Nationals 2011 Regular season thread

**Aa3rt** · 09-15-2011, 06:42 PM

The Nationals make it a clean sweep in New York winning their 4th straight at CitiField and 5th straight overall with a 10-1 win.

Rookie Tommy Malone started for Washington and earned his first win working 5.2 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run while walking 3 and striking out 4. The Nationals used 6 pitchers in the game.

For the Mets, another rookie, Chris Schwiden got the start and the loss. Schwiden pitched 5 innings surrendering 4 hits and 1 run, walking 2 and striking out 3. The Mets sent 7 pitchers to the hill.

Extra base hits once again were limited to doubles. Washington got 2 baggers from Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Wilson Ramos and Ryan Zimmerman while the Mets got theirs from Ruben Tejada and Jason Bay who stroked 2.

Ian Desmond hit safely 5 times in the game for the first time in his career.

Washington 2, New York 0 WP Tommy Milone, LP Chris Schwiden

The final line: Washington 10 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, New York 1 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors

Next game: Friday, September 16th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 71 wins, 77 losses

Current streak: 5 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-17-2011, 05:25 AM

The Florida Marlins come to Washington and the Nationals' 5 game winning streak comes to a screeching halt with a 3-0 loss to the Marlins.

Marlins starter Javier Vazquez throws a 5 hit complete game shutout, striking out 7 Nationals batters in the process while not walking any.

For the Nationals, starter John Lannan is charged with the loss. Lannan worked 6 innings giving up 8 hits and 3 runs, walking 3 and striking out 1. Washington used 3 pitchers in the game.

The Marlins got doubles from Omar Infante and Mike Stanton while Nationals batters did not have any hits for extra bases.

Florida 3, Washington 0, WP Javier Vazquez, LP John Lannan

The final line: Florida 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors, Washington 0 runs, 5 hits, 1 error

Next game: Saturday, September 17th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT

Nationals record: 71 wins, 78 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

**Aa3rt** · 09-18-2011, 05:14 AM

The Marlins continue their mastery over the Nationals in Washington with a 13 inning 4-1 victory. The Nationals are now just 4-10 against their divison rivals including a 1-7 record at home.

Stephen Strasburg made his third start of the season for Washington, once again coming away with a no decision. Strasburg worked 6 innings, surrendering 6 hits and 1 run while striking out 3 but not walking any. The Nationals sent 6 pitchers to the mound with Collin Balester being charged with the loss after giving up 3 runs in the top of the 13th.

For Florida, Chris Volstad started and went 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and 1 run while walking 3 and striking out 2. The Marlins used 5 pitchers with Clay Hensley picking up the win and Leo Nunez getting his 36th save.

The killing blow came from the Marlins' Donnie Murphy. Murphy, hitting just .176, stroked his first home run of the season with a man on, giving the Marlins a 3-1 lead. Florida would score another run off Balester before the frame ended.

Marlins pitchers held the Nationals hitless after the 6th inning. Washington has scored just 1 run in 22 innings in the first 2 games of this series.

Extra base hits for Florida come in the form of doubles from Mike Stanton and Chris Volstad and the already mentioned home run from Murphy. The Nationals managed a double from Mike Morse and a home run from Wilson Ramos.

Florida 4, Washington 1 (13 innings), WP Clay Hensley (Leo Nunez, save #36), LP Collin Balester

The final line: Florida 4 runs, 10 hits, 1 error Washington 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error

Next game: Sunday, September 18th vs the Florida Marlins in Washington, game time 1:35PM EDT

Nationals record: 71 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 2 losses

**Aa3rt** · 09-18-2011, 04:27 PM

Finally! The Nationals end their 2 game losing skid with a 4-3 victory over the Marlins. Despite today's victory Washington's home record against Florida ends the season at a woeful 2-7.

Chien-Ming Wang got the start, and the win, for Washington, hurling 6.2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs while striking out 5 but not walking any. This was Wang's longest outing since he returned from shoulder surgery. All 3 runs scored by Florida came from two home runs given up by Wang. Washington used 3 pitchers with Drew Storen picking up save #38.

For Florida, Brad Hand got the start and is charged with the loss, working 4 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) while walking 1 and also striking out 5. Florida used 4 pitchers in the game with the Nationals being held hitless after the 4th inning.

