Hey! Was anybody worried? Thought I was stranded somewhere/abducted/institutionalized?
Well, in case you were wondering (and by you, I mean the five of you that my site stats are saying came between Monday and today), I'm still here. Work has just been a little bit crazy this week (yes I have a job), and today looks like it will be no different.
Hopefully tomorrow it will settle down some and I'll make some real updates. Until then, here's a quick team-by-team rundown of what's been happening in area sports in the last five days:
Nationals: Sucking.
1-3. Lost two of three in a weekend series against the Mets, then lost the series opener against the Reds. The Nats are now tied for last place in the National League East, where everyone thought they'd be all along. They are still only two games behind Philadelphia for the Wild Card with 37 games remaining, though.
Orioles: Sucking.
0-4. Swept in a weekend series in Cleveland. Lost the series opener with the Angels. Any slim hopes of playoff baseball in Baltimore that may have been ignited by the sweep over then-Wild-Card-leading Oakland are long gone.
D.C. United: Sucking.
0-1. OK, that's kind of harsh because they were on a six game unbeaten streak before losing to the Los Angeles Galaxy, 3-2, on Saturday, but we're working on a theme here.
Mystics: Sucking less than they were at last update.
1-1. The Mystics lost to Detroit on Sunday to fall a game behind the Shock for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East and drop their fifth game in a row, then redeemed themselves by beating New York in overtime on Tuesday while Detroit lost to the craptacular 4-27 Charlotte Sting (now 5-27!). The Mystics and Shock are again tied for fourth in the East, now with two games remaining in the regular season for both teams.
Since this is the most interesting thing going on in local sports right now, I'm going to talk about it more.
With two games remaining for both Detroit and Washington and the teams tied for the final playoff spot in the East with matching 15-17 records, things are getting interesting. This is especially true because the teams end their season with a head-to-head match-up. This, folks, is as awesome as women's basketball gets. With Detroit playing second-place Indiana on Thursday and the Mystics playing first-place Connecticut on Friday, there is a good chance that both teams will be sitting on 15-18 records going into Saturday's season-deciding game.
For Saturday's game, the Mystics will be playing for the second night in a row and will be traveling from Connecticut to the nation's capital after the 7:30 p.m. game against the Sun. Detroit has a day off before the crucial match, but they will have to play on Washington's home court.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
MLB: Nationals 5, Philadelphia Phillies 4 (August 18, Game 2)
WP: Luis Ayala (8-6)
LP: Ugueth Urbina (3-1)
S: Chad Cordero (39)
WAS: 64-57 (3rd in NL East, 5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, 0.5 ahead of Florida, 2.5 ahead of New York; 0.5 behind Philadelphia for Wild Card)
For much of yesterday's doubleheader, it looked like the Nationals were going to be swept and lose ground on both the Phillies and the Astros in the Wild Card race -- but then the Nats offense changed that in the eight inning of the second game.
After falling behind 4-0 with Ryan Drese pitching, the Nationals scored three runs in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Jose Vidro and a one-run double by Nick Johnson to cut the lead to 4-3. The score stayed that way until the eighth, when set-up man Ugueth Urbina came in for the Phillies. Urbina gave up a leadoff double to Jose Guillen, and with one out, Preston Wilson singled him home and advanced to second on the throw to the plate. The next batter, Carlos Baerga, did the same, and the Nationals took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the eighth.
Mike Stanton got the first out in the eighth for the Nats, but gave up a single to Bobby Abreu, which prompted Frank Robinson to bring in the Chief, Chad Cordero, to get five outs for the save. Cordero got Pat Burrell to ground into the double play to end the eighth, then pitched a three-up, three-down ninth to record his 39th save.
The Nats head to New York to start a three-game set with the last-place Mets tonight at 7:10. John Patterson (7-3, 2.44 ERA, throws right) starts for the Nationals, facing Jae Seo (4-1, 1.35 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
Well, I was right for doubting Ryan Drese in a big game, but the Nationals bats and bullpen came through to get them a much-needed win anyway.
Down 4-0, it looked like the Nats were doomed to lose, because they don't score four runs in a game all that often, let alone four runs in five innings after falling behind 4-0. But some two-out hits in the fifth and clutch hitting in the eighth earned Washington the win and kept them within a half game of the Wild Card lead.
The Nationals now look to take the Wild Card lead when they play three against the Mets this weekend. Unfortunately, Houston and Philly get weak opponents in Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, respectively.
Tonight the Nats take on Jae Seo, an excellent pitcher from South Korea who has posted an incredible 1.35 ERA in five starts this season. Luckily, the Nats will send stud John Patterson to the hill, who boasts a 2.44 ERA.
LP: Ugueth Urbina (3-1)
S: Chad Cordero (39)
WAS: 64-57 (3rd in NL East, 5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, 0.5 ahead of Florida, 2.5 ahead of New York; 0.5 behind Philadelphia for Wild Card)
For much of yesterday's doubleheader, it looked like the Nationals were going to be swept and lose ground on both the Phillies and the Astros in the Wild Card race -- but then the Nats offense changed that in the eight inning of the second game.
After falling behind 4-0 with Ryan Drese pitching, the Nationals scored three runs in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Jose Vidro and a one-run double by Nick Johnson to cut the lead to 4-3. The score stayed that way until the eighth, when set-up man Ugueth Urbina came in for the Phillies. Urbina gave up a leadoff double to Jose Guillen, and with one out, Preston Wilson singled him home and advanced to second on the throw to the plate. The next batter, Carlos Baerga, did the same, and the Nationals took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the eighth.
Mike Stanton got the first out in the eighth for the Nats, but gave up a single to Bobby Abreu, which prompted Frank Robinson to bring in the Chief, Chad Cordero, to get five outs for the save. Cordero got Pat Burrell to ground into the double play to end the eighth, then pitched a three-up, three-down ninth to record his 39th save.
The Nats head to New York to start a three-game set with the last-place Mets tonight at 7:10. John Patterson (7-3, 2.44 ERA, throws right) starts for the Nationals, facing Jae Seo (4-1, 1.35 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
Well, I was right for doubting Ryan Drese in a big game, but the Nationals bats and bullpen came through to get them a much-needed win anyway.
Down 4-0, it looked like the Nats were doomed to lose, because they don't score four runs in a game all that often, let alone four runs in five innings after falling behind 4-0. But some two-out hits in the fifth and clutch hitting in the eighth earned Washington the win and kept them within a half game of the Wild Card lead.
The Nationals now look to take the Wild Card lead when they play three against the Mets this weekend. Unfortunately, Houston and Philly get weak opponents in Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, respectively.
Tonight the Nats take on Jae Seo, an excellent pitcher from South Korea who has posted an incredible 1.35 ERA in five starts this season. Luckily, the Nats will send stud John Patterson to the hill, who boasts a 2.44 ERA.
WNBA: Indiana Fever 67, Mystics 57 (August 18)
WAS: 14-16 (5th in East, 10 behind Connecticut, 4 behind Indiana, 3 behind New York, 0.5 behind Detroit)
The Washington Mystics' tough schedule is getting the better of them, as they dropped their fourth straight game last night, losing to the Indiana Fever, 67-57. The loss puts them in fifth place in the East, which means that the Mystics would be staying home if the playoffs started today.
They are half a game behind Detroit, who plays tonight at Los Angeles.
Last night, Indiana's Tamika Catchings pretyt much single-handedly took down Washington, scoring 23 points, dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds, all of which led the team.
Delisha Milton-Jones and Chasity Melvin both scored 20 points for the Mystics, with Melvin also grabbing 10 boards for a double-double. Alana Beard was shut down by the Fever, only managing six points on 2-for-8 shooting.
The Mystics next game is in Detroit, where they will face the team they are trying to overtake for the last playoff spot on Sunday at 5 p.m.
THOUGHTS:
Not good.
Now the Mystics have to sit and watch and hope that Chamique Holdsclaw and the Los Angeles Sparks can knock off Detroit so that Washington will be back in a tie with Detroit for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East.
Sunday's game in Detroit is now a must-win for the Mystics, because a loss would at least put them one game out of the playoffs with three games remaining, and could put them two games back if Detroit wins tonight.
For the Mystics to have any shot at making the playoffs, Alana Beard is going to need to take more than eight shots per game.
The Washington Mystics' tough schedule is getting the better of them, as they dropped their fourth straight game last night, losing to the Indiana Fever, 67-57. The loss puts them in fifth place in the East, which means that the Mystics would be staying home if the playoffs started today.
They are half a game behind Detroit, who plays tonight at Los Angeles.
Last night, Indiana's Tamika Catchings pretyt much single-handedly took down Washington, scoring 23 points, dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds, all of which led the team.
Delisha Milton-Jones and Chasity Melvin both scored 20 points for the Mystics, with Melvin also grabbing 10 boards for a double-double. Alana Beard was shut down by the Fever, only managing six points on 2-for-8 shooting.
The Mystics next game is in Detroit, where they will face the team they are trying to overtake for the last playoff spot on Sunday at 5 p.m.
THOUGHTS:
Not good.
Now the Mystics have to sit and watch and hope that Chamique Holdsclaw and the Los Angeles Sparks can knock off Detroit so that Washington will be back in a tie with Detroit for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East.
Sunday's game in Detroit is now a must-win for the Mystics, because a loss would at least put them one game out of the playoffs with three games remaining, and could put them two games back if Detroit wins tonight.
For the Mystics to have any shot at making the playoffs, Alana Beard is going to need to take more than eight shots per game.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies 2, Nationals 1 (August 18, Game 1)
WP: Vincente Padilla (6-11)
LP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-6)
S: Billy Wagner (29)
WAS: 63-57 (3rd in NL East, 6 behind Atlanta, 1.5 behind Philadelphia, 0.5 ahead of Florida, 1.5 ahead of New York; 1.5 behind Philadelphia for Wild Card)
Tony Armas Jr. worked out of numerous jams, but a two-run double by Bobby Abreu in the second inning was all the Phillies needed, as the Nationals bats couldn't get anything going against Vincente Padilla or the Phillies bullpen. The Phillies won, 2-1.
The Nats got one run in the second on a Cristian Guzman RBI single, but they would not score for the rest of the game.
Armas went five innings, giving up five hits and walking six, but only giving up two runs in the loss.
Game two is at 7:05 p.m., with Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) facing Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals have to find some offense. A 2-1 loss to a guy who has had a rough season is not what the team needed, especially knowing that they are sending Ryan Drese and his 0-5 record/6.93 ERA over the last five games to the mound tonight.
Luckily, the Phillies are sending Cory Lidle, who has been hoooorrrrible lately, going 1-4 in his last six starts and posting an 8.31 ERA. Maybe that spells good news for the Nats bats. They need it.
LP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-6)
S: Billy Wagner (29)
WAS: 63-57 (3rd in NL East, 6 behind Atlanta, 1.5 behind Philadelphia, 0.5 ahead of Florida, 1.5 ahead of New York; 1.5 behind Philadelphia for Wild Card)
Tony Armas Jr. worked out of numerous jams, but a two-run double by Bobby Abreu in the second inning was all the Phillies needed, as the Nationals bats couldn't get anything going against Vincente Padilla or the Phillies bullpen. The Phillies won, 2-1.
The Nats got one run in the second on a Cristian Guzman RBI single, but they would not score for the rest of the game.
Armas went five innings, giving up five hits and walking six, but only giving up two runs in the loss.
Game two is at 7:05 p.m., with Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) facing Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals have to find some offense. A 2-1 loss to a guy who has had a rough season is not what the team needed, especially knowing that they are sending Ryan Drese and his 0-5 record/6.93 ERA over the last five games to the mound tonight.
Luckily, the Phillies are sending Cory Lidle, who has been hoooorrrrible lately, going 1-4 in his last six starts and posting an 8.31 ERA. Maybe that spells good news for the Nats bats. They need it.
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies 4, Nationals 3 (August 17)
WP: Jon Lieber (12-10)
LP: Esteban Loaiza (7-9)
S: Billy Wagner (28)
WAS: 63-56 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, 1 ahead of Florida, 2 ahead of New York; 0.5 behind Philadelphia and Houston for the Wild Card)
With Houston losing, the Nationals had a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the Wild Card standings. Instead, they couldn't get their offense going and they lost game two of their four game series with the Phillies.
The Phillies got two runs in the first inning off of Esteban Loaiza, then the Nats tied it with a Vinny Castilla solo homer and a Jose Vidro RBI single in the top of the third. But in the bottom half, the Phillies added two more on a Bobby Abreu double, and that was all Jon Lieber and the Phils needed.
The Nats cut the lead to one in the seventh on a Castilla sacrifice fly, but couldn't tie it up as Ugueth Urbina and Billy Wagner shut them down in the eighth and ninth innings.
The loss sets up a series/second-place-in-the-division/Wild-Card-lead deciding doubleheader today in Philly. The first game is a 1:05 start, with Tony Armas Jr. (7-5, 4.33 ERA, throws right) facing Vincente Padilla (5-11, 4.65 ERA, throws right).
Game two is set for 7:05, with Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) going against Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right) in what was supposed to be Tuesday's match-up before the game was postponed.
THOUGHTS:
OK Nats, today is the day to get it done.
The loss last night stung, because Esteban Loaiza didn't pitch particularly poorly and the team was in the game to the end, but today should be interesting with four pitchers who have all posted similar ERAs this season.
The first game, in my mind, is the big one, because Tony Armas Jr. is on the mound, and he has been good in his last two starts (one run in 10 innings) and has been fairly consistent all year. If the Nats can't take game one, though, they have to rely on the much-maligned (by me, at least) Ryan Drese, who has stunk lately and showed no signs of improving in his rain-shortened third of an inning on Tuesday.
A pair of wins today could mean first place in the Wild Card standings, and would at least mean second in the NL East and no more than half a game out of the Wild Card.
A pair of losses, on the other hand, could mean fourth place in the division and would mean being three games behind the Phillies for the Wild Card.
A split? Well, splits are for wusses, and it wouldn't really change much. The Nats would remain a half game behind Philly for second in the division. In the Wild Card race, a split wouuld mean that at worst they would fall a full game behind Houston, at best they'd be a half game behind the Phillies.
At the very least, it should be an exciting day/night of Nats baseball.
LP: Esteban Loaiza (7-9)
S: Billy Wagner (28)
WAS: 63-56 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, 1 ahead of Florida, 2 ahead of New York; 0.5 behind Philadelphia and Houston for the Wild Card)
With Houston losing, the Nationals had a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the Wild Card standings. Instead, they couldn't get their offense going and they lost game two of their four game series with the Phillies.
The Phillies got two runs in the first inning off of Esteban Loaiza, then the Nats tied it with a Vinny Castilla solo homer and a Jose Vidro RBI single in the top of the third. But in the bottom half, the Phillies added two more on a Bobby Abreu double, and that was all Jon Lieber and the Phils needed.
The Nats cut the lead to one in the seventh on a Castilla sacrifice fly, but couldn't tie it up as Ugueth Urbina and Billy Wagner shut them down in the eighth and ninth innings.
The loss sets up a series/second-place-in-the-division/Wild-Card-lead deciding doubleheader today in Philly. The first game is a 1:05 start, with Tony Armas Jr. (7-5, 4.33 ERA, throws right) facing Vincente Padilla (5-11, 4.65 ERA, throws right).
Game two is set for 7:05, with Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) going against Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right) in what was supposed to be Tuesday's match-up before the game was postponed.
THOUGHTS:
OK Nats, today is the day to get it done.
The loss last night stung, because Esteban Loaiza didn't pitch particularly poorly and the team was in the game to the end, but today should be interesting with four pitchers who have all posted similar ERAs this season.
The first game, in my mind, is the big one, because Tony Armas Jr. is on the mound, and he has been good in his last two starts (one run in 10 innings) and has been fairly consistent all year. If the Nats can't take game one, though, they have to rely on the much-maligned (by me, at least) Ryan Drese, who has stunk lately and showed no signs of improving in his rain-shortened third of an inning on Tuesday.
A pair of wins today could mean first place in the Wild Card standings, and would at least mean second in the NL East and no more than half a game out of the Wild Card.
A pair of losses, on the other hand, could mean fourth place in the division and would mean being three games behind the Phillies for the Wild Card.
