For the second straight series, the Washington Nationals lost badly to a NL East rival in the first game. This weekend series with the Mets turned out much better than the opening one with the Phillies. <\/p>\n
SUNDAY<\/span> Brian Brunney<\/span> came out of the bullpen and gave up two runs in the eighth, but Matt Capps<\/span> pitched a very strong and efficient ninth – it seemed like every pitch was a strike, to get the save. SATURDAY<\/span>
Hernandez, Willingham lift Nats over Mets<\/b><\/a> – The Post<\/i>
“Livo made a statement”<\/b><\/a> – The Post<\/i>
Yesterday, the Nats got their first quality start of the season from Liv\u00e1n Hern\u00e1ndez<\/span> — 7 innings of shutout pitching, throwing only 88 pitches just vintage \u00a1LIVAN! Maybe they should have left him in too.<\/p>\n
The Nats had an early offensive explosion off of Mets starter (and fangirl crush of one Nats blogger) Johan Santana. With the bases loaded in the first, Josh Willingham<\/span> hit what appeared to be a base clearing triple. After the third baserunner Adam Dunn<\/span> ran over catcher Rod Barajas<\/span>, the same Met who was robbed by Harris on Saturday, Willingham came around to score but was tagged out. However, manager Jim Riggleman promptly argued the call and after a video review, Willingham was awarded a home run as the ball hit above and to the right of the orange line on Citi Field’s needlessly complicated outfield fence.<\/p>\n
Washington Nationals beat New York Mets for second win of season<\/b><\/a> – The Post<\/i>
The final moment of a wild game<\/b><\/a> – The Post<\/i>
On Saturday, Willie Harris<\/span> (not to be confused with Phil Harris<\/span> or Franco Harris<\/span>) ended the game with a diving catch in left field.<\/p>\n