri Young - back-to-back - in the fifth inning.

BAD: Jon Rauch. He's been doing the job all year long since Cordero went down, but tonight he got lit up. Homer in the bottom of the ninth to Hanley Ramirez to tie, homer to Josh Willingham in the bottom of the tenth to lose.

UGLY: Roger Bernadina. 0-for-5, 3 Ks. He's going to have some rough nights in the next few weeks, and this was certainly one of them.

NEWS: Pete Orr was returned to Triple-A Columbus to make room to activate Colin Balestar, Tuesday's starting pitcher, making his MLB debut.

INJURY UPDATE: Chad Cordero out for at leat this year, probalby most of next with a torn labrum. He's been hiding this all year long. Here's what Chico at WaPo had to say:

Chad Cordero was discovered today, after receiving an arthrogram, to have a torn labrum. He will miss the rest of the season -- at least. He had been down in Viera, Fla., trying to come back from the shoulder injury that's bothered him all season. Cordero likely had the tear -- to some degree -- all season. He had been troubled by his lack of progress during rehab, and the team had been looking for an explanation.

NEXT GAME: Tuesday in Florida against the Marlins. The aforementioned Balestar versus Mark Hendrickson (7-6, 5.93).

GB&U: Another Walk Off Win

RESULT: Nats beat Angels 5-4.

GOOD: Lastings Milledge. 2-for-4, home run (7), two RBIs. Dukes was 2-for-3 with two walks. Flores has the game-winning hit after going 0-for-4 with 3 Ks. Redding gave up two earned in six innings. There was a lot to like last night.

BAD: Luis Ayala. One-third of an inning, two runs on two hits. He's just not getting it done right now. He's given up more runs than innings pitched three of his last six appearances. Yuck.

UGLY: Pete Orr. Another defensive replacement assignment. Yet another error. Sorry, he's just not a major league player.

NEWS: Shawn Hill placed on the 15-day DL today. After meeting with the doctors, the prescription was rest and therapy. I guess it's wait and see with Hill.

NEXT GAME: Friday at Nationals Park against the Baltimore Orioles, in for a three game set to FINALLY wrap up interleague play. Odalis Perez (2-5, 4.09) will come of the disabled list to face Daniel Cabrera (5-3, 4.46).

Photo courtesy of MLBAM.

Nats Rally For Another Walk-off Win

Washington, DC--Lastings Milledge homered, Elijah Dukes reached base four times and Jesus Flores broke out of a mini-slump just in time, as his line drive in the bottom of the ninth scored Dukes from second and allowed the Washington Nationals to walk-off with a win against the AL West leading Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-4.

Flores had gone 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and five runners left on when he came to the plate with two on and no one out against Scot Shields for the Angels. He fouled the first pitch back and took the next two pitches for balls, and on the fourth pitch of the at bat finally found one he liked, drilling it to right center, splitting outfielders Torii Hunter and Rob Quinlan to deliver the comeback victory for the Nats.

The Nats got off to the early lead courtesy of Milledge. In the bottom of the first, Cristian Guzman led off with a walk, only his twelfth in over 350 plate appearances. One out later, Milledge (2-for-4) hammered an Ervin Santana offering deep to straight center field and the ball landed in the utility area beyond the deepest part of the playing field. It was Milledge's seventh home run of the season and broke an 0-for-13 skid. Santana, one of the AL's leading pitchers this season, was not particularly sharp Wednesday night allowing four earned runs total on four hits and five walks in six innings.

The Angels would scratch out single runs in the second and third innings against Nats starter Tim Redding. In the second, Hunter led off with a single, took second on a ground out and scored on Gary Matthews double to deep left field. In the third, Erick Aybar singled with one out and took second on Garrett Anderson's single. Hunter reached on an infield single to load the bases and first baseman Casey Kotchman singled to short right plating Aybar. The damage could have been worse, but with the bases loaded Howie Kendrick flied out to medium-deep right field and Anderson broke for the plate. Elijah Dukes fired a one-hop strike to catcher Jesus Flores, who cleanly applied the tag for the double play, letting Redding escape big damage in the inning.

