Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Young Players Deliver, but Tanner Roark Can’t Close

Jul 10, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Clint Robinson (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals kicked off their final series prior to the All-Star break at Camden Yards on Friday night with a gut-wrenching 3-2 loss. The game showcased some of the biggest issues that have plagued the Nationals all season. The inability to score runs; the lack of hits in key situations; the complete meltdown of the bullpen; all were on display in Baltimore.

Losses like Friday’s are everything thing that’s been infuriating about this season for Nats fans. It’s certainly fair to point out – as Chelsea Janes did for the Washington Post – that the Nationals have been one of the teams hardest hit by injuries, but the truth of the matter is that the only thing that really matters are wins and losses. When the playoffs roll around, games missed due to injury aren’t taken into account. When the starters are out, the next man up must be held accountable; the role players must find a way to win.

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It’s fortunate for the Nationals that the All-Star break is just around the corner. Even if they aren’t able to build momentum going into the layoff, it should at least give them time to rest some of their starters who are in desperate need of time away from the baseball diamond. Just Friday, Denard Span was added to the DL, and Yunel Escobar, who’s been a boon to the Nationals lineup, is still nursing an obviously sore hamstring.

With two games left to the All-Star break – and their lead in the division down to two – what can the Nationals take away from Friday’s loss? We’ll take a look at both the good and the bad.

Next: The Good: Role Players Come Through