Nationals 2011 Regular season thread

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals defeat the Cubs in another one-run ballgame. Despite 2 home runs by both teams, the winning run comes across the plate courtesy a suicide squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 7th.

Once again, neither starter, Randy Wells for Chicago and Tom Gorzelanny for Washington is around for the decision. Both teams used 4 pitchers with Ryan Mattheus getting the win, Kerry Wood the loss with Drew Storen picking up his 22nd save.

Offense for the Cubs comes from Starlin Castro who doubled and homers from Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez. Powering the Nationals were Mike Morse and Ryan Zimmerman who doth doubled and round trippers from Danny Espinosa and Zimmerman.

However, it was a bunt by Wilson Ramos that drove in the winning run with Morse on third.

Nationals 5, Cubs 4 WP Ryan Mattheus, LP Kerry Wood

The final line: Washington 5 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors, Chicago 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 error

Next game: Thursday, July 7th vs the Cubs in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 45 wins, 43 losses

Current streak: 3 wins

[Aa3rt]

Where do I start? Or perhaps the less said the better...

The Nationals score 7 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, add another in the 4th for an 8-0 lead but its all for naught as the Cubs come back to take a 10-9 victory in the final game of the 3 game set.

Matt Garza started for the Cubs, Livan Hernandez for the Nationals but neither figures in the decision. The Cubs used 6 pitchers, the Nationals 4.

Offense for the Cubs comes in the form of doubles from Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney, who stroked two, and homers from Carlos Pena and Blake DeWitt. For the Nationals Roger Bernadina, Rick Ankiel and Wilson Ramos all doubled.

Cubs 10, Nationals 9 WP Sean Marshall, LP Henry Rodriguez

The final line: Chicago 10 runs, 15 hits, 3 errors, Washington 9 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Friday, July 8th vs the Colorado Rockies in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 45 wins, 44 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

The Rockies make their only visit to Washington this season and drop the Nationals back to .500 with a 3-2 victory.

Washington starter John Lannan gets a scare when a Ty Wiggington liner comes back to the mound. The ball was deflected off Lannan's glove but strikes him in the face. Lannan was removed from the game and reliever Ryan Mattheus balks in a run that proves to be the eventual winning margin.

Both teams used 4 pitchers in the contest. The only extra base hits come from Washington's Roger Bernadina who doubled and a Wilson Ramos solo homer.

Rockies 3, Nationals 2 WP Jason Hammel, LP John Lannan

The final line: Colorado 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Washington 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Saturday, July 9th vs the Rockies in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 45 wins, 45 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Rockies make it 2 in a row and the Nationals losing streak is extended to 3 in a tightly pitched game.

For the Rockies, starter Ubaldo Jimenez pitches 8 innings, giving up 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Jason Marquis started for Washington pitching 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs while walking 4 and striking out 1.

For the Rockies, Todd Helton and Mark Ellis doubled and Helton, who drove in both of Colorado's runs, also homered. The only extra base hit for Washington was an Ian Desmond triple.

Rockies 2, Nationals 1 WP Ubaldo Jiminez, LP Jason Marquis

The final line: Colorado 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, Washington 1 run, 7 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Sunday, July 10th vs the Rockies in Washington, game time 1:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 45 wins, 46 losses

Current streak: 3 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals end the 3 game skid and head to the All Star Break with a .500 record at 46-46 by salvaging the final game of the 3 game set with the Colorado Rockies.

Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann worked 6.1 innings giving up 4 hits while striking out 6 for the win. Colorado starter Jhoulys Chacin is charged with the loss, working 7 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 run while walking 1 and striking out 2. The Nationals used 4 pitchers in the game with Drew Storen picking up his 23rd save of the season. The Rockies used 3 pitchers.

Seth Smith doubled for Colorado while Washington got a double from Mike Morse and a solo homer from Rick Ankiel.

Nationals 2, Rockies 0 WP Jordan Zimmermann, LP Jhoulys Chacin

The final line: Washington 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Colorado 0 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

All Star Break

Next game: Friday, July 14th vs the Braves in Atlanta, game time 7:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 46 wins, 46 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

The All Star break ends with the Nationals traveling to Atlanta for a 3 game series. Washington has a painful night on the field committing 5 errors in an 11-1 loss to the Braves.

