Monday, April 20, 2009

On a roll, sure, but can the Nats ever get out of the driveway?

After a stirring win over Philly, the wheels came off the bus once a again. The Nationals got swept by the Marlins for the second time this season dropping their record to 1-10. I won't bother to watch Sunday's game a) because I already know the score (yet another blown ninth inning lead), and b) after watching the two previous games, I'm not sure I could bear the pain.

Friday's game at National Park saw the Nats take a 2-1 lead into the ninth on the back of quality pitching by starter John Lannan and set up guys Julian Tavares and Joe Beimel. Then on comes Joel Hanrahan for his first real save opportunity of the season. Result: hanging slider out over the plate for Cody Ross to deposit over the fence and tie the game. That of course led to an RBI single in the 11th. Nats lose 2-3.

Saturday was even worse. The Nats line-up rocked the Marlins pitcher J. Johnson for five runs in the 1st inning including a grand slam from Austin Kearns. Then scored another run in the 2nd to give the Nats a 6-0 lead. Scott Olsen, coming off a disasterous first start, responded by shutting down the Marlins high-powered offense, giving up only two runs, until he left in the 7th - Score: 6-2. Even though the Nats hitting cooled down in the later innings (one hit after the 3rd), the game still seemed well in hand. Some good relief pitching and a spectacular leaping catch at the wall by Roger Bernadina (during which he unfortunately fractured his ankle) kept the game at 6-3 going into the 9th. On comes Joel Hanrahan for his second save opportunity. A couple of stupid errors by the Nats defense puts Marlins on first and second base. In steps the bane of the Nats existence, Jeremy Hermida. All Hanrahan has to do is get him to ground into a double play, and the Nats go home with a win. Instead, Hanrahan throws a fast ball right over the plate, and Hermida dumps in the centerfield seats. Tie game. The Marlins go on to score three more runs and win 9-6.

Sunday's game? Same thing only this time it was Saul Rivera who couldn't hold a 4-3 lead in the 9th. Final score: Nats lose 7-4.

How badly do the Marlins own the Nats? Since last season the Marlins are 23-3 against the Nats. Aiii-go!

If there is a bright side to all this, it's that I get to take out my frustrations by giving my students their mid-term exams this week. Misery LOVES company. hee hee hee heeeeee!

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