Can Something Be Done, or Do We Just Have To Wait It Out?

We're just about one quarter into the 2008 baseball season, and the Washington Nationals sit firmly in last place in the National League East. They have received decent starting pitching, but the complete lack of hitting and several key injuries (Cordero, Young, Dukes, LoDuca) have seriously hampered the Nats ability to compete so far this season.

They have also been a team of streaks, with the bulk of their victories for the year coming during the last home stand, the longest of the season, when they won eight out of the eleven games. They have won one of six since that point, and losing three straight to division leading Florida (what fire sale?) puts them at 8.5 games out in the division.

Sunday's game was indicitive of the Nats performance most of the season. Shawn Hill went seven innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits and no walks, only to have the game end in defeat as the bullpen faltered and the offense couldn't bail out the bullpen. In both the eighth and ninth innings the Nats managed to get the lead-off hitter aboard only to have him die on the basepaths (Zimmerman ground into double play) or wither at first base, with skipper Manny Acta electing not to bunt with Lastings Milledge at first and Willie Harris at the plate.

The top four starters in the rotation--Shawn Hill (0-0, 3.56), Odalis Perez (0-3, 3.43), Tim Redding (4-3, 3.83) and John Lannan (3-3. 3.40) all are meeting or exceeding expectations, keeping the Nats in ballgames at least up to the sixth inning. Only Matt Chico has been terrible so far (0-5, 6.42) and he has been at least temporarily relegated to the bullpen as a long-man. With Mike O'Connor being sent back to the minors after Saturday's horrendous start, the Nats have yet to announce Thursday's starter.

The bullpen, which was expected to be the strength of this squad, has been erratic, probably due to overuse and adjustments to new responsibilities. With Chad Cordero out, Jon Rauch has been mostly excellent (2-0, 7 saves, 2.95) in his place, but cracks are starting to show elsewhere. Luis Ayala leads the NL in appearances (with 23) out of the primary set-up slot, and is showing signs of overuse, posting a 5.91 ERA to go along with a 1-3 record. Saul Rivera (3-1, 4.30) has been better than Ayala so far, but is also among the leaders in appearances (20). Jesus Colome's numbers (1-1, 3.48) belie the fact that he has allowed seven out of ten inherited runners to score. Joel Hanrahan has been good (31 Ks in 22.2 IPs) and bad (0-2, 4.76, 19 BBs, 4 WPs).

As for the hitting, the Nats are pretty much stuck where they are for now. They can expect Dmitri Young back soon--he starts his rehab assignment today in Harrisburg--and he hopes to be ready for the interleague series this weekend in Baltimore. Other than Young though, there are no more heroes on the horizon. The team that GM Jim Bowden has assembled must start producing or this team will languish at the bottom of the standings all summer. There is no help in the high minors, and the Nats must hope that the return of Elijah Dukes last week and the specter of Meathook looming will stir the Nats bats out of their season-long slumber.

As always, your comments and feedback are appreciated.

Photos (c) C. Nichols 2008

Nats Lose 5-4; Swept by Marlins

Washington, DC--On a drizzly Mother's Day Sunday afternoon, it appeared the Washington Nationals had found the recipe to defeat the visiting Florida Marlins. Shawn Hill's seven strong innings pitched and home runs by little-used Aaron Boone and Ronnie Belliard gave the Nats a 4-2 lead entering the eighth inning. But overworked reliever Luis Ayala was unable to hold the Marlins at bay in the frame, as he allowed three earned runs on three hits--including two home runs--to allow the Marlins to complete the sweep and send the Nationals out on the road wondering what they have to do to actually win against the team from south Florida.

The decisive eighth inning was ugly indeed for Ayala (1-3, second blown save), making his league leading 23rd appearance of the season. Slap-hitting Alfredo Amezaga reached on an infield single to start the inning. It was a hard one-hopper to first that Boone was able to knock down, but Ayala couldn't get to the bag quick enough to get the speedy Amezaga. On the next pitch, Jeremy Hermida jumped all over Ayala's fastball and sent it screaming into the right field bleachers to tie the game. Ayala was able to coax Hanley Ramirez and Jorge Cantu into making outs, but couldn't fool Marlins' red-hot second baseman Dan Uggla, who ripped a 2-2 pitch into dead-away center field stands, just barely avoiding becoming the first batter in Nationals Park history to reach the batter's eye. It was Uggla's second homer of the game and third of the series.

