Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder
Ryan Zimmerman(11) hits a RBI single during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins in game one of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated Miami Marlins 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning DoD readers! Start off your day with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web in our District Daily:
Zimmerman understands why NLDS time was limited
WASHINGTON — Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman didn’t see much action in the National League Division Series against the Giants. He had four at-bats, all coming as a pinch-hitter.
It was expected that Zimmerman would be in the lineup in Game 3 against the Giants’ Madison Bumgarner, but he started the game on the bench because of his history against the left-hander; he’d gone 3-for-17 (.176) with a home run and three RBIs.
However, Zimmerman acknowledged that he was not healthy enough to start and understood why he didn’t see more action. He missed most of the second half of the season because of a Grade 3 strain to his right hamstring. Read full article here.
Nationals’ bench, bullpen set for overhaul in 2015
WASHINGTON — After watching his players lose to the Giants in the National League Division Series, Nationals manager Matt Williams told his players how much he appreciated their effort during the season.
“We established a way to go about this game in Spring Training, and we accomplished that goal,” Williams said. “We played the way we wanted to play and did a lot of things right. So, you know, it’s tender and it’s bitter and all of those things, but I’m proud of them. I’m proud of the way they went about it.”
Although the Nats finished with the best record in the NL, they have to make some changes to their roster. For example, they have to overhaul their bench. Pinch-hitters hit .144 in 2014. They may need to tweak the bullpen, which didn’t do well in the postseason. Read full article here.
Gone in 96 Hours: The 2014 Washington Nationals
(Patrick Cannon, 106.7 The Fan)
How does the most talented team in baseball disappear in four short days? That’s the question Washington Nationals fans are left asking themselves after the team’s latest postseason letdown.
The answer isn’t a simple one. You can blame it on terrible hitting, questionable managerial decisions, or lacking the “it factor” and you would probably be right.
One thing you can’t blame it on, and I have to vent about, is the curse of D.C. sports. Within minutes of the final out #DCSports was trending on Twitter. For those not in the know, #DCSports is synonymous with terrible luck, embarrassment, and disappointment on a national stage. Read full article here.