Extra base hits for Florida came from home runs by Brett Hayes and Gaby Sanchez. Washington responded with doubles from Jonny Gomes, Chris Marrero and Ryan Zimmerman who stroked 2.

Washington 4, Florida 3, WP Chien-Ming Wang (Drew Storen, save #38), LP Brad Hand

The final line: Washington 4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Florida 3 runs, 6 hits, 2 errors

Next game: Tuesday, September 20th vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time 1:05PM EDT (First game of a day/night double header, second game starts at 7:05PM EDT.)

Nationals record: 72 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 1 win

**Aa3rt** · 09-20-2011, 03:51 PM

The Nationals start a day/night double header with the Phillies by capturing a 4-3 extra inning win. Both starters pitched well, in fact, their lines are almost identical but neither is around for the decision. Both teams use 6 pitchers in the opener.

Washington starter Tommy Milone throws 6 innings, giving up 4 hits but no runs. Milone struck out 2 but did not walk any. Tyler Clippard is charged with a blown save, Tom Gorzelanny collects the win and Drew Storen claims his 39th save.

For Philadelphia, Kyle Kendrick also worked 6 innings, also giving up 4 hits and no runs while striking out 4 but not walking any. Michael Stutes is charged with the loss.

Both teams got 3 run homers-the Phillies Raul Ibanez and the Nationals Roger Bernadina performing the feat, while the Phillies Erik Kratz and Danny Espinosa of the Nationals both doubled.

However, it was a pinch-hit single in the top of the 10th inning by Ryan Zimmerman that gave the Nationals the win.

Washington 4, Philadelphia 3, (10 innings) WP Tom Gorzelanny (Drew Storen, save #39), LP Michael Stutes

The final line: Washington 4 runs, 10 hits, 1 error, Philadelphia 3 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

Next game: Tuesday, September 20th vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time 7:05PM EDT, second game of the day/night double header.

Nationals record: 73 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 2 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-20-2011, 07:23 PM

The Nationals make it a "Two for Tuesday" when they take the second half of the day/night double header in Philadelphia.

Washington starter Ross Detwiler pitches 7.1 innings, giving up just 3 hits and no runs while striking out 3 and walking 1. The Nationals use 3 pitchers with Drew Storen picking up save #40!

For Philadelphia, Cliff Lee worked 7 innings giving up 11 hits and 3 runs (2 earned) while striking out 9. Lee didn't issue any walks. The Phillies also sent 3 hurlers to the mound.

In the extra base department, Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth doubled while Danny Espinosa hit his 20th home run of the season for Washington. There were no Phillies hits for extra bases.

Washington 3, Philadelphia 0, WP Ross Detwiler (Drew Storen, save #40), LP Cliff Lee

The final line: Washington 3 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors, Philadelphia 0 runs, 3 hits, 3 errors

Next game: Wednesday, September 21st vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time 7:05PM EDT.

Nationals record: 74 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 3 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-21-2011, 08:07 PM

The Nationals make it 3 in a row in Philadelphia with John Lannan finally reaching the 10 win mark for a season and getting just his second career win against the Phillies against 12 losses.

Lannan worked 5 innings giving up 8 hits and 3 runs while striking out 3 and walking 1. 5 Washington pitchers would make their way to the mound with Henry Rodriguez earning his first major league save.

For the Phillies, Vance Worley got the start and the loss pitching 6 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs while striking out 6 and walking 3. Philadelphia would also send 5 pitchers into the game.

The Nationals collect doubles from Roger Bernadina and Chris Marrero and home runs from Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos. Philadelphia would get a homer from John Mayberry.

Washington 7, Philadelphia 5, WP John Lannan (Henry Rodriguez, save #1), LP Vance Worley

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

Next game: Thursday, September 22nd vs the Phillies in Philadelphia, game time 7:05PM EDT.

Nationals record: 75 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 4 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-23-2011, 03:55 AM

Incredible! The Washington Nationals complete a 4 game sweep of the Phillies in Philadelphia!

Washington starter Brad Peacock picks up his second major league win in as many starts, working 5.2 innings, surrendering just 1 hit and no runs while walking 2 and striking out the same number. A total of 6 Washington pitchers held the Phillies scoreless until the bottom of the 9th when Todd Coffey gave up 2 hits with 2 outs for Philadelphia's only run.