The Nationals were able to get their lead-off hitters on base in the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings, but to no avail. Belliard, one-for-three on the day with a homer and two RBIs, walked to start the eighth against Marlins reliever Renyel Pinto (hold--7), but Ryan Zimmerman promptly grounded into a double play to quash the burgeoning rally. In the ninth, Lastings Milledge led off with a walk, but Willie Harris popped out to right, Elijah Dukes popped out to second and catcher Jesus Flores bounced out to Marlins closer Kevin Gregg (save--7) to end the Mother's Day festivities.

Florida reliever Logan Kensing pitched the seventh inning, surrendering just one hit, and earned his second win of the season with no losses. Marlins starter Scott Olson settled down after a rough start to keep the Marlins in the game, and allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks in six innings pitched.

Nationals' starter Shawn Hill deserved a better fate. He looked really strong all game, and allowed two earned runs on just five hits and no walks in seven innings. He gave up one run in the second as he hit Uggla, allowed a single to Luis Gonzales that moved Uggla to third, and a sacrifice fly to first baseman Wes Helms. Hill also surrendered Uggla's first home of the day, a solo shot in the sixth. Hill still has no decisions in five starts this season, with a 3.56 ERA, with 18 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched.

Aaron Boone, starting for Nick Johnson against the lefty, went three-for-four on the day, coming within a double of hitting for the cycle. He homered in the second, tripled in a run in the third and singled in the sixth. His last at bat ended with a fly out to right field.

Washington begins a four-game series with the division rival New York Mets Monday, with Odalis Perez (0-3, 3.43) facing Nelson Figueroa (2-2, 4.81) at 7:10 pm in Shea Stadium.

NATS NOTES: The loss drops the Nationals' record for the season to 15-23, 8.5 games behind division-leading Florida. Washington is 9-16 against division rivals and 1-8 against Florida this season.

Washington will be on the road for the next week, playing four in New York and a three-game weekend series in Baltimore, the traditional "geographic rival" portion of interleague play.

Reliever Chris Schroder was recalled from Triple-A Columbus, replacing left-handed starter Mike O'Connor, who was optioned back to Columbus following the game. O'Connor was 1-1 while with the big club, but was hammered in his only start Saturday evening.

The team has not announced a starter for Thursday's game in New York, which would have been O'Connor's turn to start.

Nats Lose 5-4; Swept by Marlins also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

Nats DL LoDuca, Estrada; Recall Flores, Dukes

Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden announced Thursday afternoon that they would place catchers Paul LoDuca (fracture of fourth metacarpal in right hand) and Johnny Estrada (ulnar neuritis in right elbow) on the 15-day DL and expect to recall catcher Jesus Flores from Triple-A Columbus and reactivate outfielder Elijah Dukes from the DL.

BOTTOM LINE: The team could really use a shot in the arm from Dukes. Both corner outfielders (Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns) have been delivering little at the plate and Dukes was swinging the bat pretty well on his rehab assignment.

LoDuca is expected to miss four to six weeks withthe broken hand, and Estrada wasn't helping anyone sitting on the bench unable to throw. Expect Nieves and Flores to pretty much split the catching duties forthe time being.

Zim Homers Twice, Nats Still Lose; LoDuca Injured

Houston, TX--Despite two home runs from slumping Ryan Zimmerman, the Washington Nationals suffered another one-run loss on the road, this time at the hands of the Houston Astros, 4-3.

The Astros pushed a run across in the bottom of the ninth inning against relievers Joel Hanrahan (0-2) and Jesus Colome to take the second game of the three-game series. Hanrahan started the inning off granting Astros' second baseman Kaz Matsui a four-pitch walk, and Matsui immediately stole second base -- his second steal of the night, and the fourth of the game for Astros base-runners. After Hanrahan struck out Miguel Tejada, he intentionally walked lance Berkman to set up a force play. Manager Manny Acta then went to Colome, who wild-pitched Matsui to third and then surrendered Carlos Lee's game-winning single to center field.

Lee has provided the game-winning hit in both games of this series for the Astros, having doubled home the winning runs Tuesday night in the bottom of the 8th inning to secure that victory.

Astros reliever Jose Valverde (4-1) pitched a perfect ninth inning to get the win.

The Nats got off to an early lead against Houston stater Roy Oswalt. Zimmerman hit the first of his two homers in the top of the first, scoring shortstop Cristian Guzman who had singled in front of him. Oswalt would then strike out the next six Nationals batters to come to the plate. Oswalt struck out nine batters total in seven innings.

