The Nationals battled Smoltz and the Braves tonight and grabbed a much needed win, a 6-0 shut out to be exact. Sure the boys got lucky on a few plays, but it was really stellar pitching and key hits that brought the team a 6th win. All the components seemed to click tonight. Yes, it’s only one game, but hopefully tonight we saw a glimpse of good things still to come this season.
There was a battle on the pitchers mound tonight. Legend John Smoltz was going for his 3,000th career strike out. It came early in the game when he got Felipe Lopez swinging. Nationals John Lannan hung with Smoltz and pitched seven scoreless innings, his longest career outing. Lannan looked sharp tonight, it’s amazing how he keeps his cool in pressure game situations. He and catcher Wil Nieves were in sync all night. They had worked well together during Lannan’s last start against the Mets, and they followed the plan well tonight. Together they seem like a natural battery. I hope they get to work together again (ps-I’m really not missing Lo Duca at all). Lannan out pitched Smoltz tonight, it was pretty cool seeing the past and the future represented on the mound.
Lannan was finally helped with some offense from his teammates. Lastings hit a double in the second inning, followed by a double by Willie Harris, on which Lastings scored. The Nats led by one for seven innings. The middle of the order struggled again tonight, Johnson went 0-4 and Kearns went 0-5. The Nats had a big chance in the 5th to do some damage. The bases were loaded thanks to an error by Smoltz, but Guzman struck out to end the inning. We did see some great fielding tonight, from Zimmerman and Johnson. Nick’s quick glove saved a bunch of would be hits down the first base line.
Surprisingly, it was the bottom of the order that came through big time tonight. Catcher Wil Nieves recorded his first hit as a National, and then hit another single to right field a few innings later. Lopez is really swinging the bat well and brings the right amount of energy to the lead off spot. It’s nice to see things finally clicking for him. The bullpen slammed the door on the Braves tonight. Ray King faced Jones and Teixeira. He got Jones to fly out and Teixeira grounded out. Ray threw just seven pitches, five of them strikes. Ayala came in to face Francoeur. Ayala threw one pitch, and got Francoeur to ground out to first. It was nice to see the bullpen guys on tonight.
Some added insurance came in the 9th inning. Lastings lead off with another double, and Willie Harris followed with a walk. Nieves hit what would be a double play ball, but the pitcher threw the ball away on an error, and Lastings scored. I was a little nervous to have Mackowiak at bat next, when Manny could have used Belliard or Boone to try to drive in the runners left on base. Turns out I didn’t have to worry as Mackowiak walked to load the bases. Lopez stepped up to deliver another base hit to score Harris, and keep the bases loaded. Guzman, who had a bit of an off night, hit a grounder to second for an out, but Nieves scored to make the game 4-0. Zimmerman came up with two on and two out in the 9th inning, a situation he has struggled with so far this season. Zim finally delivered tonight with a single down the right field line to score both Lopez and Mackowiak. Just like that the Nats were up 6-0. Johnson was intentionally walked, and in typical fashion, Kearns grounded out to end the inning. Regardless, the boys got the insurance they needed and hopefully a little confidence back as well. Rauch pitched the 9th as the Chief is scheduled to visit Dr. Andrews in Alabama tomorrow.
Yes it was only one game, but I think it’s always nice to come back home after a win. Let’s hope tonight game was the spark Manny talked about.
Entries (RSS)