The Washington Nationals battled back to take a one run lead in the eighth inning but could not hold onto it as the Astros scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a one run lead and eventually beat the Nationals 6-5.

Talk about a heart breaking loss for the Nationals who could have really used this win against the Astros.  Luis Ayala gave up a two run double to Carlos Lee in the eighth inning to take the loss for the Nationals.  Ayala is now 1-2 on the season.

Nationals starting pitcher Shawn Hill lasted 5 1/3 innings before being pulled from the game.  Hill gave up eight hits and three runs while walking four batters and stricking out three others.  Saul Rivera gave up a run as well as he pitched an inning of relief.

 The Nationals did hit three home runs in the game and still only scored five runs.  Nick Johnson, Aaron Boone, and Austin Kearns all hit solo home runs in the game.  Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman also had a RBI in the game.

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The Nationals scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Austin Kearns single and then held off the Pirates in the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.  Kearns single scored Cristian Guzman for the go ahead run.

Wil Nieves had two RBI to lead the Nationals in the game at the plate.

Odalis Perez pitched seven innings and only gave up three hits and two runs.  Perez had a much better outing then his last outing when he was roughed up pretty bad.  Luis Ayala pitched the eighth inning to pick up the win and Jon Rauch picked up the save in the ninth inning.  Ayala’s win was his first win of the season and Rauch’s save was his sixth.

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The Washington Nationals doubled up the New York Mets on Thursday night as the Nationals beat the Mets 10-5.  The Nationals really needed this win as they need to get back on track and go on a nice winning streak.

Shawn Hill started the game for the Nationals and pitched five innings.  He did allow three runs on six hits in the no decision.  Mike O’Connor pitched the sixth inning to record the win for the Nationals.  Saul Rivera and Jon Rauch both gave up a run in the game.

Felipe Lopez powered the Nationals at the plate as he hit a grand slam in the sixth inning.  Lopez finished with six RBI in the game.  Cristian Guzman, Ryan Zimmerman, Wil Nieves, and Johnny Estrada all had one RBI in the game.  A lot of production for the Nationals which is something they need to happen more often.

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The Washington Nationals shutout the Atlanta Braves by the score of 6-0 on Tuesday night.  The Nationals were only ahead 1-0 heading into the ninth inning but they exploded for five runs in the top of the ninth inning as they beat the Braves 6-0.

John Lannan pitche seven innings to pick up the win for the Nationals.  Lannan only allowed five hits and zero runs in his seven innings of action.  Behind Lannan, Ray King, Luis Ayala, and Jon Rauch pitched the final two innings without giving up a run.

Ryan Zimmerman led the Nationals with two RBI while Felipe Lopez, Cristian Guzman, and Willie Harris all had one RBI.

The Nationals improved their record to 6-15 with the victory over the Braves.  It was a big win for the Nationals who had been on a long losing steak.

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The Washington Nationals lost to the Atlatna Braves in Atlanta on Monday by the score of 7-3 putting the Nationals at 5-15 for the season.  Quickly falling behind in the season standings, the Nationals have a lot of work to do to get their team back into shape and I just don’t see it happening.

Cristian Guzman, Felipe Lopez, and Willie Harris all recorded doubles yesterday against the Braves.  Harris, Lastings Milledge, and Aaron Boone all picked up a RBI in Monday’s game as well.

Matt Chico was the opening pitcher for the Nationals and pitched for four innings allowing eight hits, six runs, and walked three.  This loss puts him at 0-4 for the year.  Joel Hanrahan, Jesus Colome, and Chad Cordero were brought in to pitch the last three innings giving up a combined five hits and one run between the three of them.  (Hanrahan was the pitcher to give up the run).

The Washington Nationals will stay in Atlanta for one more game against the Braves tonight then will travel back home to face the New York Mets.

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