Houston scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth against Nats' starter Odalis Perez. It was revealed in the post-game press conferences that Perez battled through flu-like symptoms all game, including vomiting between the first and second innings. But Perez was effective despite his discomfort until that fourth inning. Berkman (8-for-10 in the series so far) led of the frame with his 11th home run of the season. Perez quickly got Lee to bounce out to short for the first out, but failed to cover the bag on a grounder to first by Hunter Pence allowing Pence to reach safely.

Perez then hit the next batter, Ty Wigginton, with his very next pitch. On the following pitch after that, Pence stole third. Two pitches later, Wigginton stole second. Perez managed to strike out catcher Brad Ausmus during the at bat for the second out, but he grooved an 1-2 pitch to Oswalt, who helped his own cause by depositing the mistake right back up the middle into center field, and the Astros had their first lead at 3-2.

For the night, Perez pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks, striking out three. Not a terrible performance given the circumstances, but not enough when the offense could only muster three runs on seven hits.

Washington tied the game with Zimmerman's second home run of the game, his fifth of the season, in the top of the sixth. Zimmerman went 3-for-4 on the evening, upping his season average to .239. But he received no help from the rest of the line-up, as the 4-5-6-7 hitters all were held without a hit. Felipe Lopez had a double and single, and Guzman and Wily Mo Pena each collected one safety.

NATS NOTES: The loss moves the Nats season record to 14-20, 5.5 games behind division leading Philadelphia and Florida.

Catcher Paul LoDuca (seen to the right on May 4) re-injured his right hand fouling a ball while batting in the seventh inning. The team announced Friday that he fractured the fourth metacarpal bone in his right (throwing) hand and will miss four to six weeks. No roster move was announced at time this story was published.

LoDuca was also involved in an altercation with fans as he was being assisted off the field after the injury. LoDuca exchanged words with three patrons in the first couple of rows behind the Nats dugout. The unruly fans were ejected from the game.

The team announced before the game that left-handed pitcher Matt Chico would be reassigned to bullpen duty for the foreseeable future, and fellow lefty Mike O'Connor, recently recalled from Triple-A, would take his place in the rotation. Acta suggested that Chico needed to work through some things and the team was more comfortable with him getting back on track out of the pen. Acta also stated the move was "not temporary", meaning O'Connor would receive more than just one start.

Zim Homers Twice, Nats Still Lose; LoDuca Injured also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

More Stadium Ramblings

We've Got Heart had a post yesterday about how a sports writer from Western PA came down to see the new stadium over the weekend and really raked the stadium over the coals.

He really takes to task the organization for resorting to gimmicks and tricks inside the stadium to keep the casual fans entertained, and goes so far to call the Nats fan base "seemingly uneducated fans". He bases that opinion on the fact that Nats fans cheered the introduction of Wily Mo Pena despite his low batting average so far this season.

There's a larger point in there that Mr. Knopsnyder could have made much more artfully than the did. It is a true statement that a large percentage of Nats fans are still wet behind the ears when it comes to the nuances of the game and the players on the team. Whether that's due to baseball's return to DC still less than four full seasons, or the transient nature of the town, or the fact that the Nats priced all the good seats out of the range of the average fan and cater solely to the law firms and lobbying firms that can afford full-season packages at those prices--all factors in the equation that Mr. Knopsnyder solves simply as "seemingly uneducated fans".

As for the critique of the stadium itself, I think some of it is fair. There is still MUCH room for improvement. There’s not a single place in the stadium grilling hot dogs or other salted meats over an open fire. Put a grill up on the concourse behind the scoreboard, there’s plenty of room! There are times between innings when they are showing ads—or worse yet, Clint—where they TAKE ALL THE GAME INFO DOWN and you can’t even see the score or inning. That is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. There’s a laundry list, as we’ve been through ad nauseum.

But I get the feeling this author was looking for another reason to bash Washington. Congrats to him, mission accomplished (pun intended). It seems that his entire article was based on the premise of his last paragraph, something that looks like he scripted before he even left Johnstown.

To be fair, the stadium is still a work in progress. Nationals Park is being counted on to rejuvenate the Southeast section of the city and turn a downtrodden, light-industrial area into a booming commercial district. And with a better team on the field, and a deeper attachment to a club that is in just its fourth season here, maybe that will happen.

Or maybe it will end up being another example of Washington overspending for what turns out to be a mediocre product.

I think the one thing that most people lose sight over, including Mr. Knopsynder in his article, is that the price of the stadium—while listed at $650 million—didn’t cost anywhere near that to build. Easily 40% of the total cost was in land purchasing and clean-up fees. So to say that “it failed to deliver…despite the enormous price tag” is either misinformed opinion or disinginuity.