A split? Well, splits are for wusses, and it wouldn't really change much. The Nats would remain a half game behind Philly for second in the division. In the Wild Card race, a split wouuld mean that at worst they would fall a full game behind Houston, at best they'd be a half game behind the Phillies.
At the very least, it should be an exciting day/night of Nats baseball.
MLB: Orioles 5, Oakland Athletics 3 (August 17)
WP: Eric DuBose (1-0)
LP: Dan Haren (10-9)
S: Todd Williams (1)
BAL: 60-60 (4th in AL East, 10 behind Boston)
At the last minute before Wednesday afternoon's game, Daniel Cabrera was scratched with lower back pain and replaced by recent call-up Eric DuBose, who was sitting on a 27.00 ERA after giving up five runs in 1.2 innings against Toronto on August 12. But DuBose proceeded to pitch six innings of one-hit ball and leave with a 5-0 lead and his ERA down to 5.87.
With the win, the O's swept the Athletics and are back to .500 at 60-60.
The O's got RBIs from Jay Gibbons and Sal Fasano and scored runs on double-play grounders by David Newhan and Eric Byrnes to take a 4-0 lead through five innings.
Luis Matos, who went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .300, hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to make it 5-0 Birds, but Jason Grimsley came on in the bottom half and nearly gave it all away. After giving up a double, a homer, a single and a walk without getting anyone out, Grimsley was replaced by the struggling Steve Kline. Kline got Kendall to foul out on a fantThen Kline got Mark Kotsay to ground out, scoring a run and making it 5-3. He then got Mark Kotsay to ground out (which scored an inherited runner) and Bobby Crosby to hit a slow tapper that was fielded by Sal Fasano to end the inning. Kline then pitched a scoreless eighth, and Todd Williams came on in the ninth for his first career save.
Along with Cabrera, Rafael Palmeiro also missed the game with an injured ankle, saying that he couldn't put wait on it in his last at-bat in Tuesday's game. X-rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.
The Orioles now have an off day before heading to Cleveland to start a three game series with the Indians. The series opener will be at 7:05 p.m., pitting Erik Bedard (6-4, 3.06 ERA, throws left) against Scott Elarton (7-6, 4.58 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
It feels good to be back at .500, and better to sweep a team that is in the Wild Card lead.
Eric DuBose had a truly gutsy performance after struggling in the relief role, but that is not so hugely surprising. DuBose has been a starter in both the minors and the majors, and it is difficult for pitchers to switch to relief. Also, he had some good starts for the O's a couple years ago.
With John Maine and Eric DuBose both showing some promise (and at least showing that they should be better than Sidney Ponson), it will be interesting to see if Sam Perlozzo decides that Ponson's tenure in the rotation has run its course.
Now the O's face Cleveland, who is in second place in the AL Central and third in the Wild Card standings with a record of 64-56. Cleveland's most dangerous weapon for the remainder of their season may be their schedule, as they get Detroit, Kansas City and Tampa Bay for almost half of their remaining games.
For the Orioles to have any chance at the playoffs (which almost seems ridiculous to be talking about again), they would likely need to win every series from here out, or at least counter any lost series with sweeps (while never getting swept, themselves).
That means that EVERY series from here out is huge for the Orioles. With a month and a half left in the season, it's hard to see the Orioles playing such consistent baseball that they can claw their way back into the race.
I hope they prove me wrong.
LP: Dan Haren (10-9)
S: Todd Williams (1)
BAL: 60-60 (4th in AL East, 10 behind Boston)
At the last minute before Wednesday afternoon's game, Daniel Cabrera was scratched with lower back pain and replaced by recent call-up Eric DuBose, who was sitting on a 27.00 ERA after giving up five runs in 1.2 innings against Toronto on August 12. But DuBose proceeded to pitch six innings of one-hit ball and leave with a 5-0 lead and his ERA down to 5.87.
With the win, the O's swept the Athletics and are back to .500 at 60-60.
The O's got RBIs from Jay Gibbons and Sal Fasano and scored runs on double-play grounders by David Newhan and Eric Byrnes to take a 4-0 lead through five innings.
Luis Matos, who went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .300, hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to make it 5-0 Birds, but Jason Grimsley came on in the bottom half and nearly gave it all away. After giving up a double, a homer, a single and a walk without getting anyone out, Grimsley was replaced by the struggling Steve Kline. Kline got Kendall to foul out on a fantThen Kline got Mark Kotsay to ground out, scoring a run and making it 5-3. He then got Mark Kotsay to ground out (which scored an inherited runner) and Bobby Crosby to hit a slow tapper that was fielded by Sal Fasano to end the inning. Kline then pitched a scoreless eighth, and Todd Williams came on in the ninth for his first career save.
Along with Cabrera, Rafael Palmeiro also missed the game with an injured ankle, saying that he couldn't put wait on it in his last at-bat in Tuesday's game. X-rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.
The Orioles now have an off day before heading to Cleveland to start a three game series with the Indians. The series opener will be at 7:05 p.m., pitting Erik Bedard (6-4, 3.06 ERA, throws left) against Scott Elarton (7-6, 4.58 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
It feels good to be back at .500, and better to sweep a team that is in the Wild Card lead.
Eric DuBose had a truly gutsy performance after struggling in the relief role, but that is not so hugely surprising. DuBose has been a starter in both the minors and the majors, and it is difficult for pitchers to switch to relief. Also, he had some good starts for the O's a couple years ago.
With John Maine and Eric DuBose both showing some promise (and at least showing that they should be better than Sidney Ponson), it will be interesting to see if Sam Perlozzo decides that Ponson's tenure in the rotation has run its course.
Now the O's face Cleveland, who is in second place in the AL Central and third in the Wild Card standings with a record of 64-56. Cleveland's most dangerous weapon for the remainder of their season may be their schedule, as they get Detroit, Kansas City and Tampa Bay for almost half of their remaining games.
For the Orioles to have any chance at the playoffs (which almost seems ridiculous to be talking about again), they would likely need to win every series from here out, or at least counter any lost series with sweeps (while never getting swept, themselves).
That means that EVERY series from here out is huge for the Orioles. With a month and a half left in the season, it's hard to see the Orioles playing such consistent baseball that they can claw their way back into the race.
I hope they prove me wrong.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
MLB: Orioles 4, Oakland Athletics 3 (August 16)
WP: Bruce Chen (10-6)
LP: Jay Witasick (1-1)
S: B.J. Ryan (27)
BAL: 59-60 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
The Orioles have guaranteed themselves a series win against the Wild Card-leading Oakland Athletics. They may have needed some friendly umpiring (after some unfriendly umpiring), some pitching out of big jams, and a whole lot of nailbiting, but they won.
In what was a pitchers duel between Bruce Chen and Joe Blanton for much of the game, the Orioles went into the seventh inning (the same inning they busted the game open yesterday) tied 1-1. Jay Witasick had replaced Blanton to begin the inning, and Witasick seemingly had things in control after a one-out walk to Brian Roberts and a stolen base. But with two outs, Melvin Mora hit a grounder that third baseman Eric Chavez dove to get. Chavez' throw was off line, and it pulled first baseman Dan Johnson's foot off the bag. It appeared, however, that he got back to the base before Mora reached, but Mora was called safe and Brian Roberts scored on the play.
Miguel Tejada then doubled to score Mora, and Javy Lopez singled in Tejada to make it 4-1.
Earlier in the game, Roberts led off the inning with what appeared to be a single to left field that was trapped by Jay Payton, but the umpire said that Payton made the catch. After that, Eric Byrnes took a walk and Melvin Mora singled him to third on a hit that would have scored Roberts. Miguel Tejada followed with a double play to end the inning, but that would have just been the first two outs and scored Byrnes had the Roberts hit counted.
Jorge Julio gave up a run in the eighth inning to make it 4-2, and B.J. Ryan came in for a very stressful save in the ninth. Ryan loaded the bases with one out, then gave up an infield single to Jason Kendall that made it 4-3 before getting Mark Kotsay to hit a shallow fly out and then striking out Bobby Crosby to end the game.
Rafael Palmeiro, in his second game back in the lineup since his suspension, went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
The O's go for the big sweep of the Athletics in Oakland this afternoon at 3:35. Daniel Cabrera (8-11, 5.00 ERA, throws right -- and from 6'7" off the mound) goes for the O's, and he will face Dan Haren (10-8, 3.90 ERA, throws right).
Cabrera, to put it mildly, has struggled recently, while Haren, to also put it mildly, has not.
Cabrera has lost his last four decisions, and has given up 13 runs (nine earned) in his last two starts (a total of just 7.2 innings).
Haren had won his previous nine decisions before taking a 1-0 complete game loss on August 12. In his last three starts, he's given up just three runs over 23 innings.
THOUGHTS:
Well, so much for my "baseball gods won't let us win with Palmeiro" theory -- although it almost looked like the Orioles were destined to blow the lead late last night.
But alas, the Orioles win and move back to within a game of .500, with Palmeiro even helping out. Raffy got booed every time he came to the plate, but it wasn't that loud because the A's have no fans. (Averaging just over 26,000 a game -- even with the team winning in the Wild Card race.)
This afternoon the O's go for a big sweep, which would bring the team back to the .500 mark. They will rely on Daniel Cabrera, who has struggled with his composure and his command in his last couple starts, not going more than four innings in either of them.
Hopefully errors, walks and hit-batsmen won't be a problem today (or at the very least won't cause Cabrera to implode) as the O's have their work cut out for them in facing Dan (formerly Danny -- I guess it's not cool to be "Danny") Haren. The A's had won in 14 straight Haren starts before their bats let him down when he pitched a one-run complete game last Friday and took the loss.
LP: Jay Witasick (1-1)
S: B.J. Ryan (27)
BAL: 59-60 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
The Orioles have guaranteed themselves a series win against the Wild Card-leading Oakland Athletics. They may have needed some friendly umpiring (after some unfriendly umpiring), some pitching out of big jams, and a whole lot of nailbiting, but they won.
In what was a pitchers duel between Bruce Chen and Joe Blanton for much of the game, the Orioles went into the seventh inning (the same inning they busted the game open yesterday) tied 1-1. Jay Witasick had replaced Blanton to begin the inning, and Witasick seemingly had things in control after a one-out walk to Brian Roberts and a stolen base. But with two outs, Melvin Mora hit a grounder that third baseman Eric Chavez dove to get. Chavez' throw was off line, and it pulled first baseman Dan Johnson's foot off the bag. It appeared, however, that he got back to the base before Mora reached, but Mora was called safe and Brian Roberts scored on the play.
Miguel Tejada then doubled to score Mora, and Javy Lopez singled in Tejada to make it 4-1.
Earlier in the game, Roberts led off the inning with what appeared to be a single to left field that was trapped by Jay Payton, but the umpire said that Payton made the catch. After that, Eric Byrnes took a walk and Melvin Mora singled him to third on a hit that would have scored Roberts. Miguel Tejada followed with a double play to end the inning, but that would have just been the first two outs and scored Byrnes had the Roberts hit counted.
Jorge Julio gave up a run in the eighth inning to make it 4-2, and B.J. Ryan came in for a very stressful save in the ninth. Ryan loaded the bases with one out, then gave up an infield single to Jason Kendall that made it 4-3 before getting Mark Kotsay to hit a shallow fly out and then striking out Bobby Crosby to end the game.
Rafael Palmeiro, in his second game back in the lineup since his suspension, went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
The O's go for the big sweep of the Athletics in Oakland this afternoon at 3:35. Daniel Cabrera (8-11, 5.00 ERA, throws right -- and from 6'7" off the mound) goes for the O's, and he will face Dan Haren (10-8, 3.90 ERA, throws right).
Cabrera, to put it mildly, has struggled recently, while Haren, to also put it mildly, has not.
Cabrera has lost his last four decisions, and has given up 13 runs (nine earned) in his last two starts (a total of just 7.2 innings).
Haren had won his previous nine decisions before taking a 1-0 complete game loss on August 12. In his last three starts, he's given up just three runs over 23 innings.
THOUGHTS:
Well, so much for my "baseball gods won't let us win with Palmeiro" theory -- although it almost looked like the Orioles were destined to blow the lead late last night.
But alas, the Orioles win and move back to within a game of .500, with Palmeiro even helping out. Raffy got booed every time he came to the plate, but it wasn't that loud because the A's have no fans. (Averaging just over 26,000 a game -- even with the team winning in the Wild Card race.)
This afternoon the O's go for a big sweep, which would bring the team back to the .500 mark. They will rely on Daniel Cabrera, who has struggled with his composure and his command in his last couple starts, not going more than four innings in either of them.
Hopefully errors, walks and hit-batsmen won't be a problem today (or at the very least won't cause Cabrera to implode) as the O's have their work cut out for them in facing Dan (formerly Danny -- I guess it's not cool to be "Danny") Haren. The A's had won in 14 straight Haren starts before their bats let him down when he pitched a one-run complete game last Friday and took the loss.
WNBA: New York Liberty 72, Mystics 66 (August 16)
WAS: 14-15 (4th in East, 9 behind Connecticut, 3 behind Indiana, 2.5 behind New York, tied with Detroit)
Last night, the Mystics could have taken sole possession of fourth place in the East -- which represents the final playoff spot -- and moved within a half game of third place, and it looked like it would happen after Chasity Melvin hit a layup with 44 seconds left to make it 66-64 Mystics. But the team unraveled in the final seconds, allowing New York to go on an 8-0 run, including six made free throws, to knock the Mystics down.
Now, the Mystics are 2.5 out of third place (which belongs to New York) and remains tied with Detroit for fourth.
The Liberty's Becky Hammon led all scorers with 20 points, while the Mystics used a balanced attack with five scorers in double figures (Temeka Johnson, 15; Charlotte Smith-Taylor, 14; Delisha Milton-Jones, 13; Chasity Melvin and Alana Beard, 12). However, the Mystics got no scoring out of 23 minutes from the bench, and the Liberty countered with 13 points from their bench.
Washington has now lost three games in a row to fall under .500 and into their current fourth-place deadlock with Detroit.
The Mystics play again on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Indiana in another tough matchup. Detroit gets the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.
THOUGHTS:
That was a demoralizing loss, to say the least. Leading with 44 seconds left, the Mystics gives up eight points and get none to end up losing by six. Ouch.
At least Detroit lost to Phoenix, which keeps Detroit and Washington tied for fourth place in what is shaping up to be an epic battle for the final playoff spot with five games remaining. Although at this rate, it is looking like whichever team takes the fourth and final playoff spot in the East may end up falling bass-ackwards into it.
In the remaining five games, the Shock and Mystics face each other twice.
The Mystics could really help their cause by winning against second-place Indiana tomorrow night, as it would at least guarantee that they would still be tied with Detroit going into Sunday for the first of those two gigantic Washington-Detroit matchups. Sunday's meeting is in Detroit, with the second meeting coming the following Saturday at MCI Center.
Last night, the Mystics could have taken sole possession of fourth place in the East -- which represents the final playoff spot -- and moved within a half game of third place, and it looked like it would happen after Chasity Melvin hit a layup with 44 seconds left to make it 66-64 Mystics. But the team unraveled in the final seconds, allowing New York to go on an 8-0 run, including six made free throws, to knock the Mystics down.
Now, the Mystics are 2.5 out of third place (which belongs to New York) and remains tied with Detroit for fourth.
The Liberty's Becky Hammon led all scorers with 20 points, while the Mystics used a balanced attack with five scorers in double figures (Temeka Johnson, 15; Charlotte Smith-Taylor, 14; Delisha Milton-Jones, 13; Chasity Melvin and Alana Beard, 12). However, the Mystics got no scoring out of 23 minutes from the bench, and the Liberty countered with 13 points from their bench.
Washington has now lost three games in a row to fall under .500 and into their current fourth-place deadlock with Detroit.
The Mystics play again on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Indiana in another tough matchup. Detroit gets the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.
THOUGHTS:
That was a demoralizing loss, to say the least. Leading with 44 seconds left, the Mystics gives up eight points and get none to end up losing by six. Ouch.
At least Detroit lost to Phoenix, which keeps Detroit and Washington tied for fourth place in what is shaping up to be an epic battle for the final playoff spot with five games remaining. Although at this rate, it is looking like whichever team takes the fourth and final playoff spot in the East may end up falling bass-ackwards into it.