For the Phillies, Roy Oswalt is charged with the loss. Oswalt hurled 7.2 innings and gives up 7 hits and 6 runs while walking 2 and striking out 4. The Phillies sent 3 pitchers into the game.

Extra base hits for Washington came from doubles by Roger Bernadina, Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel who stroked 2 and a Mike Morse 3-run homer. The Phillies got a double from John Mayberry.

Washington 6, Philadelphia 1 WP Brad Peacock, LP Roy Oswalt

The final line: Nationals 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors, Phillies 1 run, 4 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Friday, September 23rd vs the Atlanta Braves in Washington, game time 7:05PM EDT.

NOTE: Once again, the Washington metropolitan area is being innundated with more heavy rains and as of this writing (6PM) the start of the game in about an hour is still questionable.

Nationals record: 76 wins, 79 losses

Current streak: 5 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-23-2011, 08:44 PM

The Nationals return home for a brief 3 game series with the Braves and see the 5 game winning streak grind to a muddy halt in Washington.

Persistent rains in the Washington area made it questionable as to whether this game would be played or not. However the rains subsided not long before game time and the game started just 10 minutes late.

A crowd of just under 29,000 saw Stephen Strasburg make what is likely to be his last start of the 2011 season. Strasburg had a rough first inning and is charged with his first loss. His final stats for the game: 4 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), no walks and 3 strikeouts. Both teams used 5 pitchers in the game.

For the Braves, starter Tim Hudson earns the win going 5.2 innings giving up 9 hits and 3 runs while striking out 4 and not issuing any walks. Craig Kimbrel gets his 46th save.

The Braves get doubles from Dan Uggla and Brian McCann while the Nationals countered with doubles from Danny Espinosa and Mike Morse while Jayson Werth hits his 20th home run as a National.

The Braves left 6 men on base, the Nationals 8.

Atlanta 7, Washington 4, WP Tim Hudson, LP Stephen Strasburg

The final line: Braves 7 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors, Nationals 4 runs, 12 hits, 1 error

Next game: Saturday, September 24th vs the Atlanta Braves in Washington, game time 1:05PM EDT.

Nationals record: 76 wins, 80 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

**Aa3rt** · 09-24-2011, 05:43 PM

The Nationals get back on the winning track with a 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Washington.

Washington starter Chien-Ming Wang picks up his 4th win of the season (Against 3 losses) by pitching 6 innings. Wang gave up 6 hits and 1 run while striking out 4 and not walking any. The Nationals used 4 pitchers in the game with Drew Storen earning his 41st save.

For Atlanta, Brandon Beachy is charged with the loss. Beachy worked 6 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 runs, walking 4 and striking out 9.

The only extra base hit of the game was a solo home run by Atlanta's Freddie Freeman.

Of note for the Nationals, Chien-Ming Wang helped his own cause with his first major league hit which drove in a run. Wang was 0-32 at the plate to this point in his career.

Washington 4, Atlanta 1, WP Chien-Ming Wang (Drew Storen, save #41), LP Brandon Beachy

The final line: Nationals 4 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, Braves 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Sunday, September 25th vs the Atlanta Braves in Washington, game time 1:35PM EDT.

Nationals record: 77 wins, 80 losses

Current streak: 1 win

**Aa3rt** · 09-25-2011, 01:51 PM

The Nationals complete their season at home with a 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The season series between Atlanta and Washington ends at 9-9. The Nationals final home record ends at 44-36.

Nationals starter Ross Detwiler pitched 6 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. The Nationals sent 4 pitchers to the mound with Drew Storen collecting his 42nd save.

For the Braves, Mike Miner worked 4.2 innings giving up 6 hits and 1 run, walking 2 and striking out 5. 3 Atlanta pitchers worked in the game.

Extra base hits for the Nationals came from doubles by Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Jonny Gomes while Wilson Ramos and Mike Morse homered, Morse's was his 29th of the season. There were no extra base hits for the Braves.

Washington 3, Atlanta 0, WP Ross Detwiler (Drew Storen, save #42), LP Mike Miner

The final line: Nationals 3 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, Braves 0 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Monday, September 26th vs the Florida Marlins in Florida, game time 7:10PM EDT. (The Nationals are 5-10 vs the Marlins, 2-7 in Washington and 3-3 in Miami.)