I think out-of-town visitor’s perceptions of the park is really, REALLY clouded by the lack of immediate infrastructure, construction debris and otherwise “unready” atmosphere around the park. While we were waiting for autographs Sunday, there were a bunch of Pittsburghers waiting for their team bus to pull out of the tunnel, and they were wondering where to go for dinner and a beer around the stadium. When I told them there was no such place, yet…man they got indignant! But even in their profanity, they have a solid point. There is no local atmosphere around the ballpark, and i think it really hurts. It’s a shame the immediate infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the construction of the park.

But sadly, I’m afraid, the atmosphere around the stadium is going to have a corporate feel just like the stadium does. Part of what makes Fenway so great is the Cask and Flagon (and many, many others). Part of what makes Wrigley so great is the Cubby Bear (among many, many, many others). Even Camden Yards has the redneck haven of Pickles Pub. Hard to see joints like that popping up in the retail spaces of $800,000 condo buildings.

Moving Forward

As of May 5, the Washington Nationals are the owners of a record of 14-18, good for last in the NL East, but only 4.5 behind division-leading Philadelphia. They have won eight of the last eleven, and the home record stands at 10-8. It seems that despite their lack of hitting success, they've managed to right the ship towards being competitive, where two weeks ago things looked absolutely desolate.

We're roughly one-fifth into the 2008 campaign, and it seems a fair time to take a look at what the Nationals have accomplished, and look forward to what we might expect going forward.

Through 32 games, the team stands next-to-last in the NL in batting average, 14th in runs scored, last in home runs, 13th in on base percentage and 15th in stolen bases. Those are not numbers that project any sort of winning baseball. But there are glimpses of goodness in there. Let's take a closer look.

The Good: Nationals hitters in the first spot in the order, whether it's Cristian Guzman or Felipe Lopez, are hitting .326/.365/.471 with 20 runs scored overall. That's basically what you want your lead off hitter doing!

Get this! The Nats' eighth spot hitter (including Wil Nieves, Lopez again, various others) are hitting .312/.400/.413. not much power, but the 8-spot getting on base 40% of at bats?!? Who'da thunk it?

The Bad: Where to start? Paul LoDuca's only played 15 games, and has hit .233/.340/.302 in 43 at bats. Nick Johnson is the team leader in homers with four, and is hitting .211/.390/.422. His OBP is palatable, but there's no on around to drive him in once he's on base.

The Ugly: Ryan Zimmerman is hitting .217/.252/.333 with three homers and 14 RBIs. Wily Mo Pena is .230/.273/.246, with one double his only extra base hit among his 14 hits, and some of the worst outfield defense we've seen since the team moved. And that's saying a lot! Ronnie Belliard is .214/.333/.339 and forgot how to catch the ball.

Special Honorable Mention: Austin Kearns, despite Bob Carpenter and Don Sutton's best beliefs, is completely lost and really hurting the team. His overall numbers are bad (.212/.333/.292, 2 HRs/13 RBIs) but they only begin to tell the story. He's hit into six double plays, and as the team's primary hitter in the 5-spot, he's been an inning waiting to end--with no homers and five miserable RBIs from that run-producing spot.

Let's suppose for just a minute that Dmitri Young and Elijah Dukes both get healthy and are available May 15. I know it's a stretch. But let's play this game anyway. Who goes to make room for them?

Currently, the team is carrying three catchers, although Johnny Estrada seems an afterthought right now. I suppose he's the switch-hitting pinch-hitter the team envisioned for Young coming out of spring training. But Estrada has been terrible both at the plate (.179/.220/.179) and behind it (9/13 in stolen bases against, two passed balls in eleven games). It seems a safe assumption that Young should fill that slot on the bench again, and spell Johnson against lefties (.176/.356/.324).

So now, where to put Dukes? He'll actually probably beat Young back, so this is a tougher--and quicker--decision to be made. After Estrada, the rest of the bench currently is Nieves, Ronnie Belliard, Aaron Boone, Willie Harris and Rob Mackowiak. Nieves and Belliard are safe, and one has to figure so is Boone, since he can play both corners. The leaves Harris and Mackowiak. Harris is faster and the better defender. Mackowiak got the guaranteed contract in the off-season. Neither is hitting each other's weight (Harris: .205/.340/.333; Mackowiak: .167/.259/.208). Both play primarily outfield, although Harris could go to second base if needed. I think Willie's speed keeps him on the roster, and the Nats have to bite the bullet on Mackowiak.

