Marlins (50-53) @ Nationals (49-53) 7:05p

Post #1 » by **Jollay** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:13 pm

In the epic battle to avoid last in the East.

Very good pitching matchup between two guys that actually got shelled last time out, Zimmermann and Nolasco.

Can't imagine they get shelled again, although I guess this is the point of the season where JZ could conceivably start to wear down.

Many Marlins have some sick stats in Nats Park, to include Nolasco.

Post #2 » by **Jollay** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:57 am

Is JZ hitting a wall? He had better stuff than in Houston, but still got pounded.

No serious threats against Nolasco, and from the first inning of the last Dodger game, the Nats went something like forty some batters without a hit. Wow.

Nix had a homer in the fifth or sixth that broke that streak, but things aren't looking good right now.

Post #3 » by **Jollay** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:15 pm

Vasquez versus Hernandez tonight, as the Nats have now slid into last place again.

eXcelsior1227 · Post #4 » by **eXcelsior1227** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 9:21 pm

Javier Vazquez (6-9, 5.35) vs Livan Hernandez (5-9, 4.04)

At Nationals Park tonight. former rotation mates (Montreal Expos 2003) face off. In their careers, Hernandez (3,077.2) and Vazquez (2,755.0) ranks them 2nd and 3rd, respectively, on the career innings pitched list. Only soon to be 45 year old knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (3,164.1) has compiled more Major League innings.

Among active pitchers, Hernandez has the most career wins (13) and starts (34) versus Florida

The Marlins' newly recently acquired outfielder Mike Cameron has 11 hits (4 HR) in 45 career AB against Hernandez.

Post #5 » by **Jollay** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 3:13 am

Hey excelsior--merged your topic in here, we generally do just series threads for now.

Unbelievable game. Nix solo shot is all there is until the ninth, with the Nats down 7-1. Nats come back, make it 7-5, and with two outs and one on Nix hits a warning track blast that is caught at the wall.

Nats lose 7-5. Marlins go to 23-8 all-time at Nats Park. Wow.

Davey Johnson is starting to irritate me. Sits down alot of regulars tonight with a spectacular Hairston/Cora combo at the top of the order. They get hits in the ninth, but go 1-5 and Hairston makes a costly error in left.

I'll tell you though, one area where you wouldn't think is hurting this team but is is backup catcher with Pudge out. Flores has been God-awful. Johnson started him for some reason tonight and he was 0-4, but just not even close, striking out twice and chipping two back to the mound. Left FIVE on base, and now he's batting like .136 or something.

I suppose I should be happy, he did throw out his first base runner this year tonight. Ugh. Get well soon Pudge.

Nats try to avoid being swept Thursday afternoon--1235pm start time, Lannan versus TBA.

Post #6 » by **Jollay** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:27 pm

Nats lose 5-2--get swept. Pathetic.

Zimmerman looks awesome at the plate of late, but things are going extremely poorly right now. Have not been impressed with Davey Johnson of late either. Not sure what happened in the fourth, but Desmond got caught stealing 3b with first and second and two outs down one.

Just stupid to call that, if Davey did.

Mets coming in next with the Nats solidly entrenched in last.