I can't believe how the Nats lost the game tonight too (not that it matters much). Another "one out away from victory" game, and this time they had a rally that a web gem squelched. That's quite a few unbelievable heartbreakers for them this month, otherwise, they'd be in the race.
I guaranteed a few weeks ago (before the slump that brought them down to earth) the Nats wouldn't win the Wild Card. While they didn't completely go into the tank like I expected, they didn't put it together either. I expected one or two of the other contenders to get hot and pull away from the pack. That didn't happen, which is why the Nats are still close. That said, props to them for their great season. Frank Robinson deserves a lot of credit for keeping them on the right track.
What's amazing is that they're 5 games out and their last four losses were heartbreakers that they had the lead in the 8th inning or later. Two of those were just one out away, including that insane game where they were up 5-0 with one out to go. Must be painful to be a Nats fan right about now.
Perfect example of that inside-out swing by Lance for power. There are not many that can hit it straight down the line opposite field for a HR. That three-run bomb should give Roy O some breathing room.
Berkman has really been on fire in September... and he now has 6 straight years of 20+ HR's. That's good consistency, especially since it would be very likely that he woulda hit 30+ had he not missed the first two months.
Defensive Substitution: Chris Burke replaces second baseman Craig Biggio, batting 2nd. Can someone explain?
Lamb has had a crappy year (.228 vs. .274 Career), but man, what hits he has seem to be big ones....50 RBIs on less than 300 AB's.
We have a good lead. Biggio is due for a break. If you remember Garner liked to rest Baggy and Biggio when we were winning. Or he just gives them a game off. Seems that this became Biggio's night off.
Roy throws too darn many fastballs....he needs to mix it up more...hitters are just sitting there waiting for the gas, and getting good cuts. Come on Roy, pitch smarter. DD