In the remaining five games, the Shock and Mystics face each other twice.
The Mystics could really help their cause by winning against second-place Indiana tomorrow night, as it would at least guarantee that they would still be tied with Detroit going into Sunday for the first of those two gigantic Washington-Detroit matchups. Sunday's meeting is in Detroit, with the second meeting coming the following Saturday at MCI Center.
MLB: Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies postponed (August 16)
The Nationals and Phillies waited almost two hours for rain to stop so they could start game two of their four game series, but with just one out in the bottom of the first inning, the rains returned and the tarp was back on the field. The Phillies had already scored a run on Ryan Drese, but the game was called and will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday, beginning at 1:05 p.m.
With the Nats and Phils not playing, the National League East leading Braves lost, 6-4, to the Dodgers, and the Wild Card leading Astros lost, 4-1, to the Cubs.
The Nationals are now 4.5 behind Atlanta in the NL East, while the Phillies are five behind the Braves. In the Wild Card standings, the Nationals are within a half game of the Astros for the lead.
The Nats and Phillies will play tonight at 7:05, with Esteban Loaiza (7-8, 3.54 ERA, throws right) pitching against Jon Lieber (11-10, 4.92 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The rainout was welcome for the Nationals, because Ryan Drese looked ready to stink it up. Instead, the Nats look to put a little breathing room between themselves and the Phillies by sending Esteban Loaiza to the mound tonight.
Drese, unfortunately, will still get a start in this series, as he is slated to pitch the second game of the doubleheader on Thursday.
With the Nats and Phils not playing, the National League East leading Braves lost, 6-4, to the Dodgers, and the Wild Card leading Astros lost, 4-1, to the Cubs.
The Nationals are now 4.5 behind Atlanta in the NL East, while the Phillies are five behind the Braves. In the Wild Card standings, the Nationals are within a half game of the Astros for the lead.
The Nats and Phillies will play tonight at 7:05, with Esteban Loaiza (7-8, 3.54 ERA, throws right) pitching against Jon Lieber (11-10, 4.92 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The rainout was welcome for the Nationals, because Ryan Drese looked ready to stink it up. Instead, the Nats look to put a little breathing room between themselves and the Phillies by sending Esteban Loaiza to the mound tonight.
Drese, unfortunately, will still get a start in this series, as he is slated to pitch the second game of the doubleheader on Thursday.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
MLB: Orioles 6, Oakland Athletics 2 (August 15)
WP: Rodrigo Lopez (12-6)
LP: Barry Zito (11-9)
BAL: 58-60 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
The Orioles used a big five-run seventh inning and an excellent pitching performance from Rodrigo Lopez to win the series opener against Wild Card-leading Oakland on Monday night.
Lopez pitched 6.2 innings, giving up two runs on six hits. After giving up a solo homer then loading the bases and getting out of it in the first inning, Roddy settled down and got the next 11 Athletics out.
The O's were down 2-0 in the seventh inning when Barry Zito turned into a little league pitcher and started hitting players and giving up hits. Chris Gomez led off with a double, Miguel Tejada singled him to third, Javy Lopez got hit on an 0-2 pitch, Sosa absolutely murdered a 25-foot dribbler for an infield single to score Gomez, Alejandro Freire took a walk to score a run, then Jay Gibbons grounded into what looked like a double-play ball that shortstop Bobby Crosby threw away and allowed two runs to score. That ended Zito's night, but Kiko Calero came in and plunked Luis Matos to re-load the bases, then walked Gomez (in his second at-bat of the inning) to force in a run. When the inning ended, the O's were up 5-2, and they went on to win 6-2.
Tonight sees Bruce Chen (9-6, 4.16 ERA, throws left) facing Joe Blanton (7-9, 4.05 ERA, throws right). Game time is 10:05.
Blanton has been solid in his last four starts, going 2-1 with a 1.38 ERA. Chen has also been good after a couple of rocky starts followed by a couple of relief appearances. He has won his last two starts with a 2.77 ERA.
THOUGHTS:
Rodrigo Lopez struggled in the first inning, but was dominant after that to record his third straight win. It looked for a while like that first inning would do him in because the O's hitters looked completely outmatched by Barry Zito before Zito lost himself in the seventh.
The O's have now won seven of their last 11 games and have started off this six-game road trip right.
The team is making my don't-play-Palmeiro case for me, as all seven wins have come without Raffy in the lineup. My reasoning isn't so much an indictment of Palmeiro for his steroid use, because I still am optimistic (probably irrationally) that there is another side of the story. I just think the Palmeiro saga is a distraction, and as long as his ass is glued to the bench in the dugout, it's not going to particularly affect the mentality of the rest of the players.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Freire is batting .333 with a .375 on-base percentage since being called up to replace Palmeiro at first base, so let's give the rookie a shot! He was doing great in Ottawa, and with more at-bats he'll probably develop some of the power he showed in Triple-A.
With a right-hander pitching, though, it is likely that Palmeiro will be back in the lineup tonight, and the baseball gods may again strike our bats dead as punishment.
Hopefully Raffy will be on the bench and Zito will give Blanton whatever it was he was on in the seventh inning last night.
LP: Barry Zito (11-9)
BAL: 58-60 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
The Orioles used a big five-run seventh inning and an excellent pitching performance from Rodrigo Lopez to win the series opener against Wild Card-leading Oakland on Monday night.
Lopez pitched 6.2 innings, giving up two runs on six hits. After giving up a solo homer then loading the bases and getting out of it in the first inning, Roddy settled down and got the next 11 Athletics out.
The O's were down 2-0 in the seventh inning when Barry Zito turned into a little league pitcher and started hitting players and giving up hits. Chris Gomez led off with a double, Miguel Tejada singled him to third, Javy Lopez got hit on an 0-2 pitch, Sosa absolutely murdered a 25-foot dribbler for an infield single to score Gomez, Alejandro Freire took a walk to score a run, then Jay Gibbons grounded into what looked like a double-play ball that shortstop Bobby Crosby threw away and allowed two runs to score. That ended Zito's night, but Kiko Calero came in and plunked Luis Matos to re-load the bases, then walked Gomez (in his second at-bat of the inning) to force in a run. When the inning ended, the O's were up 5-2, and they went on to win 6-2.
Tonight sees Bruce Chen (9-6, 4.16 ERA, throws left) facing Joe Blanton (7-9, 4.05 ERA, throws right). Game time is 10:05.
Blanton has been solid in his last four starts, going 2-1 with a 1.38 ERA. Chen has also been good after a couple of rocky starts followed by a couple of relief appearances. He has won his last two starts with a 2.77 ERA.
THOUGHTS:
Rodrigo Lopez struggled in the first inning, but was dominant after that to record his third straight win. It looked for a while like that first inning would do him in because the O's hitters looked completely outmatched by Barry Zito before Zito lost himself in the seventh.
The O's have now won seven of their last 11 games and have started off this six-game road trip right.
The team is making my don't-play-Palmeiro case for me, as all seven wins have come without Raffy in the lineup. My reasoning isn't so much an indictment of Palmeiro for his steroid use, because I still am optimistic (probably irrationally) that there is another side of the story. I just think the Palmeiro saga is a distraction, and as long as his ass is glued to the bench in the dugout, it's not going to particularly affect the mentality of the rest of the players.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Freire is batting .333 with a .375 on-base percentage since being called up to replace Palmeiro at first base, so let's give the rookie a shot! He was doing great in Ottawa, and with more at-bats he'll probably develop some of the power he showed in Triple-A.
With a right-hander pitching, though, it is likely that Palmeiro will be back in the lineup tonight, and the baseball gods may again strike our bats dead as punishment.
Hopefully Raffy will be on the bench and Zito will give Blanton whatever it was he was on in the seventh inning last night.
MLB: Nationals 6, Philadelphia Phillies 3 (August 15)
WP: Livan Hernandez (14-5)
LP: Brett Myers (10-6)
WAS: 63-55 (2nd in NL East, 5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia, 1.5 ahead of Florida, 3.5 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
A quick notice: This post will be the beginning of an effort by me to post less game details (I know most of you get recaps elsewhere) and more opinion. As any good blogger knows, facts are for sissies. It's just taken some time for me to shake off the fact-oriented nature that my journalism degree has saddled me with. Anyways, on to the game recap...
Livo became Livo again, Nick Johnson continued to provide home run clout, Jose Guillen played hurt and got on base to set up a pair of two-run jacks by Preston Wilson, and the Nationals took a 6-3 win to start the four game set with the Phillies.
And just like that, the Nats are back in second in the NL East and the Wild Card race. They still remain a game behind Houston for the Wild Card, as the Astros pummeled the Cubbies, 12-4.
Livan Hernandez, who had struggled mightily in his previous two starts, went eight innings, giving up two runs on five hits. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate to raise his robust batting average to .242 (more than 50 points higher than Cristian Guzman).
Tonight is game two of the series at Citizens Bank Park. Start time is 7:05.
Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) will face Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right).
In his last five starts, Drese has been showing why Texas dumped him earlier in the year (yes, the RANGERS dumped a pitcher that the Nationals then deemed was good enough for Washington), taking losses in all five and posting a 6.93 ERA. But Lidle has sucked in his last six outings also, going 1-4 with an astounding 8.31 ERA.
The difference is, Lidle's career ERA vs. the Natspos is 2.54, with a batting-average-against of .207, where as Drese has a 10.57 ERA against the Phillies and turns their entire team into Ted Williams, with a batting-average-against of .400.
THOUGHTS:
Big big BIG win for the Nats. Preston Wilson and Livan Hernandez were the obvious heroes, but Jose Guillen is quickly solidifying his place as one of my favorite players in the Majors.
I have liked Guillen since he threw out some truly memorable blasts to the media about Angels manager Mike Scioscia after the Brendan Donnelly pine tar incident in June. Last night, Guillen was listed as day-to-day with tendinitis in his throwing elbow, but he played anyway, moving from his normal position in left field to right field where the throws are usually shorter. Guillen then proceeded to get on base three times and score twice, helping the team to victory.
Yet I am still worried about this team and this series.
The win last night was great and all -- Preston Wilson hitting homers, Livan Hernandez returning to form (all that acting up was just Livo being Livo, baby!) -- but in such a crucial series, it sucks that the Nats have to rely on Ryan freaking Drese, even in just one of the games. I would say that there has to be someone better in the farm system, but the farm system is awful. Left-hander Matt White in Triple-A New Orleans has been pretty solid, going 7-5 with a 3.41 ERA and a better than 2-to-1 K/BB ratio. While the numbers aren't stellar, he at least should get a shot to prove he's better than a Rangers reject.
Hell, Omar Daal is a free agent with a 4.55 career ERA and had a few good years in the National League (a 2.88 ERA in 33 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 1998, 16-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 1999, 13-7 with a 4.46 ERA with the Phillies in 2001, 11-9 with a 3.91 ERA with the Dodgers in 2002). It looks like his possibly-career-ending mistake was going to the American League. C'mon Nats! Pick him up! Yeah, his best years are behind him, but Drese's "best years" never occurred -- and never will.
And while we're at it, is there any chance Rick Short can play shortstop? (So far he has played almost entirely third base and first base.) The 32-year-old career-minor-leaguer is batting .400 in in New Orleans this year, and I have a hunch that he would post something slightly better than Cristian Guzman's .188 AVG/.231 OBP/.497 OPS. Guzman has 16 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits in 103 games! WHY IS HE IN THE MAJORS????? It's driving me crazy.
I know this is all dreaming here, because in all likelihood, Short CAN'T play short and there's a big reason why Omar Daal didn't get picked up by anyone (although I still think Matt White should at least get a shot).
That being said, the Nats are still in position to take the Wild Card, and let's hope Drese finds some skills between now and game time and the Nats get another big win tonight.
LP: Brett Myers (10-6)
WAS: 63-55 (2nd in NL East, 5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia, 1.5 ahead of Florida, 3.5 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
A quick notice: This post will be the beginning of an effort by me to post less game details (I know most of you get recaps elsewhere) and more opinion. As any good blogger knows, facts are for sissies. It's just taken some time for me to shake off the fact-oriented nature that my journalism degree has saddled me with. Anyways, on to the game recap...
Livo became Livo again, Nick Johnson continued to provide home run clout, Jose Guillen played hurt and got on base to set up a pair of two-run jacks by Preston Wilson, and the Nationals took a 6-3 win to start the four game set with the Phillies.
And just like that, the Nats are back in second in the NL East and the Wild Card race. They still remain a game behind Houston for the Wild Card, as the Astros pummeled the Cubbies, 12-4.
Livan Hernandez, who had struggled mightily in his previous two starts, went eight innings, giving up two runs on five hits. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate to raise his robust batting average to .242 (more than 50 points higher than Cristian Guzman).
Tonight is game two of the series at Citizens Bank Park. Start time is 7:05.
Ryan Drese (3-6, 4.69 ERA, throws right) will face Cory Lidle (9-10, 4.61 ERA, throws right).
In his last five starts, Drese has been showing why Texas dumped him earlier in the year (yes, the RANGERS dumped a pitcher that the Nationals then deemed was good enough for Washington), taking losses in all five and posting a 6.93 ERA. But Lidle has sucked in his last six outings also, going 1-4 with an astounding 8.31 ERA.
The difference is, Lidle's career ERA vs. the Natspos is 2.54, with a batting-average-against of .207, where as Drese has a 10.57 ERA against the Phillies and turns their entire team into Ted Williams, with a batting-average-against of .400.
THOUGHTS:
Big big BIG win for the Nats. Preston Wilson and Livan Hernandez were the obvious heroes, but Jose Guillen is quickly solidifying his place as one of my favorite players in the Majors.
I have liked Guillen since he threw out some truly memorable blasts to the media about Angels manager Mike Scioscia after the Brendan Donnelly pine tar incident in June. Last night, Guillen was listed as day-to-day with tendinitis in his throwing elbow, but he played anyway, moving from his normal position in left field to right field where the throws are usually shorter. Guillen then proceeded to get on base three times and score twice, helping the team to victory.
Yet I am still worried about this team and this series.
The win last night was great and all -- Preston Wilson hitting homers, Livan Hernandez returning to form (all that acting up was just Livo being Livo, baby!) -- but in such a crucial series, it sucks that the Nats have to rely on Ryan freaking Drese, even in just one of the games. I would say that there has to be someone better in the farm system, but the farm system is awful. Left-hander Matt White in Triple-A New Orleans has been pretty solid, going 7-5 with a 3.41 ERA and a better than 2-to-1 K/BB ratio. While the numbers aren't stellar, he at least should get a shot to prove he's better than a Rangers reject.
Hell, Omar Daal is a free agent with a 4.55 career ERA and had a few good years in the National League (a 2.88 ERA in 33 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 1998, 16-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 1999, 13-7 with a 4.46 ERA with the Phillies in 2001, 11-9 with a 3.91 ERA with the Dodgers in 2002). It looks like his possibly-career-ending mistake was going to the American League. C'mon Nats! Pick him up! Yeah, his best years are behind him, but Drese's "best years" never occurred -- and never will.
And while we're at it, is there any chance Rick Short can play shortstop? (So far he has played almost entirely third base and first base.) The 32-year-old career-minor-leaguer is batting .400 in in New Orleans this year, and I have a hunch that he would post something slightly better than Cristian Guzman's .188 AVG/.231 OBP/.497 OPS. Guzman has 16 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits in 103 games! WHY IS HE IN THE MAJORS????? It's driving me crazy.
I know this is all dreaming here, because in all likelihood, Short CAN'T play short and there's a big reason why Omar Daal didn't get picked up by anyone (although I still think Matt White should at least get a shot).
That being said, the Nats are still in position to take the Wild Card, and let's hope Drese finds some skills between now and game time and the Nats get another big win tonight.
Monday, August 15, 2005
WNBA: Connecticut Sun 80, Mystics 77 (August 14)
WAS: 14-14 (4th in East, 8.5 behind Connecticut, 2.5 behind Indiana, 1.5 behind New York, tied with Detroit)
Washington fell behind 42-30 at halftime, but put up a big comeback effort in the second half only to see it fall just short in an 80-77 loss to the first place Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
Down 19 in the latter stages of the the second half, Washington managed an astonishing 27 points over the final five minutes to close the gap to three, and with possession in the final seconds had a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime. Delisha Milton-Jones tossed up a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it rimmed out and the Mystics fell just short.
