The San Diego Padres scored three runs off the Washington Nationals bullpen in the eighth inning on Thursday as they beat the Nationals by the score of 5-2.  The Nationals were going for the series win but instead dropped two of three games to the Padres.

Saul Rivera gave up two runs as he pitched in relief of starting pitcher John Lannan.  Rivera took the loss and is now 3-3 on the season while Lannan got the no decision.  Charlie Manning recorded the final two outs but still was charged with one earned run in the game.

Elijah Dukes had a sacrafice fly in the fourth inning that scored the Nationals first run of the game and then pitch hitter Ryan Langerhans singled in Dukes in the seventh inning for the Nationals second and final run of the game.

The Nationals will now travel to Arizona to take the Diamondbacks on in a three game weekend series.  This series spells trouble for the Nationals if you ask me.

Nationals Blog

The Washington Nationals pitched a great game on Monday night but the offense was no where to be found as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Nationals by the score of 1-0.  The Nationals are now 20-27 on the season after the loss.

Jon Rauch took the loss for the Nationals as he gave up the run in the ninth inning.  Rauch is now 2-1 on the season after losing the game tonight.  Starting pitcher Jason Bergmann pitched seven innings and only allowed five hits as he got a no decision.  Saul Rivera pitched a scoreless eighth inning as well.

The Nationals offense only had five hits in the game but did get a little rally going in the ninth inning.  Elijah Dukes walked and then stole second and third base, but was stranded at third base to end the game when Felipe Lopez grounded out to second base.

The Nationals keep on struggling and I’m not sure when things will turn around to be honest.  Nationals Blog