The Braves, who trace their history to 1876 beginning in Boston and spent a little over a decade in Milwaukee before settling in Atlanta, won their 10,000th game in franchise history. (Only the New York/San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs have more franchise wins according to the Elias Sports Bureau.)

Washington starter Livan Hernandez worked 4 innings, giving up 8 hits and 3 earned runs while walking 1 and striking out 1. The Nationals used 4 pitchers.

For Atlanta, Tim Hudson pitched a strong 7 innings giving up 7 hits and 1 run while walking 1 and striking out 7. Atlanta sent 3 pitchers to the mound.

Offense for the Braves comes from doubles by Freddie Freeman, Tim Hudson, David Ross and Dan Uggla and a home run from Martin Prado. The Nationals only extra base knock was a double from Laynce Nix.

Braves 11, Nationals 1 WP Tim Hudson, LP Livan Hernandez

The final line: Atlanta 11 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors, Washington 1 run, 8 hits, 5 errors

Next game: Saturday, July 16th vs the Braves in Atlanta, game time 7:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 46 wins, 47 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

John Lannan and the Washington Nationals both return to the .500 mark with a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Lannan's season record is now 6-6 and the Nationals are at 47-47.

Lannan pitched 5.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs while walking 4 and striking out the same number. The Nationals used 4 pitchers in the contest with Drew Storen earning his 24th save of the year.

For the Braves, starter Tommy Hanson is charged with the loss. Hanson worked 5.1 innings surrendering 8 hits and 5 runs while walking 2 and striking out 8. The Braves would use 5 pitchers in the game.

For the Braves, offense came from a double by Jordan Schafer and an Alex Gonzalez homer. The Nationals would counter with doubles from Mike Morse and Wilson Ramos. Ramos would also hit a home run for Washington.

Nationals 5, Braves 2 WP John Lannan, LP Tommy Hanson

The final line: Washington 5 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, Atlanta 2 runs, 5 hits, 2 errors

Next game: Sunday, July 17th vs the Braves in Atlanta, game time 1:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 47 wins, 47 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals bats FINALLY start showing some life only to have the pitching falter in a 9-8 loss to the Braves.

Actually both teams suffered from some pitching woes as five hurlers were summoned to the mound by both teams. All five of Washington's pitchers surrendered at least one run. Washington starter Tom Gorzelanny was pulled in the third inning after injuring an ankle while scoring on a triple by Roger Bernadina.

The Nationals actually lead in extra base hits in the contest with doubles from Ryan Zimmerman, Jesus Flores and Ian Desmond, triples from Roger Bernadina and Danny Espinosa and a homer from Espinosa as well.

The Braves would counter with a double from Wilkin Ramirez and home runs from Brian McCann and Nate McLouth. However, it was a single by Freddie Freeman in the bottom of the ninth that drove in the winning run with 2 men on base.

Braves 9, Nationals 8 WP Craig Kimbrell, LP Ryan Mattheus

The final line: Atlanta 9 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, Washington 8 runs, 11 hits, 1 error

Next game: Monday, July 18th vs the Astros in Houston, game time 8:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 47 wins, 48 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

The second portion of the current road trip takes the Nationals to Houston where they open the 3 game series with a 5-2 win.

Washington's Jason Marquis worked 8 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs while walking 1 and striking out 9. Drew Storen picked up his 25th save of the season.

For Houston, starter Jordan Lyles kept the Nationals bats stymied for the first 4 innings before giving up a solo homer to Mike Morse in the 5th. Lyles' final numbers for the game-8.1 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. Houston used 3 pitchers.

Washington's only extra base hits were solo homers from Morse and Ryan Zimmerman. The Astros would counter with doubles from Carlos Corporan, Jason Michaels and Carlos Lee, who stroked 2.

Nationals 5, Astros 2 WP Jason Marquis, LP Jordan Lyles

The final line: Washington 5 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors, Houston 2 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Tuesday, July 19th vs the Astros in Houston, game time 8:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 48 wins, 48 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann has an uncharacteristic bad outing, giving up 6 runs in a 7-6 loss to the Astros.

Zimmermann worked 5 innings giving up 7 hits and 6 runs while striking out 5. The Nationals used 4 pitchers in the game.

