The Nats finally scored some runs for starting pitcher John Lannan, and he got a much deserved victory last night. The Nats shutout the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0. The Nats hadn’t shutout an opponent since May 19th. More importantly, last night’s win put an end the team’s six game losing streak.
With the team’s struggles this year, I think we have all learned to appreciate the little things. I was impressed with the Nationals defense last night. Lannan allowed runners on base, with a few walks and some hits, but the guys behind him were solid, turning three double plays. Lannan once again, pitched a nice game going six no run innings. He threw 85 pitches, 42 for strikes. The outfielders looked solid also; I liked seeing Willie Harris in center field. It was refreshing to watch a game with no errors.
Arizona pitcher Owings was all over the place with the ball last night. He couldn’t seem to find the plate to throw a strike. He actually hit three Washington batters in the game. Paul Lo Duca got nailed on the inside of his knee pretty hard, he didn’t look to happy about it, and even less so when he almost got hit again a couple innings later. The Nationals scored their first run in the second inning thanks to Owings erratic throws. After giving up a single to Young, Owings hit Belliard and Lo Duca with pitches to load the bases. Dmitri crossed the plate on a force after Kory Casto earned a walk.
The Nats held their one run lead until they added some insurance runs in the sixth inning. Kory Casto, who was recently called back from Columbus to take Dukes’ place, had a great the game. Kory played solidly in left field, and made a really nice backhand catch. In the sixth inning Casto hit an RBI double to score Young again. Kory also stole his first major league base last night. Hopefully this kid is finding his groove in the bigs this time up. Jesus Flores, who has been struggling offensively for the last couple of weeks, pinch hit for Lannan in the sixth. On a 1-2 count Flores, found a good pitch and launched the ball about 380 feet into the visitor’s bullpen. His three run shot put the Nats up by five. A pinch hit homer has to be good for Flores’ confidence. Flores is actually 3-6 in the pinch hit position this season, but I like seeing him behind the plate much better.
The bullpen of Hanrahan, Ayala, and Rauch held the D-Backs to a shutout, but it was the young guys, Lannan, Casto, and Flores that ensured the Nats victory.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’m glad someone finally mentioned Casto’s stolen base. Did you see the slow mo on that bad boy? In response to your comment- “Hopefully this kid is finding his groove in the bigs this time up.” He’s found his groove each time up this year, but they wont start him consistently, which is a surefire way to stifle a flame. Ever read Money Ball? Major leage teams have GOT to play their young talent to let them get comfortable. This has been the pattern of very succesful teams in the past, and if the Nats continue to play Casto, he’ll no doubt put up fantastic numbers more consistently the more he plays!
July 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
I understand your point. I think it has been a rough season with a whole bunch of guys going up and down from the minors in such a short time. I’m with you that it’s probably not the best way to judge a players abilities with all of the going back and forth. If you look at the team this year, no one has really started consistently due to injuries or performance anyway. I don’t think not playing him is a jab at Kory or his abilities.
September 29th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I really like Kory’s game. He hits a lot of balls hard and often hasn’t had much to show so consistent ab’s is exactly what he needs. He hit .265 in september with the most consistent ab’s he has been given in his young career. I feel that if a team gives him an everyday job somewhere that he will be very successful. If the Nats don’t see him being a starter for them then a trade would definitely help the kid. He has a great work ethic and a smooth swing.
September 29th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I also think the Nats have been too slow with giving him playing time. I really hope that he starts for the nats next year and if not then he should start with someone else because he has the talent and is a great clubhouse guy. I had the chance to meet him once in DC and he is definitely one of the nicer guys you will ever meet