Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: One Max Scherzer Wild Pitch Makes A Difference

Jun 25, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Blake Treinen (64) throws to the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 7 – 0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Treinen Lets Dodgers Break Game Open

Despite the Nationals having their issues at the plate against Zack Greinke (three hits over the first eight innings), it was only a 1-0 game heading into the top of the ninth. Felipe Rivero, Aaron Barrett, and Casey Janssen were able to get the job done.

With Drew Storen pitching yesterday, Matt Williams went to Blake Treinen to start the ninth, but it was a disaster. Justin Turner and Joc Pederson led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Two batters later, Los Angeles would break the game wide open with a RBI single from Andre Ethier, one from A.J. Ellis, and a two-run single by Yasiel Puig.

Ultimately, that would be in for Treinen. The 27-year-old right-hander gave up four runs on five hits in 1/3 of an inning on 28 pitches. One of the main issues for Treinen this season has been his control. In his last three relief appearances, he has walked a combined five batters.

While Treinen had eight straight appearances without allowing a run, it exemplifies how valuable David Carpenter was to the Nats bullpen before he went on the disabled list due to shoulder inflammation Friday. Casey Janssen has been solid in his last few outings, but the Nats still could use another reliable bullpen piece in the middle innings.

Treinen does have the fastball to be successful, but he has to be more consistent with his location. Otherwise, he is going to have more outings like he had yesterday. Otherwise, the Nats need to think about using Aaron Barrett in those situations. Barrett has not given up a hit to the seven batters he has faced since coming off the DL.

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