For Houston, J. A. Happ was the starter and winner of the game. Happ pitched 5.2 innings, giving up 7 hits and 5 runs while walking 4 and striking out 2. Houston would send 6 pitchers to the mound with Mark Melancon earning the save.

For the Nationals Ian Desmond, Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Mike Morse all doubled with Morse doubling twice. Hairston and Morse both had hot bats as they both homered as well.

The Astros Chris Johnson and Michael Bourn both doubled, Bourn collecting 2 as well while Clint Barnes homered for the victors.

Astros 7, Nationals 6 WP J. A. Happ, LP Jordan Zimmermann

The final line: Houston 7 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors, Washington 6 runs, 11 hits, 1 error

Next game: Wednesday, July 20th vs the Astros in Houston, game time 2:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 48 wins, 49 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

The Astros win two games in a row for the first time in over a month at the expense of the Nationals.

Livan Hernandez started for the Nationals pitching 6 innings, giving up 7 hits and 2 runs while walking 1 and striking out 3. Washington would use 5 pitchers in the game with Todd Coffey being charged with the loss. Coffey gave up 3 hits, including the game winning single by Jason Michaels, in just 1/3rd of an inning.

For the Astros, starter Brett Myers worked 7 innings, giving up 8 hits and 2 runs while walking 2 and striking out 4. Houston would use 4 pitchers with Wilton Lopez garnering the win, pitching 2 innings and giving up just 1 hit in relief.

The only good news for the Nationals was that Jayson Werth homered for the first time in over 2 months, accounting for both Washington runs. Werth also stroked two doubles, the only other extra base hits for Washington.

The Astros got a double from Humberto Quintero and a triple from Hunter Pence.

Astros 3, Nationals 2 (11 innings) WP Wilton Lopez, LP Todd Coffey

The final line: Houston 3 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors, Washington 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Friday, July 22nd vs the Dodgers in Los Angeles, game time 10:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 48 wins, 50 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

[Aa3rt]

After dropping 2 of 3 in Houston, the Nationals make their way to Los Angeles on the last leg of the current road trip and break their 2 game losing skid with a 7-2 victory in the opening game of the 3 game series.

Starting pitcher John Lannan gets the win and helps his own cause with the first home run of his major league career. Lannan pitched 6.1 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run while walking 4 and striking out 6. The Nationals would use 4 pitchers.

For the Dodgers, starter Hiroki Kuroda is charged with the loss. Kuroda also pitched 6.1 innings, giving up 7 hits and 3 runs, walking 3 and striking out 7. Los Angeles would send 6 pitchers to the mound in the game.

Extra base hits for Washington include doubles from Mike Morse and Rick Ankiel and Lannan's already mentioned home run. Jerry Hairston, Jr. clubbed a grand slam homer in the top of the 9th for the Nationals.

For the Dodgers, Juan Rivera and Aaron Miles doubled.

Nationals 7, Dodgers 2 WP John Lannan, LP Hiroki Kuroda

The final line: Washington 7 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors, Los Angeles 2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Saturday, July 23nd vs the Dodgers in Los Angeles, game time 10:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 50 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals play their 100th game of the season, losing to the Dodgers 7-6 and dropping two games below the .500 mark.

Washington starter Tom Gorzelanny lasted just 3 innings, giving up 8 hits and 5 runs while walking 1 and striking out 3. Washington would use 5 pitchers with Henry Rodriguez being charged with a blown save and Ryan Mattheus getting the loss.

For Los Angeles, starter Ted Lilly worked 5 innings, giving up all 6 of Washington's runs while walking 2 and striking out 6. The Dodgers used 4 pitchers with Javy Guerra picking up the win.

The Nationals scored 3 runs in the 1st and another 3 in the 3rd but Washington was held scoreless the rest of the way. The Dodgers scored 1 in the 1st and 2nd and 3 in the 3rd to make the score 6-5. They continued to chip away, tying the score in the 7th and winning the game in the bottom of the 9th on a Rafael Furcal double.

There were 3 doubles by each team-Washington's came from Mike Morse, Jayson Werth and Rick Ankiel with Los Angeles' attack coming from Matt Kemp, Ted Lilly and Furcal.

