The Washington Nationals gave up three runs in the 8th inning to the San Francisco Giants and they went on to lose the game by the score of 6-4 on Wednesday night.  This was a game that the Nationals should have won but once again they just couldn’t get the job done.  The Nats will now have to win Thursday afternoon to avoid the three game sweep by the Giants.

Luis Ayala gave up two doubles and three runs in the 8th inning to take the loss.  Ayala gave up a two run double to Rich Aurilia and then another double to Omar VIzquel and that is how the Giants came from behind to win.

Collin Balester got the start on the mound for the Nationals and got the no decision.  Balester threw five innings while giving up six hits and three runs.

At the plate, Jesus Flores hit a solo home run which was his sixth of the season.  Johnny Estrada also had a rbi signle while Ryan Langerhans went 2-3 and scored two runs.

So will the Nationals get the win on Thursday and avoid the sweep?  I really doubt it.  Nationals Baseball Blog

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 tried coming back in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Florida Marlins but they came up just short as they lost the game by the score of 4-3.  Another close game for the Nationals where they were on the wrong side of the outcome.

Starting pitcher Odalis Perez picked up the loss as he is now 0-2 on the season.  Perez lasted 5.2 innings as he gave up six hits and two earned runs.  Luis Ayala and Jon Rauch both gave up a earned run each in relief.

Nick Johnson, Ronny Belliard, and Johnny Estrada all had one RBI each for the Nationals.

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The Washington Nationals have signed catcher Johnny Estrada to a one year contract that will be worth $1.25 million dollars.  Estrada be the starting catcher while Paul Lo Duca recovers from an injury. Once Lo Duca is back, expect him and Estrada to battle for at bats.

The Nationals now have two verteran catchers on the roster.  It will help out with the pitching staff, and really that is where the Nationals should start.  They need to build up the pitching rotation as well as the bullpen if they ever want to compete for a playoff spot.   Now, don’t think Lo Duca or Estrada will get them there, but it shouldn’t hurt.

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