The Nats took back the lead in the sixth. They loaded the bases against Santana with a walk to Dukes (2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 BBs), a single by Milledge and an intentional pass to Dmitri Young. Ronnie Belliard then drew a walk with the sacks full to force in a run, and Wily Mo Pena (2-for-3) snuck a ball through the right side to drive in another. But the Nats could not finish of the Angels, as Willie Harris popped out and Kory Casto struck out to end the inning.

The 4-2 lead would be short lived though. In the top of the eighth, with Luis Ayala pitching, the Angels would stage their rally. Aybar singled to start the inning and Anderson reached on defensive replacement Pete Orr's error. Kotchman doubled on a ball to the wall in right, scoring Aybar and moving Anderson to third. Ayala has given up more runs than innings pitched in three of his last six opportunities, driving his ERA up to 5.54.

Jon Rauch was summoned to try to save the game, but he let Kendrick loft a fly ball to center that brought Anderson home to tie the game. Nats fans have time and again seen the bullpen surrender leads, and tonight's game looked to be following that script. But the Nationals have also crafted several walk-off scenarios at home, and the disappointment of losing the lead would soon be replaced by the "bang-zoom" of victory fireworks.

Rauch retired the Angels in order in the ninth, and as pitcher of record earned the win (4-1, 2.29) despite the blown save. Redding (6-3, 4.05) finished with six innings pitched, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out two. Redding now has seven consecutive starts without a decision. Shields (3-2, 2.53) suffered the loss for the Halos.

The Nationals have a day off Thursday to savor their win. Friday marks the beginning of part two of the "Battle of the Beltways", as the Baltimore Orioles visit Nationals Park for a three-game series to conclude interleague play. Odalis Perez (2-5, 4.09) will come of the disabled list to face Daniel Cabrera (5-3, 4.46) for the O's.

NATS NOTES: With the with, the Nats record stands at 31-49, twelve and one-half games behind division leading Philadelphia. Washington's last four victories at home have come in its last at-bat.

With an infield single in the seventh inning, Aaron Boone reached 1,000 hits for his career. He is the fourth person in his family to reach that plateau in the major leagues, following grandfather Ray (1,260), father Bob (1,838) and brother Bret (1,775).

The Nats placed RHP Shawn HIll on the 15-day DL Thursday to activate Perez for Friday's game. Hill was examined by specialists at the Mayo clinic, and for now, rest and therapy were prescribed for his painful forearm.

Photos (c) C.Nichols 2008

GB&U: Free Baseball and a Curly W To Boot!

RESULT: Nats beat Rangers in 14 , 4-3.

GOOD: Elijah Dukes! What would you expect. He went 5-for6 with a walk, raising his average to .270/.377/.402, something incomprehensible when he started the season 1-for-26. Homer to tie it in the 8th, Single to win in the 14th. It doesn't get much better than that.

Honorable mention to the entire bullpen, much maligned in this space. They combined for 8 innings of one-hit, one-walk baseball. Tremendous.

BAD: Cristian Guzman. The 13 game hitting streak ends spectacularly, going 0-for-7.

UGLY: Paul LoDuca. Not that drawing a walk is ugly, because it led to Dukes' heroics. But man, did the crowd let him have it last night. In no uncertain terms. Wonder how many more days he goes without starting before he says something in the papers about it?

NEXT GAME: Tonight, Game Two against the Rangers. Garrett Mock (0-1, 8.31) tries again against Kason Gabbard (1-3,4.94) at 7:10 pm at Nationals Park. Seriously, who names their kid 'Kason'?

Photo courtesy of A.Amobi, DC Sports Box.

Dukes Carries Nats Past Rangers 4-3

Washington, DC--On a beautiful night for baseball in the Nation's Capital, Washington Nationals right fielder -- and hottest hitter --Elijah Dukes carried the squad with five hits, including a game-tying home run in the eighth inning and a game-winning single through a drawn in infield in the bottom of the fourteenth inning, defeating the Texas Rangers 4-3, the first time that franchise has returned to Washington since former owner Bob Short yanked the team out from underneath the DC faithful in 1971.