Dodgers 7, Nationals 6 WP Javy Guerra, LP Ryan Mattheus

The final line: Los Angeles 7 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, Washington 6 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

Next game: Sunday, July 24th vs the Dodgers in Los Angeles, game time 4:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 51 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals conclude their 9 game road trip on a Sunday afternoon in LA by losing another, their record on this 3 city journey 3-6.

Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley looked a bit shaky in the first inning, loading the bases and giving up 1 run. However, that was the only offense the Nationals would mount as Billingsley cruised for the next 6 innings. His numbers-7 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 10 strikeouts. The Dodgers would use 3 pitchers with Javy Guerra picking up a save.

For the Nationals, Jason Marquis is charged with the loss. Marquis would pitch 6 innings giving up 5 hits and 3 runs while walking 4 and striking out 2. The Nationals would also use 3 pitchers.

There were no extra base hits in the game.

Dodgers 3, Nationals 1 WP Chad Billingsley, LP Jason Marquis

The final line: Los Angeles 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Washington 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Tuesday, July 26th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 52 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Washington Nationals return to town after an unsuccessful road trip (3-6) but don't find a home field advantage as the Florida Marlins hand the Nationals their third straight loss. This loss puts the Nationals in last place in the NL East, half a game behind the Marlins.

Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann is charged with the loss, his season record dropping to 6-9. Zimmermann pitched 6.2 innings, giving up 8 hits and 6 runs while striking out 5 but not walking any. The Nationals used 5 pitchers with Henry Rodriguez being charged with the other 5 runs.

For Florida, Ricky Nolasco worked 5.2 innings for the win. Nolasco gave up 3 hits and 2 runs, walking 3 and striking out 4. Florida would use 4 pitchers.

The Marlins put on quite an offensive performance getting doubles from Emilio Bonifacio and Bryan Petersen, a triple from Omar Infante and home runs from John Buck, Logan Morrison and Greg Dobbs.

The Nationals countered with a double from Mike Morse and a Laynce Nix home run.

Marlins 11, Nationals 2 WP Ricky Nolasco, LP Jordan Zimmermann

The final line: Florida 11 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors, Washington 2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error

Next game: Wednesday, July 27th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 53 losses

Current streak: 3 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Marlins mastery of the Nationals continues in a 7-5 victory in the second game of the series.

For Florida, starter Javier Vasquez earned the win, pitching 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and 1 run while walking 3 and striking out 4. The Marlins used 4 pitchers with Leo Nunez picking up his 29th save.

Washington starter Livan Hernandez is charged with the loss, working 4 innings, giving up 5 hits and 4 runs. Hernandez walked 3 and struck out 5. The Nationals used 5 pitchers.

Florida got a double from Hanley Ramirez and home runs from Mike Stanton and Mike Cameron who stroked two round trippers.

Washington countered with a double from Ryan Zimmerman, a triple from Ian Desmond and a Laynce Nix home run.

Marlins 7, Nationals 5 WP Javier Vasquez, LP Livan Hernandez

The final line: Florida 7 runs, 14 hits, 1 error, Washington 5 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

Next game: Thursday, July 28th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 12:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 54 losses

Current streak: 4 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Marlins complete the 3 game sweep of the Nationals in Washington with a 5-2 win in a Thursday afternoon matinee game.

The Marlins used 6 pitchers in the contest-starter Brad Hand only lasted 3 innings with Brian Sanches getting the win.

For the Nationals John Lannan started and was charged with the loss. Lannan worked 5.2 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 runs, 4 walks and struck out 4.

In the extra base department, Florida got doubles from Hanley Ramirez and Brett Hayes and a home run from Mike Stanton while Washington only managed a Ryan Zimmerman double.

Marlins 5, Nationals 2 WP Brian Sanches, LP John Lannan

The final line: Florida 5 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, Washington 2 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

Next game: Friday, July 29th vs the New York Mets in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 55 losses

Current streak: 5 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Mets come to Washington and extend the Nationals losing streak to 6 with an 8-5 win.

Chien-Ming Wang loses his first start in over 2 years as he struggles in the first inning giving up 4 runs. Wang worked 4 innings giving up 8 total hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. The Nationals used 4 pitchers in the game.

For the Mets Dillon Lee gets the win, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs, walking 4 and striking out 5. The Mets used 6 pitchers.

