It doesn’t seem like the Nationals will get all the elements of the game on the same page this season.  If the pitching is there, the offense sleeps - take last week’s starts from Bergmann and Lannan as an example.  Last night, the guys belted out some big hits, but the pitching and defense couldn’t hold a lead.  It’s a sad state of affairs indeed.  With a current record of 38-69 and last night’s loss meaning eight in a row, losing 100 games is all but certain. Injuries, poor trades, and shotty management have combined to make the 2008 Nationals a difficult team to cheer for. 

Admittedly, I might be a little naive and I do tend to hope for the best in almost all situations.  What can I say, I’m a glass half full kind of girl, but when it comes to the Nationals I’m becoming more and more jaded.  Regardless, walking into the stadium a little late last night, but just in time to see the fireworks for Willie Harris’ eighth home run, I held out the slight hope that the Nationals might find a spark and win the game.  When Jesus Flores followed up with another home run in the first inning, a two run shot to put the Nats ahead by one, I was even more hopeful for a win.  Alas, it wasn’t meant to be as Redding struggled through most the game and the boys couldn’t pile on enough run support.  When the Phillies scored five runs in the fifth inning a victory seemed certainly out of reach for the Nats and they went on to lose 8-5.  While it wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for, I know I’ll be back for more this weekend, still holding out the slightest hope that my team might sneak by with a couple wins. 

The Nats are better than the record shows for sure.  It’d just be nice if the guys could get all of the elements working together.  Despite the loss, let’s talk about extra base hits.  The Nats had six doubles and two homers last night. Willie Harris alone went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and a home run.  Pinch hitters came through big as well.  Casto and Langerhans both collected hits in their only plate appearances. 

 If this season has taught me anything, it’s that I am fan of the game as a whole.  I can appreciate talented players across the league.  For example, Shane Victorino put on quite the show for his fan club in center-field.  Dressed in grass skirts and lays with Phlyin’ Hawaiian signs, the group was delighted with their center-fielder’s 3 for 5 night, including 3 RBI and a solo homer into the Nats bullpen. Armed with a loaded lineup, the Phils did not let up on defense either.  Pat Burrell gunned down Flores with an outfield assist and Ruiz caught Belliard trying to steal second.

We watched the game in the center-field club seats, and were inches from that Chase Utley home run ball.  I had my fingers on it, but the guy next to me prevailed…bummer!  We really enjoyed the seats and the view from center. 

Upon leaving, we were again treated to what is becoming a dangerous and terrible traffic situation near the home plate entrance.  Ample parking awaits across S. Capitol Street, but crossing after a game is becoming impossible.  Several different security guards and traffic cops have been used to control the situation, but not one has brought any order to the chaos.  To make matters worst, last night the power hungry traffic cops really got out of hand.  First, the officer screamed at a woman who was hesitant to turn right (because of oncoming traffic) even though he was guiding her to do so.  We don’t fault her hesitation because the intersection is totally out of control.  After letting three or four cycles of traffic pass through the intersection, pedestrians waiting to cross starting asking the cop when they might be able to.  It was a legitimate question, given the 10-15 minute wait.  His reply?  “You just sat through 9 innings of a baseball game.  You can keep waiting.”  That was pretty uncalled for.  Sometime soon, something dangerous is going to happen at that out of control intersection and something needs to be done to correct it.

In response to the officer in question, I’ve been waiting all season buddy.  Waiting for my line up to hit, waiting for players to learn in the big leagues, waiting for my team to win, waiting for ownership to take some control of the situation, and now waiting to cross the street.  I’m familiar with waiting and I’ve been doing it patiently.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2008 at 9:19 am and is filed under Game Recaps. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.