Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Nats Can’t Capitalize Off Orioles Mistakes

By Ricky Keeler |

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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After scoring 23 runs over the weekend against the Miami Marlins, the Washington Nationals were unable to get an offensive rhythm going against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Baltimore Orioles. Although Baltimore’s pitchers combined to walk six Nats’ hitters and the defense made three errors, Washington managed to put only one run on the board, which only happened because of an error by O’s second baseman Jonathan Schoop in the fourth inning.

On the mound, Gio Gonzalez was coming off of a 12-strikeout performance against the Phillies. However, he was not as effective last night as he didn’t finish five innings in a start for the first time since August 26 against the San Diego Padres. Gonzalez went 4.2 innings, gave up four runs on six hits, struck out six, and walked two on 82 pitches (51 strikes).

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Even in a loss last night, there was some more history made by Bryce Harper. By drawing three walks, Harper increased his walk total to 117 on the season, which is the most any Nats’ player has had in a single season. Harper is six walks away from surpassing Ken Singleton for the most walks in a season in franchise history (if you count the Expos).

With only 12 games left in the regular season, the Nationals’ tragic number is now at six as they could not take advantage of a Mets’ loss against the Atlanta Braves last night. The playoff chances continue to get slimmer and slimmer for a team that had its sights set on the Fall Classic back in Spring Training.

Before Max Scherzer takes on Chris Tillman tonight at Nats Park (7:05 PM ET, MASN), here are my takeaways from last night’s 4-1 Nats loss:

Next: Jimenez Walks 5, But Nats Offense Can't Take Advantage

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jimenez Walks Five, But Nats Can’t Get Big Inning

When I previewed this game in our series preview Monday, I said that the key to the game would be which team would take advantage of the free passes given to them. Ubaldo Jimenez, who is eighth in the American League with 64 walks this season, has been giving out free passes to opposing hitters this season.

Last night, Jimenez did walk five Nats’ hitters, but he did not give up an earned run for the first time since August 8 against the Angels. He went six innings, gave up one unearned run on three hits, struck out five batters, and had the aforementioned five walks on 110 pitches (61 strikes). Plus, he only threw 16 first pitch strikes to the 26 batters he faced.

The Nats were able to take advantage of Baltimore’s defensive miscues in the fourth when Junior Lake dropped a fly ball by Clint Robinson in left center and Schoop bobbled what looked like a double play ball hit by Jose Lobaton. However, the offense went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.

The best chance for the Nationals to put up a big inning was in the bottom of the first. With one out, Yunel Escobar and Bryce Harper drew back-to-back walks and Jayson Werth was ahead in the count, 2-0. But, give Jimenez credit as he was able to strike out Werth looking and he got Robinson to groundout to end the inning. Baltimore would end up scoring two runs in the following inning.

Next: Lack Of Control Comes Back To Bite Gio

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Gonzalez’s Lack Of Control Hurts Him In Loss To O’s

While Jimenez was able to get out of key jams last night, the same can’t be said for Gio Gonzalez. After the Nats could not score any runs in the first inning, Gonzalez ran into some trouble in the second. He walked back-to-back hitters (Caleb Joseph and J.J. Hardy with one out).

It looked like Gonzalez would get out of the inning with the pitcher coming to the plate, but Jimenez hit a 1-1 fastball into center field for a RBI single. Then, Nolan Reimold followed that up with a RBI single of his own as he hit a first pitch changeup into left.

Then, in the fifth, after a Manny Machado one out single, Chris Davis lined a double down the left field line. The Nats executed a good relay, but give Machado credit for somehow getting his hand to the plate before Lobaton could apply the tag. Steve Pearce would hit a RBI double of his own to left to put the O’s in front, 4-1.

All in all, Gonzalez did throw 15 first pitch strikes to the 23 batters he faced, but he was only able to get four groundball outs. While he has given up just seven runs in four September starts, it goes to show you that when you put runners on base via free passes, it will come often to bite you more often than note. The 11 walks he’s had in four outings are one behind his most in any month this season (12 back in June).

Next: Nats Bullpen Shuts Down Orioles' Lineup

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen Keeps Nats Offense In The Game

While Gonzalez gave up four runs against an O’s offense that has scored the tenth most runs in the game, give the Nationals’ bullpen credit for shutting down Buck Showalter’s team over the final 3.1 innings. Doug Fister, Matt Thornton, Casey Janssen, and Blake Treinen did not give up one hit, struck out six batters, and walked one.

All four pitchers did a great job, but the player I want to focus on is Doug Fister. Fister came in for Gonzalez with two outs in the top of the fifth inning and was effective. He went two innings and struck out four of the six batters he faced. Plus, 18 of the 26 pitches he threw went for strikes.

While I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy transition for Fister to the bullpen since he lost his spot to Joe Ross back in August, he has handled it well, especially in a free agent year. In nine games out of the ‘pen, Fister has a 2.25 ERA and has struck out 15 batters while only walking five. In fact, the 31-year-old left-hander has given up only one earned run in his last 11.2 innings.

As Nationals’ fans have seen what Stephen Strasburg has done now that he’s fully healthy, it’s easy to forget about the injuries that Doug Fister has had this season, in particular, the forearm strain he had back in May. It’s been a rough year for him, but at least, he is ending his season on a strong note out of the bullpen and he even got to pick up his first career save last week against the Phillies.

Next: Recap: Missed Opportunities Doom Nats In 4-1 Loss To Orioles

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