Washington Nationals: Three home games which defined the season

August 7th, Baltimore 11 Washington 0

Getting shutout is bad. Getting shutout at home is worse. Getting shutout by a geographic rival at the hands of a former pitcher is as bad as it can get.

The Baltimore Orioles were not supposed to be trying this year. With the defending World Champions hosting their local adversaries, this should have been a walk in the park for the Nationals.

Journeyman pitcher Tommy Milone took the mound for the Orioles. Milone was drafted and groomed by the Nationals, making his debut with the team in 2011 before being shipped away in a package to acquire Gio Gonzalez.

Saying Milone stymied the Nationals bats on this night would be an understatement. He scattered three hits across six frames, and did not walk a batter.

Even though Anibal Sanchez didn’t pitch great, the Nationals were still in the game after five innings. Sanchez gave up a single before exiting in the sixth and Ryne Harper promptly allowed another single, before giving up a three-run home run.

Wander Suero would allow three runs the following inning and after the dust settled the Nationals were down 11-0.

Another former friend, Pedro Severino, would have three hits and drive in two runs on the day.

The shutout would be indicative of how the offense would perform all year. The Nationals have played three more home games than road games, and scored 25 less runs.