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Smoltz gets 3,000, but Lannan and Nats get W; Cordero gets a trip to Birmingham

Lannan Sharp, but Cordero Could Be LostThe Post
Lannan outduels SmoltzThe Wash. Times
Smoltz turns to splitter for Special KAJC
Shoulder click sends Cordero to the doctorThe Wash. Times
John Smoltz struck out ten Nationals last night to raise his career strikeout totals past 3,000. He probably wishes he struck out Willie Harris in the second inning though. Harris doubled in what turned out to be the winning run, saddling Smoltz with the loss.

John Lannan pitched well for Washington. He only had four strikeouts, but gave up no runs. The bullpen held the lead and the offense came alive late to run up the score to 6-0. Even Ryan Zimmerman had a couple of RBI.

The win came as the Nats wonder what diagnosis Chad Cordero will get for his ailing shoulder from Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham. While the closer denies feeling any pain, he has indicated he is feeling it “click.”

López Has Reclaimed His Spot in LineupThe Post
Felipe López is starting at second base now and leading off. So far, not bad. He was Smoltz’s 3,000th strikeout victim. He won though.

Catching for Santana, Schneider Now Has a Charge in His BatteryThe Post
C Brian Schneider and the Mets make their first visit to Nationals Park tonight.

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