This weekend’s series against the Astros started favorably for the Nats. The boys of summer belted out ten runs and held the Texans to a shutout. The 10-0 victory was the largest margin the Nats have won by so far this season. Tim Redding finally earned another win, his first since May 19th. Steven Shell came out of the bullpen and was solid pitching three shutout innings and earning his first career save.
The Nationals started their offense early when Ronnie Belliard hit his first homer of the night after Flores reached first base on a single. The Nats quickly led 2-0. Astros starter Oswalt was taken out after the first inning with a hip injury, but the Nationals’ bats stayed hot for the rest of the night. The Nats scored again in the 3rd when Kearns and Guzman hit back to back doubles. In the 5th, the Astros loaded the bases by intentionally walking Kory Casto. Jesus Flores, who is steadily working his way out of a slump, hit a two RBI single to put the Nats up again. That brought hot-hitting Ronnie Belliard to the plate. Ronnie then hit his second home run of the night and the 100th of his career, to clear the bases. The Nationals fans were loud and Belliard took a well deserved curtain call. The Nats capped off the night with a two run shot from Austin Kearns, who is looking much better at the plate after coming back from the DL.
Friday’s victory was much needed. It proved that the team is much better than they have been playing. Hopefully the win is a sign of good things to come after the All Star break.
While productive offense launched the Nats to victory on Friday, poor defense on Saturday caused the Nats to fall 6-4 in game two against the Astros. Two errors and two unearned runs put a win out of reach for the team. Starter Colin Balester pitched just 4 and 2/3 innings giving up six runs, 4 earned. Errors, from Belliard at third and Guzman at short, gave the Astros a comfortable cushion. The worst mistake though, came in the fifth inning. With one out and runners on the corners, Lo Duca fielded a grounder close to the first base bag. He touched the bag for an out, but then didn’t throw the ball to third to try to get Berkman who had a big lead, or tag Carlos Lee who was on his way back to first base. Lo Duca could have easily tagged Lee for the third out, but with Lo Duca confused, Lee reached the bag safely. Berkman then scored a batter later, giving the Astros a bigger lead.
The Nationals played small ball with singles, bunts and sac-flys to score early, but with silly baseball mistakes their efforts weren’t enough. They tried to rally in the 6th when Willie Harris led off the inning with his 5th home run. The Nats then loaded the bases with one out. Jesus Flores was hit by a pitch and all of the runners advanced to put another run on the board. The guys had a chance to at least tie the game, but struggling Wily Mo Pena grounded into a double play to end the inning. That was the most disappointing at bat of the night. After that, the Nats couldn’t mount a comeback.
Given WMP’s struggles this season, trade rumors are circulating about picking up Matt Holliday. Holliday is headed to the All Star game with a .337 average. He’s 28 and signed through next season on a two-year, $23 million contract.
On Sunday, as fans baked in the afternoon sun, the Nats took off for All Star break early. Perez pitched pretty well for 6 innings. He gave up 3 runs, including a home run to Wigginton in the 2nd inning. He did strike out 6 while only walking one - Wigginton. Manning gave up another 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning, but Colome, Ayala and Rauch finished the game without a problem.
To Houston’s twelve hits, Washington put up just 5. Only Wil Nieves hit for an extra base with a double off of Backe. Backe walked four in his seven innings of work but never allowed the Nats to put runs on the board. With the 5-0 victory, they took two of three from the Nats before beginning the All Star Break.
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