So the question at that point is this: Wither Kearns? When Dukes comes back, do you let him ride the pine, or get him in the line-up? Do you oust JimBow fave Wily Mo out of left, or bench the Kentucky Headhunter in right? Right now, it's a toss-up, because neither are producing. And one seriously has to wonder how long the window of opportunity will remain open for either one.

Things are heating up, and it's not just the temperature around the region. The team is playing better, getting some pretty decent pitching (I'll save that for another column) and actually winning some games and generally being competitive, at least in the new park. So where it goes from here, especially considering the reinforcements that are just a couple weeks away from contributing, will be very interesting to watch as Washington's short spring will turn to it's typically oppressive summer very quickly.

Redding Pitches Nats Past Pirates

Washington, DC--The Washington Nationals finished their longest homestand of the season with another victory--their sixth win in seven games--and every starter had at least one base hit to back starter Tim Redding, who pitched into the seventh inning allowing only one earned run.

The Nats went 8-3 over the eleven game homestand, and now head out for a three-game series in Houston before returning to their new park with the new-found home-field advantage.

Redding went six and one-third innings, allowing one earned run--an Adam LaRoche solo home run--and six hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out five. Saul Rivera, Luis Ayala and Jesus Colome all did their jobs in the late innings to protect the lead and enable the Nationals to creep ever closer to the .500 mark.

The Nationals' hitters spread thirteen hits in this game, with shortstop Cristian Guzman, Austin Kearns and Rob Mackowiak all gathering two hits apiece. Aaron Boone, filling in for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, homered and Felipe Lopez, Nick Johnson, Kearns and Wily Mo Pena all drove in runs for the home team.

Zimmerman's day off was design by Manager Manny Acta, as he wanted to give the young third baseman two full days off, incorporating Monday's off day. It was Zimmerman's first day off since Sept. 18, 2006, a string of 205 straight games. "We talked in spring training," Acta said. "He told me he's not pursuing Cal Ripken Jr.'s record." In all seriousness though, Acta maintained that it's a long season, and by giving Zimmerman two days off like this when it's possible will hopefully keep his legs fresh the entire season.

Washington squares off against the Astros in Houston on Tuesday with Shawn Hill looking for his first win against Jack Cassel (1-0).

NATS NOTES: Washington's record stands at 14-18, four games behind division leading Philadelphia.

Attendance for Sunday's game against the Pirates was 30,564.

First baseman Dmitri Young went to extended spring training in Viera, FL to begin baseball related activities again the team announced. He will be working on running, hitting and fielding drills with the hope of returning to the line-up in the near future. He has been rehabilitating a sprained lower back for four weeks and recently had a breakthrough working with team trainer Tatiana Tchamouroff.

Elijah Dukes, on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus, was ejected on Saturday after arguing a called strike three. Dukes has a long and extensive history with anger management problems, but the team does not seem overly concerned with this latest flare-up. General Manager Jim Bowden commented that Dukes is running well and how hard he's playing while down in the minors.

Redding Pitches Nast Past Pirates also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

Guzman Powers Nationals Past Pittsburgh

Washington, DC--Washington Nationals' shortstop Cristian Guzman tied a personal best with six RBIs and the Nationals held on in the ninth to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-8 Saturday afternoon.

Guzman has battled injuries for the last several seasons, but finally healthy he's been the Nationals' most consistent hitter all season. He finished the day 4-for-5 with a two-run home run, a three-run double and a run-scoring single on the day. The fun started right away for Guzman and the Nats, as Felipe Lopez led off in the first inning against Pirates starter Paul Maholm (2-3) with a single to right and Guzman followed up with with his rocket shot to the Pirates bullpen to give the Nats the early lead.

In the second inning, catcher Paul LoDuca singled to center, and following a Wily Mo Pena strikeout, pitcher Matt Chico singled to right and Lopez walked, setting the stage for Guzman's second hit of the game. Guzman drilled a single to center that plated LoDuca and kept the bases loaded. Ryan Zimmerman grounded to first forcing in a run and Lastings Milledge capped the scoring in the second, singling to right to drive in Lopez, and the Nats held a 5-1 lead after two innings.

But the Pirates would not go quietly while Nationals' starter Matt Chico continued his season of ineffectiveness. He allowed a run in the second, a solo home run to Nats-killer Jose Bautista in the fourth, and three more runs in the fifth on five hits. Chico would not make it through the fifth despite being handed a 5-1 lead, and the Nats would have to depend on their bullpen once again to deliver them to victory.

Chico's final numbers were not pretty: four and one-third innings pitched, five runs--four earned--eight hits and three walks.

