The Skinny: The Nationals split a pair of game this weekend. Opening a series with the Chicago Cubs, the Nats won on Friday by a score of 5-3 courtesy of two runs in the bottom of the ninth. They weren’t as fortunate on Saturday night as they were shutout by the Cubs, 7-0. The Nationals are now 8-17 for the season.
The Pitching: On Friday, Odalis Perez started for the Nationals. He was quite effective. Perez lasted 6 innings and struck out seven Cubs. He did walk four as he gave up two runs, he received a no decision. Jon Rauch threw a scoreless top half of the ninth inning and got the win when the Nats scored in the bottom half. Rauch is now 2-0 on the year. On Saturday Matt Chico got the start and gave up five runs over the first two innings. Chico was pulled after four innings as he fell to 0-5 on the season. His ERA is now nearing 7.00 and you have to wonder how much longer he’ll stay in the Washington rotation.
The Hitting: The offense got off to a quick start on Friday against Cubs starter, Ryan Dempster. Nick Johnson hit a two run homer in the 1st inning to put the Nats up 2-0 right out of the gate. The two clubs went back and forth until the 9th inning. With the game tied at 3 and one out, Wil Nieves hit a two run homer off of Bob Howry to win the game for the Nationals, it was his first career home run. Nieves’ touching of home plate in the 9th inning will be the last run the Nats score until at least Sunday as they were shutout on Saturday. Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano had the Nationals batters baffled all game. The Nationals could muster only six hits (two by Felipe Lopez) as they were kept off of the scoreboard.
What’s Next?: The Cubs and Nats will wrap up their three game series tomorrow afternoon at Nationals Park. John Lannan will look to continue his hot streak against Ted Lilly and the Cubs. Game time is 1:35pm.