Four Mystics scored in double figures, with Charlotte Smith-Taylor leading the way with 17. Milton-Jones and Alana Beard both scored 15, and Chasity Melvin put up 13.
It wasn't enough to overcome the Sun balanced attack of six players in double figures, led by Nykesha Sales 17 points.
The win clinched a regular season conference title for the Sun, their second straight.
The Mystics face the New York Liberty on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden at 7:30.
THOUGHTS:
The Mystics could have really used this win, but it's not the end of the world -- or even their season for that matter.
While the Mystics took the loss, they showed a lot of resilience in coming back from a virtually insurmountable 19-point defecit with five minutes left to come within a few inches of a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send it to extra time. While you don't want to be taking moral victories in actual losses this late in the season (there are only six games left), the team may be able to build some confidence off of the heart that they showed, which they will hopefully be able to use in their favor with their tough remaining schedule.
Detroit and New York both won this weekend, which hurts because now the Mystics are tied for the last playoff spot and any misstep would put them on the outside looking in. However, as I said after the last game, the Mystics do have a lot of control with their remaining schedule. Even though it is more difficult than New York's or Detroit's, they face New York and Detroit twice each, which gives them an opportunity to really jumpstart their playoff hopes -- or screw them up completely.
The first of these four crucial games comes Tuesday night at 7:30 against the New York Liberty at Madison Square.
Washington fell behind 42-30 at halftime, but put up a big comeback effort in the second half only to see it fall just short in an 80-77 loss to the first place Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
Down 19 in the latter stages of the the second half, Washington managed an astonishing 27 points over the final five minutes to close the gap to three, and with possession in the final seconds had a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime. Delisha Milton-Jones tossed up a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it rimmed out and the Mystics fell just short.
Four Mystics scored in double figures, with Charlotte Smith-Taylor leading the way with 17. Milton-Jones and Alana Beard both scored 15, and Chasity Melvin put up 13.
It wasn't enough to overcome the Sun balanced attack of six players in double figures, led by Nykesha Sales 17 points.
The win clinched a regular season conference title for the Sun, their second straight.
The Mystics face the New York Liberty on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden at 7:30.
THOUGHTS:
The Mystics could have really used this win, but it's not the end of the world -- or even their season for that matter.
While the Mystics took the loss, they showed a lot of resilience in coming back from a virtually insurmountable 19-point defecit with five minutes left to come within a few inches of a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send it to extra time. While you don't want to be taking moral victories in actual losses this late in the season (there are only six games left), the team may be able to build some confidence off of the heart that they showed, which they will hopefully be able to use in their favor with their tough remaining schedule.
Detroit and New York both won this weekend, which hurts because now the Mystics are tied for the last playoff spot and any misstep would put them on the outside looking in. However, as I said after the last game, the Mystics do have a lot of control with their remaining schedule. Even though it is more difficult than New York's or Detroit's, they face New York and Detroit twice each, which gives them an opportunity to really jumpstart their playoff hopes -- or screw them up completely.
The first of these four crucial games comes Tuesday night at 7:30 against the New York Liberty at Madison Square.
MLS: D.C. United 3, Chivas USA 0 (August 13)
D.C.: 11-6-5 (3rd in East, 4 points behind New England, 1 behind Chicago)
D.C. United won their fourth straight game and scored three goals for the third game in a row when they beat Chivas USA, 3-0, at RFK Stadium on Saturday.
The teams played 40 scoreless minutes in the first half before two quick strikes by Santino Quaranta and Jamil Walker in the 41st and 43rd minutes made it 2-0 going into the half.
In the second half, Dema Kovalenko scored to make it 3-0 in the 64th minute, and the United defense held up for the rest of the game.
Kovalenko and Walker both had assists in the game, as well.
Chivas USA couldn't figure out the United defense, only managing three shots on goal the entire game.
D.C. doesn't play again until Saturday, August 20, against the Los Angeles Galaxy at 7:30 at RFK.
THOUGHTS:
Look out MLS, the champs are back.
Sorry, that was corny, but seriously ... this team is red hot. D.C. has now won four straight and is unbeaten in their last six, despite not having Freddy Adu in their last two matches.
They've scored three goals in three straight matches and have shut out the opposition in two straight, so both offense and defense have been coming together for United.
Also, the team is getting goals from their lesser-known players, with Dema Kovalenko getting his name in the box score a lot recently and Jamil Walker having a big game on Saturday, which is great because Adu is out and Jaime Moreno had been playing hurt and missed Saturday's game entirely.
D.C. United won their fourth straight game and scored three goals for the third game in a row when they beat Chivas USA, 3-0, at RFK Stadium on Saturday.
The teams played 40 scoreless minutes in the first half before two quick strikes by Santino Quaranta and Jamil Walker in the 41st and 43rd minutes made it 2-0 going into the half.
In the second half, Dema Kovalenko scored to make it 3-0 in the 64th minute, and the United defense held up for the rest of the game.
Kovalenko and Walker both had assists in the game, as well.
Chivas USA couldn't figure out the United defense, only managing three shots on goal the entire game.
D.C. doesn't play again until Saturday, August 20, against the Los Angeles Galaxy at 7:30 at RFK.
THOUGHTS:
Look out MLS, the champs are back.
Sorry, that was corny, but seriously ... this team is red hot. D.C. has now won four straight and is unbeaten in their last six, despite not having Freddy Adu in their last two matches.
They've scored three goals in three straight matches and have shut out the opposition in two straight, so both offense and defense have been coming together for United.
Also, the team is getting goals from their lesser-known players, with Dema Kovalenko getting his name in the box score a lot recently and Jamil Walker having a big game on Saturday, which is great because Adu is out and Jaime Moreno had been playing hurt and missed Saturday's game entirely.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 12-14)
The weekend in review for the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 12-14)
The weekend in review for the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 12-14)
The weekend in review for the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 12-14)
The weekend in review for the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what manager Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the scoreboard. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the middle of a five-run fifth inning. Jose Guillen and Preston Wilson both added a pair of runs driven in, themselves.
John Patterson had another stellar outing, giving up just one run on nine hits in eight innings to drop his ERA to 2.44. He struck out five Rockies and walked two.
Now the Nats head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the team that is half a game ahead of them in the NL East and in the Wild Card race, the Phillies. Washington sends Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) to the hill tonight to face Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right) in a 7:05 start. Myers and Hernandez have similar numbers on the season, but the Phils pitcher has won his last four decisions while Hernandez has dropped three of four.
THOUGHTS:
The Nationals pitchers seemed to be unaffected by the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, while the Washington hitters reaped the benefits. The Nats outscored the Rockies 27-4 in the three-game series.
Meanwhile, the Astros laid an egg in the last two games against Pittsburgh, allowing Washington to get back within a game in the Wild Card Standings.
The series against the Phillies is GIGANTIC, because the teams are jockeying for second place in both the NL East and the Wild Card. Even a series split could mean both teams losing ground to the Astros, who play the sub-.500 Cubs for three games, then start a series against the sub-.500 Brewers.
On the other hand, a series win or a sweep for the Nationals would definitely mean retaking second place in the NL East, and could mean earning a share -- or even sole possession -- of the Wild Card lead. So now you see how this series is important.
Tonight's game is especially important for the Nationals to set the pace, because they need Livan Hernandez to set the pace before they have to rely on Texas Rangers reject Ryan Drese tomorrow.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 12-14)
The weekend in review for the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the board. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs while Preston Wilson and Jose Guillen each added a pair of their own. The Nats put up five runs in the fifth inning, including a three-run bomb by Johnson.
John Patterson was stellar again for Washington, pitching eight innings and giving up just one run on nine hits. He struck out five Rockies in lowering his ERA to 2.44.
Washington now starts a four game series against the team that is a half-game ahead of them in the NL East and Wild Card standings, the Phillies. Tonight at 7:05 in Philadelphia, Nationals ace Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) will go against Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right). The numbers are similar for the two pitchers on the season, but Myers has won his last four decisions, while Hernandez has lost three of four.
THOUGHTS:
Leave it to the Nats pitching staff (and the Rockies terrible offense) to hold a team to just four runs in three games in Coors Field.
Meanwhile, the Nats bats got a nice boost from the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, scoring 21 runs in the series.
The sweep has put the Nationals right back in the thick of the Wild Card race, thanks to Houston laying an egg in the last two games in Pittsburgh.
Now the Nats play a GIGANTIC four game series against the Phillies with both teams jockeying for second place in the Wild Card and in the NL East. While that series goes on, Houston gets a pair of sub-.500 teams when the play three against the Cubs and then start a series against the Brewers.
Even a split with the Phillies in this four game set could mean dropping another game or two back in the Wild Card standings, while taking three of four or sweeping could boost the Nats to the Wild Card lead. So now you see why this series is huge.
The Nats definitely need to come out and set the pace tonight, because they will have to rely on Ryan Drese tomorrow.
Friday:
Nationals 4, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: Esteban Loaiza (7-8)
LP: Jamey Wright (6-13)
S: Chad Cordero (38)
The Nationals used a three-run first inning against the Rockies to get back in the win column after dropping their last two against the Astros. Nick Johnson had an RBI double and Jose Guillen had a two-run single in the first inning to give the Nats a lead that they would not give up. Esteban Loaiza pitched 6.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits to get the win.
Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the fourth inning to make it 4-1.
Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth to record his 38th save.
Saturday:
Nationals 8, Colorado Rockies 0
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (7-5)
LP: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-9)
The Nationals put on an offensive display at Coors Field on Saturday, scoring in five different innings to take an 8-0 win and guarantee a series victory over the Rockies.
Tony Armas Jr. scattered nine hits in six innings of shutout ball, and six different Nationals had RBIs in the victory. There were no homers in the game, but Vinny Castilla, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Jose Guillen all had RBI doubles (Johnson had two). Cristian Guzman and Preston Wilson both had RBI singles, and Guillen added a sacrifice fly.
Sunday:
Nationals 9, Colorado Rockies 2
WP: John Patterson (7-3)
LP: Jose Acavedo (2-3)
WAS: 62-55 (3rd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadephia, 1 ahead of Florida, 3 ahead of New York; 1 behind Houston for Wild Card)
Just three days after falling three games behind Houston for the Wild Card in what Frank Robinson said was the lowest point of the season, the Nationals are back within one after sweeping the Rockies. Houston helped out by dropping the last two games in a three game set with Pittsburgh, and the Nationals are still in the midst of a tight playoff race.
On Sunday, the Nationals blew out the Rockies for the second straight day, scoring nine runs before Colorado got on the board. Nick Johnson led the way with four RBIs while Preston Wilson and Jose Guillen each added a pair of their own. The Nats put up five runs in the fifth inning, including a three-run bomb by Johnson.
John Patterson was stellar again for Washington, pitching eight innings and giving up just one run on nine hits. He struck out five Rockies in lowering his ERA to 2.44.
Washington now starts a four game series against the team that is a half-game ahead of them in the NL East and Wild Card standings, the Phillies. Tonight at 7:05 in Philadelphia, Nationals ace Livan Hernandez (13-5, 3.51 ERA, throws right) will go against Brett Myers (10-5, 3.46 ERA, throws right). The numbers are similar for the two pitchers on the season, but Myers has won his last four decisions, while Hernandez has lost three of four.
THOUGHTS:
Leave it to the Nats pitching staff (and the Rockies terrible offense) to hold a team to just four runs in three games in Coors Field.
Meanwhile, the Nats bats got a nice boost from the thin air and tiny stadium in Denver, scoring 21 runs in the series.
The sweep has put the Nationals right back in the thick of the Wild Card race, thanks to Houston laying an egg in the last two games in Pittsburgh.
Now the Nats play a GIGANTIC four game series against the Phillies with both teams jockeying for second place in the Wild Card and in the NL East. While that series goes on, Houston gets a pair of sub-.500 teams when the play three against the Cubs and then start a series against the Brewers.
Even a split with the Phillies in this four game set could mean dropping another game or two back in the Wild Card standings, while taking three of four or sweeping could boost the Nats to the Wild Card lead. So now you see why this series is huge.
The Nats definitely need to come out and set the pace tonight, because they will have to rely on Ryan Drese tomorrow.
MLB: Orioles weekend recap (August 12-14)
Here's a quick summary of the weekend in Orioles baseball (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Toronto Blue Jays 12, Orioles 0
WP: Josh Towers (9-9)
LP: Daniel Cabrera (8-11)
Toronto took advantage of Melvin Mora's throwing error and Daniel Cabrera's complete loss of composure there-after to the tune of four runs in the first inning. Cabrera settled down and ended up giving up five runs over four innings, with only one of them earned. But it was far too late for the Orioles, who couldn't get anything going against Josh Towers, who pitched a complete game shutout, scattering nine hits, striking out two and walking none. Rick Dempsey's nephew Gregg Zaun had five RBIs for the Jays.
Saturday:
Orioles 1, Toronto Blue Jays 0
WP: John Maine (1-0)
LP: Dave Bush (2-6)
S: B.J. Ryan (26)
What a difference a day makes. After getting shellacked 12-0, the O's come back and win a 1-0 squeaker the next day. John Maine, who had lost his last seven decisions in Triple-A Ottawa, got the call-up to pitch in place of the injured Sidney Ponson. Maine went five innings, giving up two hits and three walks while striking out three Blue Jays. Tim Byrdak, Todd Williams and B.J. Ryan combined for four innings of shutout ball to keep the O's on top.
For the second straight night, a Blue Jays starter pitched a complete game, but it was the eight-inning variety because Dave Bush's team was losing so there was no need for the O's to bat in the ninth.
Sunday:
Toronto Blue Jays 7, Orioles 6
WP: Jason Frasor (2-5)
LP: Tim Byrdak (0-1)
S: Miguel Batista (21)
BAL: 57-60 (4th in AL East, 12 behind Boston)
Rafael Palmeiro returned to the lineup to mixed reactions from the crowd, but you already knew that because it was overplayed on every sports cast, Web site and news station ever.
Meanwhile, the O's and Jays played a baseball game, and the Orioles had tons of chances to win but didn't. Erik Bedard pitched five innings and left the game with a 4-3 lead, but Toronto tied it in the sixth on a run that never should have scored because, with a runner on first, Jason Grimsley got what appeared to be an inning-ending double play grounder to Melvin Mora, but the pitch was ruled foul by the third base umpire. Later in the inning, Orlando Hudson singled in the run to make it 4-4.
More bad umpiring in the eighth led to three Toronto runs. With two outs and Russ Adams on second, Reed Johnson hit a fly ball that dropped in front of Sammy Sosa. Sosa made a good throw home and Javy Lopez blocked the plate and attempted to apply the tag, but the ump said that he missed. Whether or not that is true is irrelevant, though, because in avoiding the tag, Adams also completely avoided home plate. The ump missed it and called him safe, turning what should have been the third out into the lead-taking run. Toronto then scored two more in the inning to make it 7-4.
The O's tried to rally in the ninth, getting a leadoff single from Luis Matos, a Brian Roberts double to put men on second and third, a Melvin Mora groundout that scored Matos, a plunked Tejada for the second time in the game, and a Javy Lopez single that scored Brian Roberts with two outs. After all that, the score was 7-6 with two outs and runners on first and second for who else but Rafael Palmeiro.
It really felt like something big was going to happen. It would have been so perfect after the steroid suspension and all that followed for Raffy to blast a homer and win it in a walkoff. But alas, karma is a bitch unless you're the Yankees and you've sold your souls to the devil (then your steroid-jacked players hit 14 homers in July or make the All-Star game and go on ESPN to tell Stephen A. Smith that people "caught" taking steroids should be suspended for a full year instead of 10 games, even though they admitted to a grand jury that they, themselves, were on steroids! ... but anyways). Palmeiro hit a weak pop-up to right field and the game ended, 7-6.
The Orioles now head to Oakland for a three game set against the scorching A's. Tonight it's the O's winningest pitcher, Rodrigo Lopez (11-6, 4.77 ERA, throws right) against curveball artist Barry Zito (11-8, 3.62 ERA, throws left) at 10:05.
