Phils (7-2) at Nats (4-5) minus Zimmy

Post #1 » by **Jollay** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 4:42 pm

Uh-oh. Zimmy (one of two Nats batting above .280) on the 15-day, out probably at least three weeks. Not sure who comes up to replace him yet, in the meantime Hairston and Cora will fill in at third. Kind of wish Alberto Gonzalez was still around in these scenerios--not much of a bat obviously, but he could field third extremely well at least.

Obviously this first game is the key for the Nats. Livan Hernandez versus Joe Blanton tonight, after that it's Halladay and Lee.

Phils fans are usually somewhat bearable with a weekday series, but we'll see. Will be interesting to see the reaction to Werth.

Post #2 » by **Jollay** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:15 pm

Nats get outhit (#) but beat the Phils 7-3 in game one. Cold and windy night kept the crowd down, but it was still almost 50 % Phils fans. They did not give Werth a nice reception, but he ended up punishing them and Joe Blanton. Livan was pretty good, and he managed to strike out Joe Mayberry with the bases loaded in the Sixth? when the Phils were threatening to come back.

Now comes the tough part--Halladay and Lee. Nats get one they'll obviously be thrilled. Lannan goes tonight, and his room for error is almost nil.

Won't be much nicer tonight, but it'll be more crowded tonight for the ESPN2 game. Thursday the weather is nicer and I expect a crowd in the 30's.

Post #3 » by **Jollay** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:17 pm

Incidentally, Nats call up Jesus Flores and go with three catchers. Guess they wanted the best right-handed bat regardless of position.

Can't figure he'll get much time except as a pinch with Ramos swinging the bat well and Pudge not content to sit too much.

Post #4 » by **Jollay** » Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:09 pm

Nats give it a good try against Halladay in Game 2, battling back to come just short in the ninth and lose 3-2.

Cliff Lee made them look silly last night in a 99-pitch complete game shutout, 4-0.

What was very encouraging for the future is that Jordan Zimmermann was perfect through five and looked great. Pitched a very good game and hit 95 or so on the gun consistently.