The Nats recaptured the lead in the sixth with a four-run outburst, including Guzman's bases clearing double with the bases loaded.

The Pirates scratched out single runs in the seventh and eights to close the lead down to one run, but newly-crowned closer Jon Rauch shut the door in the ninth for his seventh save of the season. Jesus Colome (1-1) got the win, throwing one and two-thirds scoreless innings for the squad.

NATS NOTES: The curly W gives the Nats a record of 13-18, four games behind first place Philadelphia.

The Nationals and Pirates honored the Negro Leagues' Homestead Grays, each wearing the uniform of the team that called both cities home. The baggier-than-usual uniforms looked better on some players than others, but the sentiment was strong--including tributes to Negro League players before and during the game.

Guzman Powers Nationals Past Pittsburgh also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

Lights Go Out On Nationals

Washington, DC--For 25 minutes, the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates relaxed while stadium workers furiously tried to restore power to the banks of lights that went out in Nationals Park in the bottom of the fourth. Unfortunately for the Nats, the break didn't help matters at all, as a six-run outburst for the Pirates in the third eventually turned into an 11-4 victory, evening this series at one game apiece.

Nats' starter John Lannan (2-3) brought an 18 inning scoreless streak into this game, and extended it to a franchise record 20 innings after escaping the first two innings of this affair. But he fought his control the entire night and it finally caught up to him in the top of the sixth. The Pirates batted around in the frame, getting to Lannan for four hits and a walk and six runs in the inning, three of which were delivered courtesy of Jose Bautista's three-run home run. Lannan completed the third inning but did not return for the fourth, surrendering a total of six runs--five earned--on six hits and two walks. He did not strikeout a batter.

Lannan has been one of the big success stories for the Nats so far this season, but on this occasion he just did not have it. Lannan hit Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth with his very first pitch of the game, and although McLouth didn't score on that occasion--it would be the only at bat he didn't score--it was a bad omen for Lannan's performance on the evening.

Lannan was relieved by left-hander Mike O'Connor and the hits just kept on coming for the Bucs. O'Connor pitched three and two-thirds innings, giving up four earned runs on three hits and three walks. All told, six Pirates drove in runs, led by third baseman Bautista, who homered twice, drove in four runs and scored three runs. Catcher Ryan Doumit and shortstop Chris Gomez each drove in a pair.

The Nationals did not offer much resistance. Wil Nieves drove in two runs with a double down the left field line, and Wily Mo Pena and Felipe Lopez each plated a run. But it was much too little against a Pirates team that had lost five of their last seven games coming into this one,

The Nats and Pirates square off again Saturday afternoon at 1:05 pm at Nationals Park. Matt Chico (0-5) defends the shores of the Anacostia against the Pirate Paul Maholm (2-2).

NATS NOTES: The loss puts the Nationals' season record at 12-18, five games behind division leading Philadelphia.

Elijah Dukes, on the DL with a hamstring strain, led off for Triple-A Columbus and went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

The team activated catcher Paul LoDuca, although he did not play, and placed closer Chad Cordero on the disabled list with a torn lat muscle behind his right shoulder. Cordero, as reported earlier, will miss at least four to six weeks.

First baseman Dmitri Young is going to Viera, Florida tomorrow for extended spring training to get back into game shape. A team trainer was able to alleviate his back pain by releasing a strain in his hip flexor that apparently was causing the nerve irritation in his lower back. He took batting practice at the stadium earlier in the day and reported no additional discomfort.

Lights Go Out On Nationals also posted at DC Sports Box

Nats Win Fourth In a Row

Washington, DC--Austin Kearns, who entered the game in a 2-for-29 slump, drilled a two-out single in the eighth inning to lift the Washington Nationals to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kearns went 2-for-4 in the game, raising his average for the season to .194. But for all the struggles Kearns had in the month of April, with the flip of the calendar to the new month he became a hero for the 24,743 Nationals fans in attendance Thursday evening.

Cristian Guzman singled to lead off the eighth inning off Pirates reliever John Grabow (1-1). After Ryan Zimmerman flied out to right, Nick Johnson worked the count to 3-2 before Grabow hit him with a fastball that was a bit too far inside. Lastings Milledge followed with a strikeout, but with two outs and runners at first and second, Kearns took the first pitch he saw from Grabow to right field, driving in Guzman to take the lead, who slid just past the tag from Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit. John Rauch pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his sixth save to make Guzman's run stand up and deliver the Nats fourth win in row, and seventh victory in their last nine games.