THOUGHTS:
The O's could have really used a series win and a 5-1 homestand to boost their confidence, but it almost seemed like they HAD to lose the Raffy-return game. Everything, it seemed, went wrong.
Still, a 4-2 homestand is pretty good compared to the way the team was playing, and they now have the challenge of facing Wild Card leading Oakland at their house.
Zito's been on fire lately, going 8-0 and posting a 2.28 ERA over his last 10 starts (which means at one point he was 3-8). Rodrigo went 8.2 innings in his last start, but gave up five runs well after the game had been decided because the Orioles were beating Tampa's ass.
A series win over the Athletics would be huge for the O's, because the A's are a good team, and the type of team that the O's just do NOT beat (as of late). Raffy's not playing today, so maybe the baseball gods won't possess the umps and give our relief pitchers' spaghetti-arms like they did yesterday.
Yes. Karma is a bitch. Bench Raffy.
Friday:
Toronto Blue Jays 12, Orioles 0
WP: Josh Towers (9-9)
LP: Daniel Cabrera (8-11)
Toronto took advantage of Melvin Mora's throwing error and Daniel Cabrera's complete loss of composure there-after to the tune of four runs in the first inning. Cabrera settled down and ended up giving up five runs over four innings, with only one of them earned. But it was far too late for the Orioles, who couldn't get anything going against Josh Towers, who pitched a complete game shutout, scattering nine hits, striking out two and walking none. Rick Dempsey's nephew Gregg Zaun had five RBIs for the Jays.
Saturday:
Orioles 1, Toronto Blue Jays 0
WP: John Maine (1-0)
LP: Dave Bush (2-6)
S: B.J. Ryan (26)
What a difference a day makes. After getting shellacked 12-0, the O's come back and win a 1-0 squeaker the next day. John Maine, who had lost his last seven decisions in Triple-A Ottawa, got the call-up to pitch in place of the injured Sidney Ponson. Maine went five innings, giving up two hits and three walks while striking out three Blue Jays. Tim Byrdak, Todd Williams and B.J. Ryan combined for four innings of shutout ball to keep the O's on top.
For the second straight night, a Blue Jays starter pitched a complete game, but it was the eight-inning variety because Dave Bush's team was losing so there was no need for the O's to bat in the ninth.
Sunday:
Toronto Blue Jays 7, Orioles 6
WP: Jason Frasor (2-5)
LP: Tim Byrdak (0-1)
S: Miguel Batista (21)
BAL: 57-60 (4th in AL East, 12 behind Boston)
Rafael Palmeiro returned to the lineup to mixed reactions from the crowd, but you already knew that because it was overplayed on every sports cast, Web site and news station ever.
Meanwhile, the O's and Jays played a baseball game, and the Orioles had tons of chances to win but didn't. Erik Bedard pitched five innings and left the game with a 4-3 lead, but Toronto tied it in the sixth on a run that never should have scored because, with a runner on first, Jason Grimsley got what appeared to be an inning-ending double play grounder to Melvin Mora, but the pitch was ruled foul by the third base umpire. Later in the inning, Orlando Hudson singled in the run to make it 4-4.
More bad umpiring in the eighth led to three Toronto runs. With two outs and Russ Adams on second, Reed Johnson hit a fly ball that dropped in front of Sammy Sosa. Sosa made a good throw home and Javy Lopez blocked the plate and attempted to apply the tag, but the ump said that he missed. Whether or not that is true is irrelevant, though, because in avoiding the tag, Adams also completely avoided home plate. The ump missed it and called him safe, turning what should have been the third out into the lead-taking run. Toronto then scored two more in the inning to make it 7-4.
The O's tried to rally in the ninth, getting a leadoff single from Luis Matos, a Brian Roberts double to put men on second and third, a Melvin Mora groundout that scored Matos, a plunked Tejada for the second time in the game, and a Javy Lopez single that scored Brian Roberts with two outs. After all that, the score was 7-6 with two outs and runners on first and second for who else but Rafael Palmeiro.
It really felt like something big was going to happen. It would have been so perfect after the steroid suspension and all that followed for Raffy to blast a homer and win it in a walkoff. But alas, karma is a bitch unless you're the Yankees and you've sold your souls to the devil (then your steroid-jacked players hit 14 homers in July or make the All-Star game and go on ESPN to tell Stephen A. Smith that people "caught" taking steroids should be suspended for a full year instead of 10 games, even though they admitted to a grand jury that they, themselves, were on steroids! ... but anyways). Palmeiro hit a weak pop-up to right field and the game ended, 7-6.
The Orioles now head to Oakland for a three game set against the scorching A's. Tonight it's the O's winningest pitcher, Rodrigo Lopez (11-6, 4.77 ERA, throws right) against curveball artist Barry Zito (11-8, 3.62 ERA, throws left) at 10:05.
THOUGHTS:
The O's could have really used a series win and a 5-1 homestand to boost their confidence, but it almost seemed like they HAD to lose the Raffy-return game. Everything, it seemed, went wrong.
Still, a 4-2 homestand is pretty good compared to the way the team was playing, and they now have the challenge of facing Wild Card leading Oakland at their house.
Zito's been on fire lately, going 8-0 and posting a 2.28 ERA over his last 10 starts (which means at one point he was 3-8). Rodrigo went 8.2 innings in his last start, but gave up five runs well after the game had been decided because the Orioles were beating Tampa's ass.
A series win over the Athletics would be huge for the O's, because the A's are a good team, and the type of team that the O's just do NOT beat (as of late). Raffy's not playing today, so maybe the baseball gods won't possess the umps and give our relief pitchers' spaghetti-arms like they did yesterday.
Yes. Karma is a bitch. Bench Raffy.
Friday, August 12, 2005
MLB: Houston Astros 6, Nationals 3 (August 11)
WP: Andy Pettitte (10-8)
LP: Ryan Drese (3-6)
WAS: 59-55 (3rd in NL East, 6.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, tied with Florida, 1 ahead of New York)
The Nationals left Houston down three games in the Wild Card race after cutting Houston's lead to just one on Tuesday.
Last night, the Nationals fell behind early and ended up down 6-0 before attempting to mount a comeback.
Lance Berkman hit an RBI double off of Ryan Drese in the first inning to put Houston up 1-0, Berkman and Jason Lane each had RBIs in the third to make it 3-0, then Brad Ausmus hit a double with the bases loaded to plate three runs and make it 6-0.
Preston Wilson hit a two-run homer for the Nats in the seventh and Jose Guillen hit a solo homer (his 20th of the year) in the ninth to make it 6-3, but it was too late.
Andy Pettitte threw eight innings, giving up two runs on just four hits while striking out five.
With every other team in the National League East playing weak opponents last night, it looked as though the Nationals would drop to a last-place tie with a loss, but then every team in the NL East went out and lost last night, so there was absolutely no movement in the standings.
The Nationals now head to Colorado for a three-game series beginning tonight at 9:05. Esteban Loaiza (6-8, 3.63 ERA, throws right) will pitch for Washington against Jamey Wright (6-12, 5.85 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS
That was bad, but it could have been a lot worse. Frank Robinson told reporters after the game that it was the lowest point in the Nationals season, but I disagree. They took one of three in the series and kep themselves in the Wild Card race, and the other teams in the NL East didn't take the opportunity to knock the Nats to last place in the division, as they all lost to weak opponents last night.
Also, the Nats now head to another park that will help their bats, Coors Field in Colorado, where they will face the Rockies for a three-game set. No one else in the division or the Wild Card race is facing tough teams this weekend, but none are facing teams as bad as the Rockies, either.
Houston face Pittsburgh, Philadelphia gets the Padres, Florida goes against San Francisco, and the Mets head to Los Angeles.
The situation isn't great, because you'd love every other team to be playing the Cardinals every day, but what you have to hope for in a situation like this is that you sweep while the other teams only take two of three so you can pick up a game on all of them.
Despite the skid, the Nats haven't looked helpless in games and have had chances to win, so only the completely faithless should be thinking that they won't break out of this slump.
LP: Ryan Drese (3-6)
WAS: 59-55 (3rd in NL East, 6.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, tied with Florida, 1 ahead of New York)
The Nationals left Houston down three games in the Wild Card race after cutting Houston's lead to just one on Tuesday.
Last night, the Nationals fell behind early and ended up down 6-0 before attempting to mount a comeback.
Lance Berkman hit an RBI double off of Ryan Drese in the first inning to put Houston up 1-0, Berkman and Jason Lane each had RBIs in the third to make it 3-0, then Brad Ausmus hit a double with the bases loaded to plate three runs and make it 6-0.
Preston Wilson hit a two-run homer for the Nats in the seventh and Jose Guillen hit a solo homer (his 20th of the year) in the ninth to make it 6-3, but it was too late.
Andy Pettitte threw eight innings, giving up two runs on just four hits while striking out five.
With every other team in the National League East playing weak opponents last night, it looked as though the Nationals would drop to a last-place tie with a loss, but then every team in the NL East went out and lost last night, so there was absolutely no movement in the standings.
The Nationals now head to Colorado for a three-game series beginning tonight at 9:05. Esteban Loaiza (6-8, 3.63 ERA, throws right) will pitch for Washington against Jamey Wright (6-12, 5.85 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS
That was bad, but it could have been a lot worse. Frank Robinson told reporters after the game that it was the lowest point in the Nationals season, but I disagree. They took one of three in the series and kep themselves in the Wild Card race, and the other teams in the NL East didn't take the opportunity to knock the Nats to last place in the division, as they all lost to weak opponents last night.
Also, the Nats now head to another park that will help their bats, Coors Field in Colorado, where they will face the Rockies for a three-game set. No one else in the division or the Wild Card race is facing tough teams this weekend, but none are facing teams as bad as the Rockies, either.
Houston face Pittsburgh, Philadelphia gets the Padres, Florida goes against San Francisco, and the Mets head to Los Angeles.
The situation isn't great, because you'd love every other team to be playing the Cardinals every day, but what you have to hope for in a situation like this is that you sweep while the other teams only take two of three so you can pick up a game on all of them.
Despite the skid, the Nats haven't looked helpless in games and have had chances to win, so only the completely faithless should be thinking that they won't break out of this slump.
WNBA: Connecticut Sun 80, Mystics 65 (August 11)
WAS: 14-13 (3rd in East, 7.5 behind Connecticut, 2 behind Indiana, tied with New York, 1 ahead of Detroit).
The Mystics had their hands full with the East's best team last night at MCI Center and dropped back into a tie for third place after their loss to the Connecticut Sun.
All five Connecticut starters scored in double figures, led by Nykesha Sales' 20 points. Taj McWilliams-Franklin grabbed 10 rebounds to help the cause.
Alana Beard led the Mystics with 18 points, but Washington couldn't overcome the balanced attack from the Sun.
Washington was only down four at the half, but the Sun ran away with it in the second half, outscoring the Mystics 42-29.
With seven games left in the season, the Mystics are now tied for third place with New York in the Eastern standings and are only one game ahead of fifth-place Detroit, who beat Minnesota yesterday.
The Mystics get the Sun again on Sunday afternoon at 4:00, this time in Connecticut.
THOUGHTS:
What seemed like a near certain playoff berth just days ago now hangs in the balance, because a Detroit win over Minnesota coupled with this Mystics loss has made the difference between in and out just one game with seven games to play.
Unfortunately, the Mystics now have to face this same Connecticut team on Sunday, while Detroit faces the miserable San Antonio Silver Stars on Saturday.
Detroit's remaining schedule stacks up favorably over the Mystics, as Washington faces five teams over .500 in their remaining games (two against Connecticut, 22-6; two against New York, 14-13; and one against Indiana, 16-11), with the only two others coming in crucial match-ups against Detroit.
Detroit has four of their final seven games against sub-.500 teams (San Antonio, 7-22; Phoenix, 12-13; Los Angeles, 12-15; and Charlotte, 4-23). They do have one game against second-place Indiana (16-11), and the two huge games against the Mystics.
New York also has a very favorable remaining schedule, playing the laughable 4-23 Charlotte Sting three more times.
With these schedules, the Mystics are going to have to play excellent basketball to earn a playoff spot. Obviously, the biggest games of the Mystics' remaining schedule are the two against Detroit and the two against New York because those are the teams jockeying with the Mystics for the last two playoff spots in the East. However, they are way bigger for Washington because those are the Mystics' most winnable games.
The Mystics had their hands full with the East's best team last night at MCI Center and dropped back into a tie for third place after their loss to the Connecticut Sun.
All five Connecticut starters scored in double figures, led by Nykesha Sales' 20 points. Taj McWilliams-Franklin grabbed 10 rebounds to help the cause.
Alana Beard led the Mystics with 18 points, but Washington couldn't overcome the balanced attack from the Sun.
Washington was only down four at the half, but the Sun ran away with it in the second half, outscoring the Mystics 42-29.
With seven games left in the season, the Mystics are now tied for third place with New York in the Eastern standings and are only one game ahead of fifth-place Detroit, who beat Minnesota yesterday.
The Mystics get the Sun again on Sunday afternoon at 4:00, this time in Connecticut.
THOUGHTS:
What seemed like a near certain playoff berth just days ago now hangs in the balance, because a Detroit win over Minnesota coupled with this Mystics loss has made the difference between in and out just one game with seven games to play.
Unfortunately, the Mystics now have to face this same Connecticut team on Sunday, while Detroit faces the miserable San Antonio Silver Stars on Saturday.
Detroit's remaining schedule stacks up favorably over the Mystics, as Washington faces five teams over .500 in their remaining games (two against Connecticut, 22-6; two against New York, 14-13; and one against Indiana, 16-11), with the only two others coming in crucial match-ups against Detroit.
Detroit has four of their final seven games against sub-.500 teams (San Antonio, 7-22; Phoenix, 12-13; Los Angeles, 12-15; and Charlotte, 4-23). They do have one game against second-place Indiana (16-11), and the two huge games against the Mystics.
New York also has a very favorable remaining schedule, playing the laughable 4-23 Charlotte Sting three more times.
With these schedules, the Mystics are going to have to play excellent basketball to earn a playoff spot. Obviously, the biggest games of the Mystics' remaining schedule are the two against Detroit and the two against New York because those are the teams jockeying with the Mystics for the last two playoff spots in the East. However, they are way bigger for Washington because those are the Mystics' most winnable games.
MLB: Orioles 4, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 2 (August 11)
WP: Bruce Chen (9-6)
LP: Doug Waechter (4-8)
S: B.J. Ryan (25)
BAL: 56-58 (4th in AL East, 10.5 behind Boston)
Bruce Chen threw seven excellent innings, only giving up two runs that came on a controversial home run call as the Orioles completed the sweep of the Devil Rays with a 4-2 win.
Chen gave up only three hits, struck out five and walked none to get his ninth win of the season.
The O's had a 3-0 lead through four innings after a David Newhan RBI single in the second inning and a Luis Matos RBI single in the fourth that was followed by a run-scoring balk from Tampa Bay pitcher Doug Waechter.
The Devil Rays cut the lead to 3-2 in the fifth inning when Eduardo Perez hit a deep fly ball to left field that appeared at first look to bounce off of a standing fan and back into the field of play. It was initially ruled a double, but the umpires convened and called it a home run. Replays, however, showed that the ball went through the fan's outstretched arms and bounced off the very top of the wall and back into play, so the initial call would have been the correct call. Interim manager Sam Perlozzo bursted out of the dugout to argue the call, but to no avail.
In the sixth inning, the Orioles made it 4-2 when Javy Lopez crushed a fastball down the middle for a solo homer.
After getting his first Major League hit on Wednesday, Alejandro Freire picked up two more last night. He is now 3-for-12 with the Orioles.
Chen worked the first three innings perfect, and it was the second night in a row that an Orioles pitcher was perfect the first time through the Tampa Bay batting order. Tampa only sent 29 batters to the plate in the game.
Rafael Palmeiro did not play, but there were supportive signs in the stands for him.
Up next is a battle of birds, as Toronto comes to town for a three-game weekend set. The series opener is tonight at Camden Yards at 7:35, with Daniel Cabrera (8-10, 5.09 ERA, throws right) facing former Oriole Josh Towers (8-9, 4.53 ERA, throws right).
Cabrera is coming off a rough outing against the Rangers, when he gave up eight runs in 3.2 innings. Towers is 4-2 with a 4.06 ERA lifetime against his former team, but the Orioles got to him for four runs on eight hits in six innings earlier this season.
