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