Well that was an ugly series for the Washington Nationals. 3 loses in a row to the lowly Houston Astros. Two blown saves, though they can’t be completely put on closer Matt Capps. Take yesterday for example. The Nats came back in the top of the 9th with Willie Harris tripling to knock Michael Morse, who had just singled, in for the tying run. Cristian Guzmán knocked in Harris to take the lead. Both runs came with 2 outs. The Nats were up 4-3.

In the bottom of the inning, Capps got the first out, gave up a double to Michael Bourne, then got a groundout. Lance Berkman hit one to right field, where Guzmán had been moved after committing 2 errors at shortstop. This despite the fact the Guzmán had only started playing the outfield this season and it was a one-run game in the ninth inning. Morse was available, but manager Jim Riggleman rationalized that Guzmán had more experience this year, so the switch was not made. Well, the Berkman liner got lost in the lights and Guzmán missed it. Bourne scored to tie the game. This lose is as much on Riggleman as it is Guzmán.

The next pitch landed in the left field seats 366 feet away from home plate. Carlos Lee earned two RBI for his walk off home run.

The 3-7 road trip is mercifully over. The defense has been a disaster (Nationals Journal, The Post).

NOTES

The Nats want Nationals Park to host the D.C. Winter Classic in a few years.

Let Teddy Win points out that a Mike Holden blog post suggesting Teddy win tonight. The idea has merit.