Odalis Perez started for the Nats and pitched very well once again, but again left too early to collect his first victory of the season. Perez went seven innings, allowing two earned runs on two solo home runs to Freddie Sanchez and Doumit, but allowed only one other hit and no walks. He struck out five Pirates as well and he looked very sharp, spotting his fastball and using his deceptive change-up to gather the strikeouts. Luis Ayala (1-1) pitched a perfect eighth inning to earn the victory.

The Nats got on the board first against Pirates starter Zack Duke, scoring two runs in the second as Wil Nieves' two-run single got the Nats off to their strong start. MIlledge and Kearns has back-to-back singles to start off the inning, and Wily Mo Pena hit a "swinging bunt", grounding out to the catcher, advancing the runners to second and third. With the infield drawn in, Nieves snuck a ground ball past a diving Freddie Sanchez at second base, staking the Nats to the early lead.

NATS NOTES: With the win, the Nats record stands at 12-17, just four games behind division leading Philadelphia. It also raises their record at Nationals Park to 8-7 for the season.

The game time was a crisp 2:04.

General Manager Jim Bowden announced before the game that first baseman Dmitri Young experienced a "breakthrough" with a team therapist before the game--with the massage specialist finding a release point when working on Young's hip flexor, releasing what had previously been debilitating back pain. Young is on his way to Viera, Florida to work at extended spring training to get his swing back in game shape.

Catcher Paul LoDuca was scheduled to play one more rehabilitation game with Class-A Potomac Thursday evening, then activated before Friday's game, taking the roster spot of closer Chad Cordero, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained lat muscle.

Nats Win Fourth In A Row also posted at DC Sports Box

Cordero Out, LoDuca Back In (And Other Things)

As expected, the Nats activated Paul LoDuca and DL'd Chad Cordero today. The interesting thing from Nats Journal is the team going on record saying LoDuca will get the bulk of the starts and Nieves will be the defensive replacement. I'm going on record, again, saying this team does not produce enough offense to carry three catchers. Period.

It's inexcusable how Bowden pits players against others while on the same roster to motivate one or the other, only to the detriment to the team. Nieves is a great story this past week, to be sure, but he's the very definition of a journeyman. Don't get me wrong, he's a very capable back-up catcher. But if he's going to be your back-up catcher, go with him and jettison Estrada. He's just taking up space at this point. Well, I suppose he's taking Dmitri Young's intened role as switch-hitting pinch-hitter. But Estrada's numbers are linked here...you tell me if it looks like he's an effective player in a pinch-hitting role.

In other news, today in the Post, Boswell made some very interesting points about the new stadium. But it seems to me I've read some these opinions somewhere before. But where, oh where, may that have been???

I'm not seriously intimating that Boswell read my commentary. But I did meet the man last week and gave him my card...No. I'm not intimating. Really.

And it sounds like D'Meathook finally found the right pair of hands to give his balky back some relief. So much so, that he's already down in Viera trying to get some swings in and get back into baseball shape.

Cordero Out Four to Six Weeks

The Washington Post reports erstwhile closer Chad Cordero will be out four to six weeks with an acute tear if his latissimus dorsi.

I'm sure no one that reads this blog will be surprised to hear about Cordero's injury. But there are some interesting things to ponder regarding this situation.

1) Has Cordero been injured in this manner all along and the reason for his lack of velocity and this one last throw the muscle single snapped? Was his joint structurally sound all along and the doctors just missed the muscle injury?

2) Or is the muscle injury simply symptomatic of the joint injury? You know, the one where there's a "click" in his shoulder but he doesn't feel any pain?

3) The Nats haven't announced a corresponding move with Cordero going on the DL. Is there the chance that when LoDuca is ready (today or tomorrow) they simply activate him and the team carry three catchers??? Is that even remotely possible? Cause we all know if a team is struggling to score they should carry THREE CATCHERS!!!

Nats, Lopez Slam Mets

Washington, DC--On a night in the national's capital that was created for playing baseball, the Washington Nationals offense finally opened up like the cherry blossoms in the left field plaza, and sent the Mets on their way with a 10-5 loss for their troubles.

The Nats' Felipe Lopez, recently named the starter at second base after spending most of the spring as a nomad without a set defensive position, went 2-for-4 on the evening, with the first grand slam in Nationals Park history and six RBIs. The Nats' thirteen hit attack tied a season high, and six different hitters had multiple hits for the home team. Left-handed pitcher Mike O'Connor (1-0) was the recipient of the offensive good fortune, pitching one scoreless inning in his first appearance of the season after being recalled from Triple-A Columbus earlier in the day.

