Washington Nationals: Takeaways From Lucas Giolito’s Debut

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Jun 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Oliver Perez (46) pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Perez Gets Out Of Big Jam

After Giolito’s shortened outing, it was up to the bullpen to try to maintain a small lead. The one big jam the Nats bullpen had all night was in the sixth inning when New York loaded the bases against Yusmeiro Petit with a double, single, and a four-pitch walk.

Dusty Baker went to Oliver Perez to try to escape the bases loaded jam. Perez was able to strike out James Loney swinging with a slider. Then, Wilmer Flores flew out to center to end the top of the sixth and the Mets best chance to score all night against that bullpen.

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While it’s been a rough month for most of the Washington Nationals bullpen, it’s been a rough month for Perez in particular. In 11 games, he has a 7.94 ERA and opponents are hitting .261. However, that ERA isn’t the worst in the Nats bullpen. Felipe Rivero is the highest this month at 13.00.

Despite Perez’s struggles, he has gotten out of some big jams like last night recently. Last Thursday, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Perez came in with runners on second and third with one out and got out of it without allowing a run.

Next: Recap: Giolito Dazzles In Win Over Mets

Even though Sammy Solis has been the best left-handed reliever in the Nats bullpen right now, Baker has shown some trust in Perez to get out of some big situations against left-handed hitters. Last night he got the job done and helped seal the win against his former team.

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