The Mets stroked 3 doubles from Jose Reyes, Jason Bay and Ronny Paulino while the Nationals got a 2 bagger from Wilson Ramos.

The Mets only left 4 runners on base, the Nationals 10.

Mets 8, Nationals 5 WP Dillon Lee, LP Chien-Ming Wang

The final line: New York 8 runs, 12 hits, 1 error, Washington 5 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

Next game: Saturday, July 30th vs the Mets in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 49 wins, 56 losses

Current streak: 6 losses

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals FINALLY hit the 50 win plateau and end their 6 game skid with a 3-0 shutout over the Mets.

Washington starter Yunesky Maya, who was just recalled from Syracuse to replace the traded Jason Marquis, earns his first major league win pitching 5.1 innings, giving up 5 hits. Maya did not walk or strike out any batters. The Nationals used 4 pitchers with Drew Storen getting his 26th save of the season.

For the Mets, R. A. Dickey is charged with the loss. Dickey worked 6 innings giving up 6 hits and 3 while walking 2 and striking out 1. The Mets used 3 pitchers.

The only extra base hits in the game came from Washington's Mike Morse who doubled and a 3 run homer from Jayson Werth.

Nationals 3, Mets 0 WP Yunesky Maya, LP R. A. Dickey

The final line: Washington 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors, New York 0 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Sunday, July 31st vs the Mets in Washington, game time 1:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 50 wins, 56 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals win their 1st series since the All-Star break taking 2 of 3 from the Mets in a 3-2 victory.

Despite the low score, neither starting pitcher is around for the decision.

For the Mets, Jonathan Niese worked 5 innings giving up 8 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6 and not giving up any walks. The Mets used 5 pitchers with Bobby Parnell being charged with the loss.

Jordan Zimmermann started for the Nationals pitching 6 innings giving up 7 hits and no runs while walking 1 and striking out 6. The Nationals used 4 pitchers with Drew Storen blowing the save but picking up the win when the Nationals scored in the bottom of the 9th.

Offense for the Mets came from 2 Scott Hairston solo home runs while the Nationals countered with doubles from Ian Desmond, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Mike Morse who connected for 2.

Nationals 3, Mets 2 WP Drew Storen, LP Bobby Parnell

The final line: Washington 3 runs, 11 hits, 1 errors, New York 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Monday, August 1st vs the Braves in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 51 wins, 56 losses

Current streak: 2 wins

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals complete their homestand taking 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves.

Monday, Aug. 1st Nationals 5, Braves 3 WP Livan Hernandez, LP Jair Jurrens

The final line: Washington 5 runs, 8 hits, 1 error, Atlanta 3 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

Tuesday, Aug. 2nd Nationals 9, Braves 3 WP John Lannan, LP Derek Lowe

The final line: Washington 9 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, Atlanta 3 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

Wednesday, Aug. 3rd Braves 6, Nationals 4 WP Brandon Beachy, LP Chien-Ming Wang

The final line: Atlanta 6 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors, Washington 4 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

Off to Colorado on a road trip:

Thursday, Aug. 4th Rockies 6, Nationals 3 WP Esmil Rogers, LP Ross Detwiler

The final line: Colorado 6 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, Washington 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Friday, Aug. 5th vs the Rockies in Colorado, game time 8:40PM EDT

Nationals record: 53 wins, 58 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

Moderator's note: I started a new job this past Monday that is cutting into my personal time. This isn't "my" thread and other BBF members are welcomed and encouraged to contribute!

[Aa3rt]

The Nationals take game 2 of 4 from the Rockies by the score of 5-3.

However, the victory is tempered by the serious injury experienced by Rockies starter Juan Nicasio who was hit by a line drive off the bat of Ian Desmond in the second inning. The liner struck Nicasio on the right side of his head and he lay motionless on the mound for some time while being attended to by the Rockies staff. Reports today say that Nicasio has had neck surgery. We wish him well and hope that he quickly recovers.

Literally adding insult to injury, Nicasio is charged with the loss, having given up 2 runs in the first inning. The Rockies used 6 pitchers in the game.

For the Nationals, starter Jordan Zimmermann worked 5.2 innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs while walking 2 and striking out 8. The Nationals would use 4 pitchers with Drew Storen picking up his 28th save of the season.