Dukes finished the night 5-for-6 with a walk, homer, two runs scored and two big RBIs. His average for the year is now .270/.377/.402,when just a couple weeks ago it was below .100. Dukes started the season 1-for-26, but has been scorching at the plate recently, giving the Nats -- and their fans -- something to cling to amidst losing streaks.

But none of that mattered in the bottom of the fourteenth inning,officially the longest game in Nationals Park short history. Tied at three, courtesy of Dukes' solo homer in the eighth, the Nats combined patience, a shaky relief pitcher (for a change, not their own), and one clutch hit to wrest the victory from the Rangers. Texas reliever Jamey Wright struck out Kory Casto (0-for-6, .184) to start the frame,but then hit Felipe Lopez with the count 1-2.

Paul LoDuca pinch-hit for Joel Hanrahan (W, 3-2, 4.47, 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks) and he drew a walk. Ryan Langerhans, who would be sent back down to the minors just an hour later, followed with another walk, loading the bases with one out. Cristian Guzman, the team's best overall hitter in the first half, completed an atypical lousy day at the plate striking out for the second out. Guzman finished 0-7, ending his 12 game hitting streak.

All that brought up the 'Man of the Match', Dukes. On the first pitch he saw from Wright (L, 4-3), he hit a solid ground ball through the left side of the drawn in infield, and Lopez walked home with arms raised in celebration, as the rest of the team mobbed Dukes at first in the celebratory "pig-pile."

Lost in the excitement of the dramatic win was the outstanding job done by the Nats relievers on this evening. Charlie Manning, Luis Ayala, Jon Rauch, Saul Rivera and Hanrahan combined to pitch eight innings of one-hit, one-walk baseball, not allowing a Ranger to reach second base after the sixth inning. The Nats starter, Tim Redding, was fairly good in his own right, going six innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks, striking out five on the way. Jesus Flores was responsible for the runs Dukes was not. Flores went3-for-6 overall, and had a two-run single in the third after Rangers starter Kevin Millwood issued back-to-back walks.

The Nats try for two in a row Saturday, as Garrett Mock (0-1, 8.31),just recalled from Triple-A Columbus, takes on Kason Gabbard (1-3,4.94) at 7:10 pm at Nationals Park.

NATS NOTES: The win raised Washington's record to 30-45, last in the NL East, twelve games behind Philadelphia.

Attendance on a picture perfect summer evening was 30,359.

Texas catcher Gerald Laird pulled his right hamstring while beating out a bunt single in the fourth inning and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. C Max Ramirez was recalled from Double-A Frisco.

Aaron Boone was late scratch from Washington's starting lineup because of a sore left knee, but he struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh.

The Nationals played a scoreboard tribute to 'Meet the Press' host and season ticket holder Tim Russert, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

Photos (c) C. Nichols 2008

GB&U: Shut Down By Livo

RESULT: Nats lose to Twins 2-1.

GOOD: Paul LoDuca. I know, I know. He doubled and scored on Guzman's infield single. He was the only Nat to reach second base. It was a slow night. John Lannan was solid as usual (7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BBs, 3 Ks), and the Nats continue to not support him, as he is worst in the league in run support at 2.39 RPG. Brutal

BAD: Elijah Dukes. 0-for4, two strikeouts, two left on base.

UGLY: Allowing Livan Hernandez to dominate you. Livo gave up 12 hits and 7 earned in three innings against Cleveland in his last start. His ERA for the season is 5.51 including last night! He had not given up fewer that 5 earned runs in any of his last five starts, and gave up double-digit hits in four of the five. And the Nats made him look like Cy Young last night.

NEXT GAME: Tonight against the Twins. Jason Bergmann (1-4, 5.48) matches up with Kevin Slowey (3-6, 4.70) in an 8:10 pm EDT contest.