THOUGHTS:
This was a great win and a great sweep, because the Orioles are coming up on a really tough stretch, with the O's next 25 games all against opponents over .500.
It was great to see Sam Perlozze sprinting out of the dugout to confront the umpires after the botched home run call, as opposed to Lee Mazzilli's slow trot to the umps and philosophical fingers-on-chin stance when "arguing" a call. Argue, don't just get an explanation!
Also, it's nice to see the team play well despite the distraction of Palmeiro's return to the dugout. With the team having won five of seven, I don't really see much of a rush to stick him back in the lineup. Hopefully he will spend some serious time on the bench, because as long as he's there, he won't be receiving 100 percent of the fan and media attention. An argument could be made that the sooner you get him out there, the sooner the media and fan focus is done with, but I think leaving him on the bench for another five or 10 games will lessen the focus on him when he does return to the lineup and shorten the amount of time that the focus is on him. Hopefully Perlozzo won't put him in this weekend.
LP: Doug Waechter (4-8)
S: B.J. Ryan (25)
BAL: 56-58 (4th in AL East, 10.5 behind Boston)
Bruce Chen threw seven excellent innings, only giving up two runs that came on a controversial home run call as the Orioles completed the sweep of the Devil Rays with a 4-2 win.
Chen gave up only three hits, struck out five and walked none to get his ninth win of the season.
The O's had a 3-0 lead through four innings after a David Newhan RBI single in the second inning and a Luis Matos RBI single in the fourth that was followed by a run-scoring balk from Tampa Bay pitcher Doug Waechter.
The Devil Rays cut the lead to 3-2 in the fifth inning when Eduardo Perez hit a deep fly ball to left field that appeared at first look to bounce off of a standing fan and back into the field of play. It was initially ruled a double, but the umpires convened and called it a home run. Replays, however, showed that the ball went through the fan's outstretched arms and bounced off the very top of the wall and back into play, so the initial call would have been the correct call. Interim manager Sam Perlozzo bursted out of the dugout to argue the call, but to no avail.
In the sixth inning, the Orioles made it 4-2 when Javy Lopez crushed a fastball down the middle for a solo homer.
After getting his first Major League hit on Wednesday, Alejandro Freire picked up two more last night. He is now 3-for-12 with the Orioles.
Chen worked the first three innings perfect, and it was the second night in a row that an Orioles pitcher was perfect the first time through the Tampa Bay batting order. Tampa only sent 29 batters to the plate in the game.
Rafael Palmeiro did not play, but there were supportive signs in the stands for him.
Up next is a battle of birds, as Toronto comes to town for a three-game weekend set. The series opener is tonight at Camden Yards at 7:35, with Daniel Cabrera (8-10, 5.09 ERA, throws right) facing former Oriole Josh Towers (8-9, 4.53 ERA, throws right).
Cabrera is coming off a rough outing against the Rangers, when he gave up eight runs in 3.2 innings. Towers is 4-2 with a 4.06 ERA lifetime against his former team, but the Orioles got to him for four runs on eight hits in six innings earlier this season.
THOUGHTS:
This was a great win and a great sweep, because the Orioles are coming up on a really tough stretch, with the O's next 25 games all against opponents over .500.
It was great to see Sam Perlozze sprinting out of the dugout to confront the umpires after the botched home run call, as opposed to Lee Mazzilli's slow trot to the umps and philosophical fingers-on-chin stance when "arguing" a call. Argue, don't just get an explanation!
Also, it's nice to see the team play well despite the distraction of Palmeiro's return to the dugout. With the team having won five of seven, I don't really see much of a rush to stick him back in the lineup. Hopefully he will spend some serious time on the bench, because as long as he's there, he won't be receiving 100 percent of the fan and media attention. An argument could be made that the sooner you get him out there, the sooner the media and fan focus is done with, but I think leaving him on the bench for another five or 10 games will lessen the focus on him when he does return to the lineup and shorten the amount of time that the focus is on him. Hopefully Perlozzo won't put him in this weekend.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
MLB: Rafael Palmeiro returns to Orioles tonight after suspension
His 10-day suspension served, Rafael Palmeiro will return to the Orioles tonight in the series concluding game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Interim manager Sam Perlozzo said that he might not play Palmeiro tonight so that the 40-year-old first baseman can have another day to get accustomed to baseball activities, The (Baltimore) Sun reported.
The Sun also said that plans for Palmeiro to make a statement have been nixed because of the potential perjury charges he may be facing because of his statements to congress in March.
His agent, Arn Tellem, had been asking people to wait to hear Palmeiro's side of the story before deciding he was guilty, but now it seems that Palmeiro's side will not be heard -- at least not any time soon.
The Sun article said that players are not sure how fans will react, but that they expect some boos.
OPINION:
I posted my thoughts on this over at Camden Chat, and I feel like I said all that I wanted to say about Rafael Palmeiro, his current situation, and the potential fan reaction, so I'll just copy and paste that here (with some minor edits):
I don't want to boo Palmeiro, because I feel like he's been through a lot and, even though he brought it on himself, everyone does stupid things. Some are way stupider than others, but in a world of baseball where I really believe there were at least four players in every clubhouse on the juice before this year, I don't think it's as monumentally stupid as people make it out to be.
As for the lying, he's in a tight spot and he reacted poorly. Yeah, I feel lied to. He shouldn't have lied to his fans. But I really do think he feels pretty damn bad about what has happened, and I feel no desire to kick him while he's down.
However, I would like to never have the chance to boo him, because even with everything I just said, I don't want him back on the field in an Orioles uniform. It's too much of a distraction.
We're virtually out of the playoff race, but the team has started to make me feel good to watch them again by winning four of their last six games and by putting guys like Alejandro Freire on the field. It's fun to watch the rookies, and it's great that we're winning (even if it's only over a six-game span) with some of the lesser-known guys in the lineup.
I don't want to feel bad about the Orioles winning, which is how I think I'd feel with Raffy in the lineup.
Interim manager Sam Perlozzo said that he might not play Palmeiro tonight so that the 40-year-old first baseman can have another day to get accustomed to baseball activities, The (Baltimore) Sun reported.
The Sun also said that plans for Palmeiro to make a statement have been nixed because of the potential perjury charges he may be facing because of his statements to congress in March.
His agent, Arn Tellem, had been asking people to wait to hear Palmeiro's side of the story before deciding he was guilty, but now it seems that Palmeiro's side will not be heard -- at least not any time soon.
The Sun article said that players are not sure how fans will react, but that they expect some boos.
OPINION:
I posted my thoughts on this over at Camden Chat, and I feel like I said all that I wanted to say about Rafael Palmeiro, his current situation, and the potential fan reaction, so I'll just copy and paste that here (with some minor edits):
I don't want to boo Palmeiro, because I feel like he's been through a lot and, even though he brought it on himself, everyone does stupid things. Some are way stupider than others, but in a world of baseball where I really believe there were at least four players in every clubhouse on the juice before this year, I don't think it's as monumentally stupid as people make it out to be.
As for the lying, he's in a tight spot and he reacted poorly. Yeah, I feel lied to. He shouldn't have lied to his fans. But I really do think he feels pretty damn bad about what has happened, and I feel no desire to kick him while he's down.
However, I would like to never have the chance to boo him, because even with everything I just said, I don't want him back on the field in an Orioles uniform. It's too much of a distraction.
We're virtually out of the playoff race, but the team has started to make me feel good to watch them again by winning four of their last six games and by putting guys like Alejandro Freire on the field. It's fun to watch the rookies, and it's great that we're winning (even if it's only over a six-game span) with some of the lesser-known guys in the lineup.
I don't want to feel bad about the Orioles winning, which is how I think I'd feel with Raffy in the lineup.
MLB: Houston Astros 7, Nationals 6 (August 10)
WP: Wandy Rodriguez (7-5)
LP: Livan Hernandez (13-5)
S: Brad Lidge (28)
WAS: 59-54 (3rd in NL East, 6.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, tied with Florida, 1 ahead of New York)
No, that's not a typo. The Nationals have fallen to third in the National League East with last night's loss to the Astros.
However, in the wild and wacky division, a team can go from last to second or from second to last in two days.
Minute Maid Park continued to turn everyone into home run hitters, including pitcher Livan Hernandez, who went 3-for-3 and was a triple shy of the cycle. He also had a pair of RBIs to show for his effort.
His hot night at the plate didn't translate to a hot night on the mound, though, as he gave up seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits and four walks in six innings. The unearned runs came because of his own fielding error that set up a Morgan Ensberg two-RBI ground rule double.
Hernandez gave up four runs in the first inning after the Astros loaded the bases. Mike Lamb hit a single that scored one run, then Orlando Palmeiro hit a base-clearing double to put the Astros up 4-1 (Jose Vidro homered in the top of the first to put the Nats on top, 1-0).
The Nationals cut it to 4-3 in the second inning after Hernandez' RBI double and an RBI groundout by Brandon Watson. They then tied it in the fourth on the Hernandez solo homer, but Craig Biggio hit an RBI double in the bottom half to put the Astros up for good.
The Astros added two more in the sixth inning to make it 7-4, and a ninth inning rally by the Nationals fell just short when Jose Guillen struck out after an RBI double by Nick Johnson and an RBI single by Brad Wilkerson. The Nats had a man on third when Guillen pinch-hit for Preston Wilson.
The Nats will look to get back to second place in the NL East and within a game of the Wild Card lead by taking the rubber game of this three game set tonight at 8:05 in Houston. Ryan Drese (3-5, 4.29 ERA, throws right) will face Andy Pettitte (9-8, 2.64 ERA, throws left).
THOUGHTS:
That loss was rough, because the Nats got offense, had their ace pitching against a much weaker pitcher, and still couldn't get a win. Now, to get back within easy striking distance of the Astros, the Nats will need a mini-miracle tonight, because they will be sending the struggling Ryan Drese to face Andy Pettitte, who would be an ace on just about any other team.
Drese has lost his last four starts and has been bad in his last five, giving up 18 runs in 24.1 innings (a 6.72 ERA). Pettitte, on the other hand, has won six of his last seven decisions (over nine starts) and has posted an incredible 1.14 ERA in that span.
I hate to say it, but it's not looking good tonight. The Mets play the Padres this afternoon after beating them 9-1 last night, the Marlins go for a sweep of the scuffling Diamondbacks tonight, and Philadelphia goes for a sweep of the scuffling Dodgers in a late night game. It is entirely possible that, with a loss tonight, the Nats could find themselves in a tie for last place in the NL East after leading it for so long. And while they would still only be three games out of the Wild Card lead, being in last place can't be good for team and fan morale, especially with the team already struggling.
LP: Livan Hernandez (13-5)
S: Brad Lidge (28)
WAS: 59-54 (3rd in NL East, 6.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 behind Philadelphia, tied with Florida, 1 ahead of New York)
No, that's not a typo. The Nationals have fallen to third in the National League East with last night's loss to the Astros.
However, in the wild and wacky division, a team can go from last to second or from second to last in two days.
Minute Maid Park continued to turn everyone into home run hitters, including pitcher Livan Hernandez, who went 3-for-3 and was a triple shy of the cycle. He also had a pair of RBIs to show for his effort.
His hot night at the plate didn't translate to a hot night on the mound, though, as he gave up seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits and four walks in six innings. The unearned runs came because of his own fielding error that set up a Morgan Ensberg two-RBI ground rule double.
Hernandez gave up four runs in the first inning after the Astros loaded the bases. Mike Lamb hit a single that scored one run, then Orlando Palmeiro hit a base-clearing double to put the Astros up 4-1 (Jose Vidro homered in the top of the first to put the Nats on top, 1-0).
The Nationals cut it to 4-3 in the second inning after Hernandez' RBI double and an RBI groundout by Brandon Watson. They then tied it in the fourth on the Hernandez solo homer, but Craig Biggio hit an RBI double in the bottom half to put the Astros up for good.
The Astros added two more in the sixth inning to make it 7-4, and a ninth inning rally by the Nationals fell just short when Jose Guillen struck out after an RBI double by Nick Johnson and an RBI single by Brad Wilkerson. The Nats had a man on third when Guillen pinch-hit for Preston Wilson.
The Nats will look to get back to second place in the NL East and within a game of the Wild Card lead by taking the rubber game of this three game set tonight at 8:05 in Houston. Ryan Drese (3-5, 4.29 ERA, throws right) will face Andy Pettitte (9-8, 2.64 ERA, throws left).
THOUGHTS:
That loss was rough, because the Nats got offense, had their ace pitching against a much weaker pitcher, and still couldn't get a win. Now, to get back within easy striking distance of the Astros, the Nats will need a mini-miracle tonight, because they will be sending the struggling Ryan Drese to face Andy Pettitte, who would be an ace on just about any other team.
Drese has lost his last four starts and has been bad in his last five, giving up 18 runs in 24.1 innings (a 6.72 ERA). Pettitte, on the other hand, has won six of his last seven decisions (over nine starts) and has posted an incredible 1.14 ERA in that span.
I hate to say it, but it's not looking good tonight. The Mets play the Padres this afternoon after beating them 9-1 last night, the Marlins go for a sweep of the scuffling Diamondbacks tonight, and Philadelphia goes for a sweep of the scuffling Dodgers in a late night game. It is entirely possible that, with a loss tonight, the Nats could find themselves in a tie for last place in the NL East after leading it for so long. And while they would still only be three games out of the Wild Card lead, being in last place can't be good for team and fan morale, especially with the team already struggling.
MLS: D.C. United 3, MetroStars 0 (August 10)
D.C.: 10-6-5 (3rd in East, 4 points behind New England, 1 behind Chicago, tied with Kansas City)
D.C. United continued their recent surge on Wednesday, combining offense and defense in a 3-0 win over the MetroStars.
D.C. is unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and tying one.
They jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Bobby Boswell in the 11th minute of the game, and that would be all the scoring until late in the second half. Dema Kovalenko scored in the 76th minute and Joshua Gros scored in the 87th minute to put D.C. up 3-0 late in the game. Bothe of the late goals were assisted by Jamil Walker.
The offense, apparently, is not reeling from the loss of Freddy Adu, who strained his MCL and is expected to miss another two to four weeks, according to the Houston Chronicle.
United scored three goals in their last contest as well, a 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire.
D.C. is back in action at RFK on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 against the West's worst team, Chivas USA (who play their home games in Carson, California, just outside of Los Angeles).
THOUGHTS:
D.C. United is on fire.
They've won four and tied one in their last five games, and are now within striking distance of the top two teams in the East. Their next game is against the sputtering Chivas USA, who have only won three games this season, while Chicago and New England face much tougher opponents in the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas, respectively.
It's sounds so cliche, but the team is getting hot at the right time, as we head into the latter portion of the season.
Once again, United is showing that they are the best team -- year-in and year-out -- in the Baltimore-Washington area.
D.C. United continued their recent surge on Wednesday, combining offense and defense in a 3-0 win over the MetroStars.
D.C. is unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and tying one.
They jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Bobby Boswell in the 11th minute of the game, and that would be all the scoring until late in the second half. Dema Kovalenko scored in the 76th minute and Joshua Gros scored in the 87th minute to put D.C. up 3-0 late in the game. Bothe of the late goals were assisted by Jamil Walker.
The offense, apparently, is not reeling from the loss of Freddy Adu, who strained his MCL and is expected to miss another two to four weeks, according to the Houston Chronicle.
United scored three goals in their last contest as well, a 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire.
D.C. is back in action at RFK on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 against the West's worst team, Chivas USA (who play their home games in Carson, California, just outside of Los Angeles).
THOUGHTS:
D.C. United is on fire.
They've won four and tied one in their last five games, and are now within striking distance of the top two teams in the East. Their next game is against the sputtering Chivas USA, who have only won three games this season, while Chicago and New England face much tougher opponents in the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas, respectively.
It's sounds so cliche, but the team is getting hot at the right time, as we head into the latter portion of the season.
Once again, United is showing that they are the best team -- year-in and year-out -- in the Baltimore-Washington area.
