Washington Nationals Rapid Reactions: Trea Turner Shows Glimpse Of Nats Future

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Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Nats Offense Still Can’t Get the Bunt Down

Even though the offense struggled for most of the night against Wisler, they still had their chance to win the game in the top of the ninth inning. With closer Arodys Vizcaino in the game, the Nats got off to good start when Jayson Werth and Clint Robinson led off the inning with back-to-back singles. That sent up Ian Desmond to the plate in what appeared to be a sacrifice bunt situation.

This season, the Nats have 54 sacrifice bunts, which is tied for fourth in the National League and Desmond has the most of any player on the team that isn’t a pitcher (six). But, in that situation last night, Desmond bunted it right in front of the catcher and did not get out of the box immediately. That allowed Pierzynski to turn a rare 2-5-3 double play.

Then, Matt den Dekker, who had a game-tying RBI single against Vizcaino at Nats Park on September 4 had a chance to tie it with Michael Taylor (pinch-running for Robinson) at second. But, Vizcaino threw him all sliders during that at-bat and struck him out swinging to end the game.

As mentioned earlier, the Nats were 0-for-9 last night with runners in scoring position. Wisler has been better in his last couple of starts, but he had come into last night’s game with a 7.62 ERA in four outings against Washington. For most of the season, the Nats just haven’t been able to lay down a bunt in a big spot and last night was no exception.

Next: Turner Hits First Home Run In 2-1 Loss To Braves

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