Colorado got doubles from Dexter Fuller, Todd Helton and Eric Young while Washington countered with doubles from Rick Ankiel, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Jordan Zimmermann, a triple from Ryan Zimmerman and Mike Morse's 19th homer of the season.

Nationals 5, Rockies 3 WP Jordan Zimmermann, LP Juan Nicasio

The final line: Washington 5 runs, 15 hits, 1 error, Colorado 3 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Saturday, August 6th vs the Rockies in Colorado, game time 8:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 54 wins, 58 losses

Current streak: 1 win

[Aa3rt]

The Rockies and Nationals combine for 22 runs and 33 hits in a Saturday night slugfest. Unfortunately for the Nationals, the Rockies would more than double their run production in a 15-7 defeat.

Surprisingly, both starting pitchers figure in the decision with Colorado's Jhoulys Chacin getting the win. Chacin worked 5 innings giving up 5 hits and 3 runs while walking 5 and striking out 4.

For Washington, Livan Hernandez was charged with the loss, giving up 9 hits and 7 runs in 3.2 innings. Hernandez did not walk or strike out a batter.

Both teams used 5 pitchers in the game.

The bats were hot for both teams-Washington got doubles from Danny Espinosa, who stroked two, Mike Morse, Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman and a home run from Rick Ankiel. Colorado countered with doubles from Troy Tulowitzki, who also doubled twice and Eric Young. Dexter Fowler contributed a triple while Chris Iannetta and Ty Wiggington homered for the victors.

After 4 innings the Nationals were down 9-2. They tried to make a game of it and after 5 and a half the score was 9-7. However the Rockies relievers were able to shut down Washington's bats from that point while the Rockies scored 6 more runs.

Rockies 15, Nationals 7 WP Jhoulys Chacin, LP Livan Hernandez

The final line: Colorado 15 runs, 19 hits, 0 errors, Washington 7 runs, 14 hits, 1 error

Next game: Sunday, August 7th vs the Rockies in Colorado, game time 3:10PM EDT

Nationals record: 54 wins, 59 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

[Aa3rt]

Sunday, Aug. 7th The Nationals split the 4 game set in Colorado by defeating the Rockies in the Sunday afternoon finale.

Washington 3, Colorado 2 WP Tyler Clippard, (Drew Storen-save #29), LP Matt Belisle

The final line: Nationals 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, Rockies 2 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

Off to the Windy City for a 3 game set with the Chicago Cubs:

Monday, Aug. 8th Game called due to rain, rescheduled for Thursday, Aug. 11th which had been an off day for both teams.

Tuesday, Aug. 9th Washington 3, Chicago 1 WP Chien-Ming Wang (Drew Storen-save #30), LP Matt Garza

The final line: Nationals 3 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, Cubs 1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors

Wednesday, Aug. 10th Chicago 4, Washington 2 WP Rodrigo Lopez (Carlos Marmol-save #25), LP Ross Detweiler

The final line: Cubs 4 runs, 10 hits, 1 error, Washington 2 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

Thursday, Aug. 11th Chicago 4, Washington 3 WP Ryan Dempster (Carlos Marmol save #26), LP Jordan Zimmermann

The final line: Cubs 4 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, Nationals 3 runs, 8 hits, 1 error

Next game: Friday, Aug. 12th vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time: 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 56 wins, 61 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

[Aa3rt]

The next stop on the Nationals road trip takes them to Philadelphia, where they meet up with the divisional rival Phillies who currently have the best record in the major leagues.

Washington starter Livan Hernandez bounces back after last Saturday's horrific outing in Colorado by pitching 6.2 strong innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 3 and walking just 1. The Nationals would use 3 pitchers with Drew Storen recording his 31st save.

For the Phillies, starter Cole Hamels is charged with the loss. Hamels worked 5 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs while walking 4 and striking out 5. The Phillies also used 3 pitchers in the game.

The only extra base hit in the game was an Ian Desmond double for Washington, however we should note that Livan Hernandez helped his own cause with 2 RBI singles.

Nationals 4, Phillies 2 WP Livan Hernandez, LP Cole Hamels

The final line: Washington 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error, Philadelphia 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Saturday, August 13th vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 57 wins, 61 losses

Current streak: 1 win