Nationals Split Doubleheader

The Nationals lost the second game of their doubleheader 5-3 against the Cardinals last night. I caught bits and pieces of the game but was glad to see the Nats came from behind twice to tie the game before giving up the final two runs. And once again, the Nationals' starter Zimmermann gave another 6 innings start. These guys need to start giving 6-7 on a constant basis, but I'll take it.

One thing I noticed is that the Nats continue to score runners in scoring position. They're okay about not leaving too many men on base (only a total of 8 the entire day yesterday compared to the Cardinals 19), but the players that get left on base are generally always on 2nd or 3rd base. I think once Ryan Zimmerman comes off of the DL, GM Riggleman needs to make a lineup change. Here's what I would propose:

1. 2B Danny Espinosa - Gets real good hits and is very speedy. However, doesn't walk often.
2. SS Ian Desmond - Desmond gets on cold and hot streaks, not just days.
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman
4. RF Jayson Werth - We spent a ton of money for his power. Why does he not bat 4th already?
5. 1B Adam LaRoche
6. CF Rick Ankiel - Ankiel has a lot of speed. Think of this as a second leadoff spot.
7. LF Michael Morse/Laynce Nix - Morse hasn't been hitting well as of late, but Nix has. Expect these 2 to continue to take turns in the field for awhile.
8. C Wilson Ramos - Ramos has a lot of power. I put him in the 8th spot only to spread that power, and bring guys like Ankiel and Morse home.
9. Pitcher

I think by spreading the power, this lineup can be a lot better. The way I set it up above splits this team into almost 2 separate lineups, instead of putting all of the weaker hitters at the bottom of the lineup.

Today's game is at 1:45 in St. Louis, and we'll see Tom Gorzelanny against Kyle Lohse. I'm not a big fan of Gorzelanny, and I hate to say it, but Lohse has pitched 2 straight good games. Both teams will be tired and won't want to play a day game after yesterdays doubleheader, but they have Pittsburgh to look forward to starting tomorrow night.

Nationals win first game of Doubleheader 8-6

The Nationals won their 4th straight game by winning the first game of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals 8-6.

The Nationals looked like they were going to blow out the Cardinals in the first game of today's doubleheader. They went into the bottom of the 3rd inning with a 7-0 lead. With the help of Pujols' and Colby Rasmus' solo home runs, the Cardinals came back to within 2 runs at 7-5. Lance Nix gave the Nats an insurance run in the 8th with a solo blast to right field.

John Lannan had another solid start going into the sixth inning. The Nationals have had 16 straight games with their starting pitcher giving at least 5 complete innings.

Unfortunately, this game went longer than it needed to. It's too bad the Nationals relief couldn't keep the Cardinals offense down, because they had to bring in some of their relief stars: Clippard, Burnett and Storen. Let's see how game 2 goes, and hopefully they won't have to make a 2nd appearance.

Lineup changes for the 2nd game include Wilson Ramos in for Pudge Rodriguez at Catcher. At time of writing, I'm not sure of who else is going to start.

I'll post a writeup tomorrow about game 2 and some thoughts about the day in general.

On another note, Caps/Rangers game 4 at 7 pm! C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!!!