MLB: Orioles 9, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 5 (August 10)
WP: Rodrigo Lopez (11-6)
LP: Casey Fossum (6-9)
BAL: 55-58 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
Jay Gibbons' first inning grand slam put the Orioles ahead of the Devil Rays, 5-0, on Wednesday night, and the offense kept pounding away on Tampa Bay pitching to get the O's a 9-5 win.
The Orioles had a 6-0 lead after two innings, thanks to a Miguel Tejada RBI single and Gibbons' slam in the first, then a Melvin Mora RBI single in the second.
Rodrigo Lopez dominated for the first three innings, getting the first 10 Tampa Bay batters out before running into trouble in the fourth. An Aubrey Huff three-run homer off of Lopez made it 6-3, but the Birds were not done scoring.
In the fifth inning, Miguel Tejada hit a two-run double, which Javy Lopez followed with a single to score him.
Tampa Bay got runs in the seventh and ninth innings, but it was not enough to close the six-run gap that the O's bats had created.
Rodrigo Lopez went 8.2 innings, giving up all five runs on nine hits. Jorge Julio came in with two outs in the ninth and a man on second and promptly threw a wild pitch to advance the runner to third, then walked a batter before striking out Joey Gathright to end the game.
30-year-old rookie Alejandro Freire (pronounced FRAY-duh ... or Fray-Day if you listen to Jim Palmer) got his first Major League hit, a double in the eighth inning. It was his second game.
The O's have locked up their first series win since the big series win over Boston leading into the All-Star break. They go for the brooms tonight at 7:05 at Camden Yards when Bruce Chen (8-6, 4.24 ERA, throws left) faces Doug Waechter (4-7, 5.27 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The O's are becoming somewhat of a feel-good team again, winning four of six games under interim manager Sam Perlozzo.
The team needs to string together a few more wins -- at least enough to get over .500 -- before they regain my confidence, but to go on a run you have to start by winning a couple games, which they've done.
It would be great to get the sweep to return the favor for when they swept us in Tampa, and they really need the boost going into a grueling four-week schedule that runs until the off day on September 8. Here's what it looks like for the next four weeks:
Toronto for three games
at Oakland for three
at Cleveland for three
Los Angeles Angels for three
Oakland for four
at Toronto for three
at Boston for three
Toronto for three
So all of the O's next 25 games are against teams currently over .500. That doesn't mean they can't go on a run, but it certainly makes it harder.
LP: Casey Fossum (6-9)
BAL: 55-58 (4th in AL East, 11 behind Boston)
Jay Gibbons' first inning grand slam put the Orioles ahead of the Devil Rays, 5-0, on Wednesday night, and the offense kept pounding away on Tampa Bay pitching to get the O's a 9-5 win.
The Orioles had a 6-0 lead after two innings, thanks to a Miguel Tejada RBI single and Gibbons' slam in the first, then a Melvin Mora RBI single in the second.
Rodrigo Lopez dominated for the first three innings, getting the first 10 Tampa Bay batters out before running into trouble in the fourth. An Aubrey Huff three-run homer off of Lopez made it 6-3, but the Birds were not done scoring.
In the fifth inning, Miguel Tejada hit a two-run double, which Javy Lopez followed with a single to score him.
Tampa Bay got runs in the seventh and ninth innings, but it was not enough to close the six-run gap that the O's bats had created.
Rodrigo Lopez went 8.2 innings, giving up all five runs on nine hits. Jorge Julio came in with two outs in the ninth and a man on second and promptly threw a wild pitch to advance the runner to third, then walked a batter before striking out Joey Gathright to end the game.
30-year-old rookie Alejandro Freire (pronounced FRAY-duh ... or Fray-Day if you listen to Jim Palmer) got his first Major League hit, a double in the eighth inning. It was his second game.
The O's have locked up their first series win since the big series win over Boston leading into the All-Star break. They go for the brooms tonight at 7:05 at Camden Yards when Bruce Chen (8-6, 4.24 ERA, throws left) faces Doug Waechter (4-7, 5.27 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
The O's are becoming somewhat of a feel-good team again, winning four of six games under interim manager Sam Perlozzo.
The team needs to string together a few more wins -- at least enough to get over .500 -- before they regain my confidence, but to go on a run you have to start by winning a couple games, which they've done.
It would be great to get the sweep to return the favor for when they swept us in Tampa, and they really need the boost going into a grueling four-week schedule that runs until the off day on September 8. Here's what it looks like for the next four weeks:
Toronto for three games
at Oakland for three
at Cleveland for three
Los Angeles Angels for three
Oakland for four
at Toronto for three
at Boston for three
Toronto for three
So all of the O's next 25 games are against teams currently over .500. That doesn't mean they can't go on a run, but it certainly makes it harder.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
MLB: Nationals 6, Houston Astros 5 (August 9)
WP: John Patterson (6-3)
LP: Ezequiel Astacio (2-5)
S: Chad Cordero (37)
WAS: 59-53 (2nd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia)
The Nationals snapped a streak of 13 straight losses in one-run games yesterday, but they needed Houston to come back from a 6-1 defecit to make it 6-5 for that to happen.
The Nats got a 6-1 lead on four solo homers, a sacrifice fly and a sacrifice groundout. Brad Wilkerson, Brian Schneider, Brandon Watson and Vinny Castilla all homered in different innings, while Jose Vidro's sac fly and Castilla's RBI groundout both came in the third.
John Patterson started well but sputtered in the fifth and sixth innings after his team jumped out to a 6-1 lead. In the fifth, Morgan Ensberg hit a two-run shot off of Patterson to make it 6-3, and a pair of unearned runs scored in the sixth after a Cristian Guzman throwing error made it 6-5 and chased Patterson.
Patterson went 5.2 innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on seven hits and four walks.
The series continues tonight in Houston at 8:05, with Livan Hernandez (13-4, 3.37 ERA, throws right) pitching against Wandy Rodriguez (6-5, 6.11 ERA, throws left).
Hernandez won 11 straight decisions from April 24 to July 1, but is 1-2 in six starts since then, and struggled in his last outing, going 5.2 innings and giving up four runs on 12 hits.
THOUGHTS:
The win last night was huge, because now, no matter what happens in the next two games, the Nationals can't fall to more than three games back in the Wild Card standings. With a win tonight, the Nats would actually find themselves in a deadlock with the Astros for the Wild Card lead (which would obviously be broken by one team or the other on Thursday). Also, the Braves get a trio of sub-.500 opponents in the next three series (including their current one with the Giants), so the Nats need to keep winning to keep the Braves from running away from them.
Apparently Minute Maid Park has turned everyone on the Nats into home run hitters, with four diffrent guys knocking balls over the fence on Tuesday.
The problem is that Livan Hernandez gives up his fair share of homers (12 on the season), and the park isn't any bigger for the Stros than it is for the Nats. Wandy Rodriguez has given up 12 homers himeself, but he doesn't get to pitch half his games in cavernous RFK Stadium. Wandy's actually given up twice as many homers on the road as he has at home, but that's deceptive because he's pitched almost twice as many innings on the road.
The Nats will need to find their offense again tonight because, as the almost-comeback last night showed, no lead may be safe in Houston.
LP: Ezequiel Astacio (2-5)
S: Chad Cordero (37)
WAS: 59-53 (2nd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia)
The Nationals snapped a streak of 13 straight losses in one-run games yesterday, but they needed Houston to come back from a 6-1 defecit to make it 6-5 for that to happen.
The Nats got a 6-1 lead on four solo homers, a sacrifice fly and a sacrifice groundout. Brad Wilkerson, Brian Schneider, Brandon Watson and Vinny Castilla all homered in different innings, while Jose Vidro's sac fly and Castilla's RBI groundout both came in the third.
John Patterson started well but sputtered in the fifth and sixth innings after his team jumped out to a 6-1 lead. In the fifth, Morgan Ensberg hit a two-run shot off of Patterson to make it 6-3, and a pair of unearned runs scored in the sixth after a Cristian Guzman throwing error made it 6-5 and chased Patterson.
Patterson went 5.2 innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on seven hits and four walks.
The series continues tonight in Houston at 8:05, with Livan Hernandez (13-4, 3.37 ERA, throws right) pitching against Wandy Rodriguez (6-5, 6.11 ERA, throws left).
Hernandez won 11 straight decisions from April 24 to July 1, but is 1-2 in six starts since then, and struggled in his last outing, going 5.2 innings and giving up four runs on 12 hits.
THOUGHTS:
The win last night was huge, because now, no matter what happens in the next two games, the Nationals can't fall to more than three games back in the Wild Card standings. With a win tonight, the Nats would actually find themselves in a deadlock with the Astros for the Wild Card lead (which would obviously be broken by one team or the other on Thursday). Also, the Braves get a trio of sub-.500 opponents in the next three series (including their current one with the Giants), so the Nats need to keep winning to keep the Braves from running away from them.
Apparently Minute Maid Park has turned everyone on the Nats into home run hitters, with four diffrent guys knocking balls over the fence on Tuesday.
The problem is that Livan Hernandez gives up his fair share of homers (12 on the season), and the park isn't any bigger for the Stros than it is for the Nats. Wandy Rodriguez has given up 12 homers himeself, but he doesn't get to pitch half his games in cavernous RFK Stadium. Wandy's actually given up twice as many homers on the road as he has at home, but that's deceptive because he's pitched almost twice as many innings on the road.
The Nats will need to find their offense again tonight because, as the almost-comeback last night showed, no lead may be safe in Houston.
MLB: Orioles 5, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 2 (August 9)
WP: Erik Bedard (6-4)
LP: Scott Kazmir (6-8)
S: B.J. Ryan (24)
BAL: 54-58 (4th in AL East, 11 behhind Boston)
After a shaky second inning in which he gave up two runs, Erik Bedard settled down and and threw the next five innings without giving up any.
The O's came back to tie the game at two on an Eric Byrnes two-run homer in the fifth inning, then took the lead in a big seventh when they got three consecutive run-scoring singles to make it 5-2. Chris Gomez started the inning with a single, Brian Roberts sacrifice-bunted him to second, and Eric Byrnes walked before Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez each hit RBI base knocks.
Jason Grimsley and Tim Byrdak combined to pitch a scoreless eighth inning for the O's, and B.J. Ryan shut it down in the ninth with three strike outs.
The second game of this three game set at Camden Yards is tonight at 7:05. The O's will send their 10-game winner, Rodrigo Lopez (10-6, 4.74 ERA, throws right) to face left-hander Casey Fossum (6-8, 3.89 ERA, throws left).
Lopez is coming off a fantastic start against the Angels in which he gave up two hits and one run in five innings to get the win against the Angels.
THOUGHTS:
I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that this one win against the Devil Rays is the beginning of a big run, but there were signs that things are starting to turn around.
It was great Erik Bedard pitch well after struglling in his last couple starts. He hadn't won a game since May (he was out all of June and most of July), and would have fallen to 5-5 if he had taken a loss. If he is pitching well, the Orioles are a much better team. Now they need to get Daniel Cabrera back on track.
Also, the coaching moves were much-needed. Tom Trebelhorn, a.k.a. "The Windmill," and his eager arm were sent to the bench, and Rick Dempsey was moved from coaching first base to third. Dave Cash was called up from Triple-A Ottawa to coach first base.
The Orioles also made some needed roster moves, bringing up first baseman/designated htter Alejandro Freire, starting pitcher Eric DuBose and reliever Aaron Rakers, while placing B.J. Surhoff and Sidney Ponson on the disabled list and sending reliever Chris Ray back to Bowie.
Freire showed potential in his Major League debut, missing a homer in his first at bat by about three feet (it was caught at the wall by Carl Crawford). Even though he went 0-for-4, he hit the ball hard a couple of times.
DuBose will, mercifully, replace Ponson in the rotation, and Rakers had been dominant in Ottawa.
LP: Scott Kazmir (6-8)
S: B.J. Ryan (24)
BAL: 54-58 (4th in AL East, 11 behhind Boston)
After a shaky second inning in which he gave up two runs, Erik Bedard settled down and and threw the next five innings without giving up any.
The O's came back to tie the game at two on an Eric Byrnes two-run homer in the fifth inning, then took the lead in a big seventh when they got three consecutive run-scoring singles to make it 5-2. Chris Gomez started the inning with a single, Brian Roberts sacrifice-bunted him to second, and Eric Byrnes walked before Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez each hit RBI base knocks.
Jason Grimsley and Tim Byrdak combined to pitch a scoreless eighth inning for the O's, and B.J. Ryan shut it down in the ninth with three strike outs.
The second game of this three game set at Camden Yards is tonight at 7:05. The O's will send their 10-game winner, Rodrigo Lopez (10-6, 4.74 ERA, throws right) to face left-hander Casey Fossum (6-8, 3.89 ERA, throws left).
Lopez is coming off a fantastic start against the Angels in which he gave up two hits and one run in five innings to get the win against the Angels.
THOUGHTS:
I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that this one win against the Devil Rays is the beginning of a big run, but there were signs that things are starting to turn around.
It was great Erik Bedard pitch well after struglling in his last couple starts. He hadn't won a game since May (he was out all of June and most of July), and would have fallen to 5-5 if he had taken a loss. If he is pitching well, the Orioles are a much better team. Now they need to get Daniel Cabrera back on track.
Also, the coaching moves were much-needed. Tom Trebelhorn, a.k.a. "The Windmill," and his eager arm were sent to the bench, and Rick Dempsey was moved from coaching first base to third. Dave Cash was called up from Triple-A Ottawa to coach first base.
The Orioles also made some needed roster moves, bringing up first baseman/designated htter Alejandro Freire, starting pitcher Eric DuBose and reliever Aaron Rakers, while placing B.J. Surhoff and Sidney Ponson on the disabled list and sending reliever Chris Ray back to Bowie.
Freire showed potential in his Major League debut, missing a homer in his first at bat by about three feet (it was caught at the wall by Carl Crawford). Even though he went 0-for-4, he hit the ball hard a couple of times.
DuBose will, mercifully, replace Ponson in the rotation, and Rakers had been dominant in Ottawa.
Monday, August 08, 2005
WNBA: Mystics 61, Indiana Fever 60 (August 7)
WAS: 14-12 (3rd in East, 6 behind Connecticut, 1 behind Indiana)
The Mystics moved a step closer to the playoffs on Sunday by beating the team directly ahead of them in the standings, the Indiana Fever, 61-60.
Washington trailed by two at the half after trailing by as much as 12. Indiana started on a 10-0 run, but the Mystics closed the gap before the half ended.
Alana Beard led the Mystics with 17 points, but Delisha Milton-Jones and Chasity Melvin were the heroes, with clutch free throws late in the game to win it for Washington.
The game was tied at 57 with 7.3 seconds to play when Milton-Jones was fouled. After making two free throws, Fever forward Tamika Catchings missed a baseline jumper and Indiana couldn't hold on the the rebound, losing it out of bounds to the Mystics.
Melvin was then fouled with 1.1 seconds on the clock, and she hit both of her free throws to give the Mystics a 61-57 lead and seal the victory. Catchings hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer for the Fever, but it was only good enough to cut the defecit to one.
The Mystics are in sole possession of third place, and only one game behind Indiana for second, with eight games left before the playoffs.
The Mystics will get their crack at the top team in the East on Thursday when they take on the Connecticut Sun at MCI Center at 7 p.m.
THOUGHTS:
The Mystics look poised to make the playoffs, showing some clutch shooting from the charity stripe to take the victory yesterday.
After falling down 10-0 early, the team rallied to cut the defecit to two at the half, then won a battle in the second half to take the win.
This team clearly has some spirit, and that was a big win against a team that they may very well be facing in the first round of the playoffs. We will learn a lot about the Mystics in their next game, though, when they face the 20-6 Connecticut Sun, who have won five of their last six and eight of 10.
The Mystics moved a step closer to the playoffs on Sunday by beating the team directly ahead of them in the standings, the Indiana Fever, 61-60.
Washington trailed by two at the half after trailing by as much as 12. Indiana started on a 10-0 run, but the Mystics closed the gap before the half ended.
Alana Beard led the Mystics with 17 points, but Delisha Milton-Jones and Chasity Melvin were the heroes, with clutch free throws late in the game to win it for Washington.
The game was tied at 57 with 7.3 seconds to play when Milton-Jones was fouled. After making two free throws, Fever forward Tamika Catchings missed a baseline jumper and Indiana couldn't hold on the the rebound, losing it out of bounds to the Mystics.