Nationals record: 78 wins, 80 losses

Current streak: 2 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-27-2011, 05:08 AM

The Nationals' final road trip of the season takes them to Miami for a 3 game series against the Marlins. The first game starts almost an hour late due to rain and there was some concern about the condition of the field after Sunday's Dolphins game.

Nationals starter Tommy Milone worked 4.1 innings, giving up 7 hits and 3 runs while walking 1 and striking out 4. The Nationals sent a grand total of 7 pitchers to the mound in the game with Atahualpa Severino earning the win and Henry Rodriguez being awarded his 2nd save of the season.

For the Marlins, Anibal Sanchez was the starter going 5 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 runs (2 earned) while walking and striking out 5. Florida used 4 pitchers in the game with Edward Mujica being charged with both a blown save and the loss.

Extra base hits for Florida come from Omar Infante who tripled and Logan Morrison who doubled and homered.

For Washington, Ian Desmond doubled and Mike Morse continued his superlative season, hitting home run number 30 when it was needed most-with 2 outs in the top of the 9th and 2 runners on, Washington down 4-3. Morse's blast provided the margin of victory, ensuring that the Nationals would finish in 3rd place in the NL East!

This is the first time since 1945 that a Washington baseball team has finished this high in the standings. (The 1969 expansion Senators, in their only winning season, finished with a record of 86-76, 4th in the 6 team AL East.)

Washington 6, Florida 3, WP Atahualpa Severino (Henry Rodriguez, save #2), LP Edward Mujica

The final line: Nationals 6 runs, 10 hits, 1 error, Marlins 3 runs, 10 hits, 3 errors

Next game: Tuesday, September 27th vs the Marlins in Florida, game time 7:10PM EDT.

Nationals record: 79 wins, 80 losses

Current streak: 3 wins

**Aa3rt** · 09-28-2011, 08:48 AM

The Washington Nationals' slim chance for an over .500 season disappear in the bottom of the 9th inning when a 2 out, walk off home run by Bryan Petersen gives the Florida Marlins a 3-2 victory.

Marlins pitcher Javier Vazquez hurls a 9 inning complete game, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, striking out 9 and not issuing any walks.

For the Nationals, John Lannan worked 6 innings, surrendering just 3 hits and 2 runs while walking 3 and striking out 4. The Nationals would summon 4 pitchers to the mound with Doug Slaten being charged with the loss.

4 of the Marlins 5 hits in the game went for extra bases-Emilio Bonifacio, Matt Dominguez and Mike Stanton all doubled with Petersen's already mentioned homer being the killing blow for the Nationals.

Washington got a double from Steve Lombardozzi and Mike Morse comes through again with his 31st home run of an outstanding season.

Florida 3, Washington 2 WP Javier Vazquez, LP Doug Slaten

The final line: Marlins 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Nationals 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors

Next game: Wednesday, September 28th vs the Marlins in Florida, game time 4:10PM EDT.

Nationals record: 79 wins, 81 losses

Current streak: 1 loss

**Aa3rt** · 09-28-2011, 06:24 PM

The Nationals conclude the season on a winning note, besting the Florida Marlins by the score of 3-1. Stephen Strasburg gets one last start and the win for Washington.

Strasburg would work 6 innings for Washington, giving up 1 hit and no runs while walking 2 and striking out 10. 5 Washington pitchers entered the game with Drew Storen earning his 43rd save of the season.

For Florida, Chris Volstad is charged with the loss. Volstad also worked 6 innings giving up 3 hits and 2 runs while walking 2 and striking out 5. Florida used 3 pitchers in the contest.

There were few extra base hits in the game-Florida's Gaby Sanchez doubled while Alex Cora tripled for Washington.

Washington 3, Florida 1, WP Stephen Strasburg, LP Chris Volstad

The final line: Nationals 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, Marlins 1 run, 3 hits, 1 error

Next game: Thursday, April 5th, 2012 vs the Cubs in Chicago, game time TBD.

Nationals record: 80 wins, 81 losses

Current streak: 1 win

Moderator's Note: With the end of the National's 2011 season, this thread will be closed. Please post any post season discussion in this thread: Washington Nationals 2011-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly...