Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Bullpen Implodes In 11-4 Loss To Diamondbacks

Aug 5, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) reacts after being walked in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

For the Washington Nationals, it was one step forward, two steps back last night as they fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks by a final score of 11-4. Gio Gonzalez was able to get out of a couple key spots in the first five innings, but a high pitch count caused Matt Williams to go to the bullpen earlier than he would have liked.

Once Aaron Barrett came into the game, he did not have his best stuff. With two on and no out, Barrett fielded a bunt by Nick Ahmed, but threw it into right field, which allowed both runs to scored. While the runs weren’t charged to Barrett, the Nats’ bullpen gave up, basically, the final ten runs of the game. There was even a bases loaded balk and a position player (Tyler Moore) had to pitch.

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However, another major storyline surrounding this team is a lack of offense after the first inning. Once again, the Nationals put up a couple of runs in the first inning, but were not able to get any more offense going against Rubby De La Rosa. Michael Taylor did add a two-run home run against Daniel Hudson in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too late.

With last night’s loss, the Nats have now lost five of their last six games and have fallen two games behind the Mets in the NL East. New York is off on Thursday, but the Nats find themselves searching for answers as they try to avoid losing a series to Arizona. In fact, Williams plans to address the team tomorrow after their recent bad stretch of games:

Before Jeremy Hellickson takes on Joe Ross this afternoon at 4:05 PM ET (MASN), here are my three takeaways from yesterday’s blowout loss to Arizona:

Next: Gonzalez Pitches Well, But Only Goes Five Innings