Melvin was then fouled with 1.1 seconds on the clock, and she hit both of her free throws to give the Mystics a 61-57 lead and seal the victory. Catchings hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer for the Fever, but it was only good enough to cut the defecit to one.
The Mystics are in sole possession of third place, and only one game behind Indiana for second, with eight games left before the playoffs.
The Mystics will get their crack at the top team in the East on Thursday when they take on the Connecticut Sun at MCI Center at 7 p.m.
THOUGHTS:
The Mystics look poised to make the playoffs, showing some clutch shooting from the charity stripe to take the victory yesterday.
After falling down 10-0 early, the team rallied to cut the defecit to two at the half, then won a battle in the second half to take the win.
This team clearly has some spirit, and that was a big win against a team that they may very well be facing in the first round of the playoffs. We will learn a lot about the Mystics in their next game, though, when they face the 20-6 Connecticut Sun, who have won five of their last six and eight of 10.
MLS: D.C. United 3, Chicago Fire 2 (August 6)
D.C.: 9-6-5 (3rd in East, 4 points behind Chicago and New England, tied with Kansas City)
D.C. United earned a big win against the East's top team on Saturday.
They played most of the first half to a 0-0 tie, but Brian Carroll scored in the 41st minute to put D.C. up 1-0 going into the half. In the second half, United jumped up to a 3-0 lead thanks to a goal by Dema Kovalenko and a scored penalty kick by Jaime Moreno.
The Fire started a rally in the 83rd minute with a goal by Lubos Reiter, and Chris Rolfe scored again for Chicago five minutes later to cut the lead to one.
But D.C. held on to win the game and keep pace with the other third place team, Kansas City, who beat the other first place team, New England, on the same day.
Freddy Adu left the game 35 minutes in with a strained MCL. Adu turned his knee awkwardly early in the game, but it was assumed to be a bruise so he continued to play. He was removed late in the first half by coach Peter Nowak when it was clear that it was more serious. Adu is expected to be out for two weeks.
D.C.'s next game is on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium against the MetroStars.
THOUGHTS:
This win was huge for D.C. because, after struggling for the early portion of the season, they have showed that they are capable of beating the best teams in Major League Soccer.
The excitement over the win was dampened by Adu's injury, though, as one of the team's top offensive players (and not to mention the huge fan favorite) is out for two weeks.
Now the United will have to prove not only that they can play with the top teams, but that they can do it without Freddy.
D.C. United earned a big win against the East's top team on Saturday.
They played most of the first half to a 0-0 tie, but Brian Carroll scored in the 41st minute to put D.C. up 1-0 going into the half. In the second half, United jumped up to a 3-0 lead thanks to a goal by Dema Kovalenko and a scored penalty kick by Jaime Moreno.
The Fire started a rally in the 83rd minute with a goal by Lubos Reiter, and Chris Rolfe scored again for Chicago five minutes later to cut the lead to one.
But D.C. held on to win the game and keep pace with the other third place team, Kansas City, who beat the other first place team, New England, on the same day.
Freddy Adu left the game 35 minutes in with a strained MCL. Adu turned his knee awkwardly early in the game, but it was assumed to be a bruise so he continued to play. He was removed late in the first half by coach Peter Nowak when it was clear that it was more serious. Adu is expected to be out for two weeks.
D.C.'s next game is on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium against the MetroStars.
THOUGHTS:
This win was huge for D.C. because, after struggling for the early portion of the season, they have showed that they are capable of beating the best teams in Major League Soccer.
The excitement over the win was dampened by Adu's injury, though, as one of the team's top offensive players (and not to mention the huge fan favorite) is out for two weeks.
Now the United will have to prove not only that they can play with the top teams, but that they can do it without Freddy.
MLB: Orioles weekend recap (August 5-August 7)
Sorry for another wait. I was at work. Here's a quick summary of the weekend in Orioles baseball (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
Orioles 10, Texas Rangers 5
WP: Bruce Chen (8-6)
LP: C.J. Wilson (0-4)
The score doesn't even show how lopsided this game was. The O's jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first four innings thanks in part to a huge third inning that included a three-run homer by Jay Gibbons and a two-run bomb by Brian Roberts. Bruce Chen pitched six solid innings, giving up two runs on five hits before yielding to the bullpen. Jason Grimsley and Steve Kline then made it look closer than it was, giving up three runs in three innings.
Saturday:
Texas Rangers 10, Orioles 3
WP: John Wasdin (1-1)
LP: Daniel Cabrera (8-10)
S: Kameron Loe (1)
The Rangers returned the favor to the O's on Saturday, scoring 10 runs of their own in a 10-3 rout while handing Baltimore their first loss of the Sam Perlozzo era (three games deep at that point). Daniel Cabrera was all over the place, giving up eight runs on five hits and five walks in 3.2 innings. He did strike out seven batters, though. Steve Kline actually pitched three innings of shutout ball to knock his ERA down to 5.04, but it was already too late, as the score was 10-1 when he came in.
Sunday:
Texas Rangers 9, Orioles 3
WP: Chris Young (9-7)
LP: Sidney Ponson (7-11)
BAL: 53-58 (4th in AL East, 10.5 behind Boston)
The Rangers injured Sidney Ponson again. Two starts before Sunday, Ponson went 2.1 innings before a comebacker bruised the thumb on his pitching hand. Sunday, he again went just 2.1 innings before straining his calf while covering first base. He gave up three runs on five hits before leaving the game. The bullpen didn't do any better, and the Orioles lost the series to the Rangers after starting it so promising.
The O's now have Monday off before returning to Baltimore to face the Devil Rays, who swept them just over two weeks ago. Tuesday's game starts at 7:05 p.m., with an interesting matchup of a pair of young and talented left-handed pitchers. Erik Bedard (5-4, 2.96 ERA) will look to bounce back from a shaky outing against the Angels in his last start when he gave up seven runs in 4.1 innings. He goes against Scott Kazmir (6-7, 4.22 ERA), who shut down the Orioles, only allowing four hits and one run in seven innings on July 23.
THOUGHTS:
The Orioles are in a strange situation. The Sam Perlozzo managerial experience started off so well, then fell into a tailspin just like the rest of the Orioles season. However, the O's pitching isn't so good and they aren't going to win an offensive throwdown against the Texas Rangers, especially when they're sending Sidney Ponson to the mound. Hopefully his last outing gets through to Perlozzo what never reached Lee Mazzilli: It's time to send Ponson to the 'pen and bring someone up from Triple-A. Anyone. Hell, I'll go out there and get shelled for three innings if it means I don't have to see Sidney's fat legs struggling to cover first base again.
The O's now look to redeem themselves in their own park against Tampa Bay, and hopefully they will give them some payback for the embarrassment that the D-Rays caused the team in Tampa. Erik Bedard, Rodrigo Lopez and Bruce Chen will be the starters for the Birds, so maybe the chips are stacked somewhat in the O's favor.
Friday:
Orioles 10, Texas Rangers 5
WP: Bruce Chen (8-6)
LP: C.J. Wilson (0-4)
The score doesn't even show how lopsided this game was. The O's jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first four innings thanks in part to a huge third inning that included a three-run homer by Jay Gibbons and a two-run bomb by Brian Roberts. Bruce Chen pitched six solid innings, giving up two runs on five hits before yielding to the bullpen. Jason Grimsley and Steve Kline then made it look closer than it was, giving up three runs in three innings.
Saturday:
Texas Rangers 10, Orioles 3
WP: John Wasdin (1-1)
LP: Daniel Cabrera (8-10)
S: Kameron Loe (1)
The Rangers returned the favor to the O's on Saturday, scoring 10 runs of their own in a 10-3 rout while handing Baltimore their first loss of the Sam Perlozzo era (three games deep at that point). Daniel Cabrera was all over the place, giving up eight runs on five hits and five walks in 3.2 innings. He did strike out seven batters, though. Steve Kline actually pitched three innings of shutout ball to knock his ERA down to 5.04, but it was already too late, as the score was 10-1 when he came in.
Sunday:
Texas Rangers 9, Orioles 3
WP: Chris Young (9-7)
LP: Sidney Ponson (7-11)
BAL: 53-58 (4th in AL East, 10.5 behind Boston)
The Rangers injured Sidney Ponson again. Two starts before Sunday, Ponson went 2.1 innings before a comebacker bruised the thumb on his pitching hand. Sunday, he again went just 2.1 innings before straining his calf while covering first base. He gave up three runs on five hits before leaving the game. The bullpen didn't do any better, and the Orioles lost the series to the Rangers after starting it so promising.
The O's now have Monday off before returning to Baltimore to face the Devil Rays, who swept them just over two weeks ago. Tuesday's game starts at 7:05 p.m., with an interesting matchup of a pair of young and talented left-handed pitchers. Erik Bedard (5-4, 2.96 ERA) will look to bounce back from a shaky outing against the Angels in his last start when he gave up seven runs in 4.1 innings. He goes against Scott Kazmir (6-7, 4.22 ERA), who shut down the Orioles, only allowing four hits and one run in seven innings on July 23.
THOUGHTS:
The Orioles are in a strange situation. The Sam Perlozzo managerial experience started off so well, then fell into a tailspin just like the rest of the Orioles season. However, the O's pitching isn't so good and they aren't going to win an offensive throwdown against the Texas Rangers, especially when they're sending Sidney Ponson to the mound. Hopefully his last outing gets through to Perlozzo what never reached Lee Mazzilli: It's time to send Ponson to the 'pen and bring someone up from Triple-A. Anyone. Hell, I'll go out there and get shelled for three innings if it means I don't have to see Sidney's fat legs struggling to cover first base again.
The O's now look to redeem themselves in their own park against Tampa Bay, and hopefully they will give them some payback for the embarrassment that the D-Rays caused the team in Tampa. Erik Bedard, Rodrigo Lopez and Bruce Chen will be the starters for the Birds, so maybe the chips are stacked somewhat in the O's favor.
MLB: Nationals weekend recap (August 5-August 7)
Sorry to those four people who stopped by from Friday Evening to now that may or may not have been looking for updates on the O's, Nats, D.C. United and Mystics games. I was at a wedding up in Yankees/Mets territory and couldn't make my usual recap posts. But here's a quick review just to get anyone up to date who was relying solely on my blog for sports information. Starting with the Nationals (Sunday's recap includess previews and standings information)...
Friday:
San Diego Padres 6, Nationals 5
WP: Scott Linebrink (5-1)
LP: Chad Cordero (2-3)
S: Trevor Hoffman (28)
The Nationals had their two-game run snapped in a see-saw battle that saw them down 1-0, up 2-1, down 4-2, up 5-4, then finally losing 6-5 on a Robert Fick groundout in the ninth inning.
Saturday:
San Diego Padres 3, Natonals 2
WP: Pedro Astacio (1-2)
LP: Ryan Drese (3-5)
S: Trevor Hoffman (29)
The Nationals lost a lead again, but this one wasn't as late in the game. The Nats were up 2-1 in the fourth inning after a Vinny Castilla solo homer, but the Padres scored a run each in the sixth and seventh innings to take a 3-2 lead that they would hold to the finish. New Padre Joe Randa came up with the RBI double that scored the game-winning run.
Sunday:
San Diego Padres 3, Nationals 0
WP: Jake Peavy (10-4)
LP: Esteban Loaiza (6-8)
WAS: 58-53 (2nd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, tied with Florida, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia, 1 ahead of New York)
Jake Peavy did it all in this one, throwing a five-hit complete game shutout and hitting the game-winning RBI single in the fifth inning. Esteban Loaiza gave up just three runs in seven innings but took the loss.
The Nats are now in a tie for second place with the Marlins and are just one game ahead of the Mets for last place. They have Monday off before starting a three-game set in Houston on Tuesday, where they will face the Wild Card-leading Astros. Washington is two games behind Houston in the Wild Card standings.
Tuesday's game is an 8:05 p.m. start, with John Patterson (5-3, 2.42 ERA, throws right) taking his microscopic ERA to the pitchers' hell that is Minute Maid Park. He will face Ezequiel Astacio (2-4, 6.33 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
Well the Nats looked like they were gaining some momentum with a couple of wins against the Dodgers, but then they went out and fell flat against the Padres. Well, the Padres are a little better than the Dodgers. Not a lot, but they are better. It's so important to forget about this and look ahead, because now the Nats leave their cavernous ballpark to go to Houston where you could spit a sunflower seed for a homerun, so it's time to find some offense.
The upcoming series against the Astros is huge for so many reasons. Huge huge huge huge HUGE! The Nationals still aren't out of the division race with the Braves, but a rough series could drop them to 6.5, 7.5 or 8.5 back and all the way to last place in the NL East, as Florida is tied with Washington and Philadelphia and New York are in the rearview. Also, the Nationals are tied for second in the Wild Card race, and a couple of wins could cut into the Astros' lead there.
After Saturday's loss, manager Frank Robinson held a closed-door meeting that lasted almost two hours, but it didn't seem to help on Sunday.
Luckily, the Nats send John Patterson and his 2.42 ERA to the hill on Tuesday to get the series started off right. It will be a true test for him in the run-producing park in Houston, but he has been up to most tasks this season, and he can hope that the park will produce some runs for his team, as well.
Friday:
San Diego Padres 6, Nationals 5
WP: Scott Linebrink (5-1)
LP: Chad Cordero (2-3)
S: Trevor Hoffman (28)
The Nationals had their two-game run snapped in a see-saw battle that saw them down 1-0, up 2-1, down 4-2, up 5-4, then finally losing 6-5 on a Robert Fick groundout in the ninth inning.
Saturday:
San Diego Padres 3, Natonals 2
WP: Pedro Astacio (1-2)
LP: Ryan Drese (3-5)
S: Trevor Hoffman (29)
The Nationals lost a lead again, but this one wasn't as late in the game. The Nats were up 2-1 in the fourth inning after a Vinny Castilla solo homer, but the Padres scored a run each in the sixth and seventh innings to take a 3-2 lead that they would hold to the finish. New Padre Joe Randa came up with the RBI double that scored the game-winning run.
Sunday:
San Diego Padres 3, Nationals 0
WP: Jake Peavy (10-4)
LP: Esteban Loaiza (6-8)
WAS: 58-53 (2nd in NL East, 5.5 behind Atlanta, tied with Florida, 0.5 ahead of Philadelphia, 1 ahead of New York)
Jake Peavy did it all in this one, throwing a five-hit complete game shutout and hitting the game-winning RBI single in the fifth inning. Esteban Loaiza gave up just three runs in seven innings but took the loss.
The Nats are now in a tie for second place with the Marlins and are just one game ahead of the Mets for last place. They have Monday off before starting a three-game set in Houston on Tuesday, where they will face the Wild Card-leading Astros. Washington is two games behind Houston in the Wild Card standings.
Tuesday's game is an 8:05 p.m. start, with John Patterson (5-3, 2.42 ERA, throws right) taking his microscopic ERA to the pitchers' hell that is Minute Maid Park. He will face Ezequiel Astacio (2-4, 6.33 ERA, throws right).
THOUGHTS:
Well the Nats looked like they were gaining some momentum with a couple of wins against the Dodgers, but then they went out and fell flat against the Padres. Well, the Padres are a little better than the Dodgers. Not a lot, but they are better. It's so important to forget about this and look ahead, because now the Nats leave their cavernous ballpark to go to Houston where you could spit a sunflower seed for a homerun, so it's time to find some offense.
The upcoming series against the Astros is huge for so many reasons. Huge huge huge huge HUGE! The Nationals still aren't out of the division race with the Braves, but a rough series could drop them to 6.5, 7.5 or 8.5 back and all the way to last place in the NL East, as Florida is tied with Washington and Philadelphia and New York are in the rearview. Also, the Nationals are tied for second in the Wild Card race, and a couple of wins could cut into the Astros' lead there.
After Saturday's loss, manager Frank Robinson held a closed-door meeting that lasted almost two hours, but it didn't seem to help on Sunday.
Luckily, the Nats send John Patterson and his 2.42 ERA to the hill on Tuesday to get the series started off right. It will be a true test for him in the run-producing park in Houston, but he has been up to most tasks this season, and he can hope that the park will produce some runs for his team, as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
