Punchless Nats Waste Another Solid Start – The Post
Not a swinging affair – The Wash. Times
Close loss opens up Nats’ eyes – The Free Lance-Star
Phillies end a few skids – The Inky
Dobbs comes through in pinch for Phillies against Nationals – Philly Daily News
Jason Bergmann and the Phillies’ Cole Hamels both left the game having shut out the opposition for 7 innings. Bergmann has yet to give up a run in the fourteen innings he has pitched since returning from AAA Columbus. Hamels and the bullpen struck out 13 Nationals batters.
The pivotal inning proved to be the ninth as Pedro Feliz doubled for Philadelphia off of Washington’s Jon Rauch, then working on a 12 inning scoreless steak. Eric Bruntlett ran for Feliz. After being sacrificed to third by Carlos Ruiz, Bruntlett scored on PH Greg Dobbs single. That was all that was needed for the Fleas to take the win.
The Nats had two baserunners with 2 outs in the ninth, courtesy of two Brad Lidge walks, but Felipe Lopez swung at the first pitch and grounded out to end the game.
Other notes – good plays on foul balls near the stands by both Ryan Zimmerman and Dmitri Young last night. Elijah Dukes walked twice and in the ninth, stole two bases to put the winning run 90 feet away.
Versatile Harris Moves In While Belliard’s Out – The Post
The Nats ultimate utility player, Willie Harris, will can play the middle infield, a luxury that allows the Nats to carry an extra arm in the bullpen while Ronnie Belliard is on the DL.
Elbow remains just inflamed for Estrada – The Wash. Times
C Johnny Estrada got good news from Dr. James Andrews yesterday — his inflamed elbow is just that and nothing more. He is looking at another month or so of recovery.
Kearns’ elbow requires rest – The Free Lance-Star
RF Austin Kearns is still listed as day-to-day with a sore right elbow.
Marrero has first adversity – The Wash. Times
For the first time in his life, Chris Marrero is struggling at baseball. The Nats 2006 #1 pick is having a tough time down at A-Potomac. Before you get too concerned, remember that he is only 19.
I finally finished the logo for this year’s Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge.
I still lead it 3-2.