Lopez hit his 'big fly' in the sixth inning, to this point the bane of existence for the Nats. Before last night, the team had been outscored in the sixth innings by a combined 28-3. But not on this night, as Wily Mo Pena and Aaron Boone singled off of Mets' starter Oliver Perez (2-1) to start the inning and were moved up to second and third on a groundout by catcher Wil Nieves. That's when Mets Manager Willie Randolph called for reliever Aaron Heilman, and after an intentional walk to Lastings Milledge loaded the bases, the scene was set for Lopez' heroics. With the count 3-2, Lopez got a change-up from Heilman, and deposited it deep into the right field grandstand, all but cementing this victory for the Nationals.

Since taking over for Ronnie Belliard at second seven games ago, Lopez is hitting .357 and driving the ball with as much authority as he ever has in a Nationals' uniform.

The Nats scored all ten of their runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, taking advantage where all season those benefits had been passing them by. In the fifth with the bases loaded, Lopez singled hard to center scoring Willie Harris, who had walked, and Wil Nieves, who reached on a single. After Cristian Guzman lined out, Ryan Zimmerman drove in Belliard, who also had walked, on a groundout to second. The scoring in the seventh all came via the single, as Nieves, pinch-hitter Johnny Estrada and Guzman all drove in runs with their safeties.

Shawn Hill started for the Nats and was generally effective, allowing three runs--two earned--in five innings. Each run allowed by Hill came on a two-out hit. He allowed plenty of base runners, giving up six hits and three walks, striking out five along the way. The Mets just weren't able to get the big hit early this evening and the Nats persevered until their lumber finally awoke from their spring slumber.

The Nationals begin a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs, in town for their only visit of the year, on Friday night as Odalis Perez (0-3, 3.38) challenges Ryan Dempster (3-0, 3.00) at 7:35 at Nationals Park.

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NATS NOTES: Before the game, the Nats optioned lefty reliever Ray King to the minors and recalled left-handed pitcher Mike O'Connor from Columbus. King has 72 hours to decide whether or not to report to the Triple-A club. There are reports that if his agent can't find a team willing to take him from the Nats, King may retire rather than accept the assignment.

Former Nats catcher Brian Schneider was a late scratch for the Mets and was sent back to New York and hospitalized for an infection in his left thumb. The Mets recalled Gustavo Molina to back up Raul Casanova for the time being.

Center fielder Lastings Milledge was held out of the starting line-up for the first time last night. Milledge reported to the clubhouse late and Manager Manny Acta punished him for his tardiness. "He showed up late to work," Acta said. "[H]e's got things to learn, and some of that is being able to know how to handle 24 hours in the day."

Austin Kearns, hitting clean-up, was hitless in five at bats, lowering his average to .193.

Nats, Lopez Slam Mets also posted at DC Sports Box

Nationals Demote Ray King

Washington, DC--Less than twenty-four hours after failing to get his job done in the sixth inning once again, The Washington Nationals demoted left-handed reliever Ray King to Columbus of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

With the corresponding move, the Nats recalled lefty Mike O’Connor to work out of the pen. O'Connor, 27, went 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA (5 ER/23.0 IP) in four starts with the Clippers. He struck out 7.8 batters per 9.0 innings and posted a .221 (19-for-86) batting average against. In O’Connor’s two most recent assignments, both wins, he allowed just two earned runs in 13 innings, walking just one and strucking out 14.

King, 34, posted four holds and a 5.68 ERA in 12 appearances thus far in 2008. He had allowed over two base runners per inning pitched and allowed five of his nine inherited runners to score.

The Most Telling Statistic of All

This season, the Nats have been outscored in the sixth inning a combined 28-3. That averages out to be 1.27 runs per sixth inning against the Nationals. The Nats' second worst inning for runs against: the first, with 15 total, for an average of .68 runs.

The Nats' best innings for fewest runs against are the second and fourth, giving up only 7 runs in each of those innings for an average of .32 runs.

Nats pitchers have given up 9, 11 and 9 runs in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, averages of .41, .50 and .63 (7 fewer innnings pitched due to poor road record).

By contrast, care to guess the Nats' most productive innings as hitters before I tell you? Go ahead.

The 9th inning is the Nats most prodcutive inning, scoring 16 runs, an average of .77 runs per 9th inning. Next is the first, with 15 runs (.68) and 4th with 12 runs (.55).

Their least productive? Yup, you guessed it. The 6th, with those 3 lonesome runs, two of which were scored in one game (BONUS POINTS for the first person to tell me which game the Nats "exploded" for two runs in the sixth).