Long National Nightmare: Nationals at Phillies, 8/20/08

by WholeCamels on Aug 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT

Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies, Aug 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT

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Washington Nationals
@ Philadelphia Phillies

Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008, 7:05 PM EDT
Citizens Bank Park

Clear. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 75.

Really starting to feel sorry for the Nationals on their fans, but not so much that I want them to snap their losing streak in Philadelphia. Manny Acta is a terrific manager who's been given very little to work with.

The Phillies try to keep pace with the Mets tonight, counting on Brett Myers to continue his string of solid pitching, while the Nationals respond with young Collin Balester, who gave up 2 runs in 6 innings in a loss to the Phillies on July 29th.

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Burrell, Werth and Victorino

These guys sure have the arms to make the assist a beautiful play. Nice one by Pat in the first. WTG big guy.

by Steve-O- on Aug 20, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions

blurb for this game on mlb.com

Brett Myers has been a completely different pitcher since going to the Minors to work on his struggles

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions

It’s ironic but I was thinking about what he learned in his minor league stint that has drastically reduced the numbers of HR’s allowed. Since his return I look forward to his starts again.

by Steve-O- on Aug 20, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I just figured that if anybody should be able to “work on his struggles,” it’d be Brett….

Actually, considering the “interesting” game he’s throwing tonight, it’s kind of apt.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Myer’s has walked 4 batters over his last 4 starts and 3 IP tonight (30.2 IP total.) I actually find this more impressive than the mere 2 HR he’s given up over the same window.

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

Good pooint. Maybe he has his confidence up and feels well…confident again. God how we needed him. Now about KK….nah not now.

by Steve-O- on Aug 20, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Myers has allowed seven guys to reach base in 3 IP (including the errors), but has thrown just 44 pitches. That’s pretty odd.

Balester meanwhile totally losing the strike zone. That’s fine by me.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

Brett still can’t bunt to save his fricking life, though.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions

it’s not manly enough.

I think they should let Brett punch the ball.

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Look at Moyer and all his years in the AL and yet he’s ok with the bat. I would think an NL pitcher would place importance on bunting, could keep em in the game longer.

by Steve-O- on Aug 20, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

linescore thru 3

Was 0 4 1
Phi 1 0 2

That can’t happen very often.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

Too bad Balester can’t throw a losing no-hitter since he’s on the road. That always seems to be the case when pitchers give up runs with no hits.

Oh, never mind anyway.

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Btw, this may be a first, but excellent patience by Dobbs in that AB.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Aug 20, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

Jair Jurrjens screwing the pooch at Shea.

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions

Well, that inning went to hell very quickly. Leadoff single, 2-0 count to Howard, three straight strikes and a first-pitch DP.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions

Ryan, Ryan, Ryan…

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Been some time since i commented on a game thread, as school has started again, but I have been impressed with Myers in his last few starts. Unfortunately, the O has been downright offensive.

Ahh, the boo-birds are at it again, even when Jimmy makes a nice play to gun down the pitcher hustling up the line. I’ll never understand some people who boo for its own sake.

Oh, man, Howard, Yao Ming couldn’t catch that throw.

by Cluttered_JML on Aug 20, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Myers’ has now overtaken Kendrick and Blanton to have the 3rd lowest ERA of Phillies starters.

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

Impressive…of course, who does that say more about – Myers’ improvement or Kendrick’s sucktitude?

by Cluttered_JML on Aug 20, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

ehhh… a little of column A a little of column B

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions

DOBBS!!

by Cluttered_JML on Aug 20, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Nice.

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

T-Mac pulls what people are calling the “reverse Harry”

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

That’s exactly what I called it… much as I love Harry and hate McCarthy, I prefer this outcome.

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh?

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

He said something like “This ball’s gonna stay in the park… no it’s not!”

by dajafi on Aug 20, 2008 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

He initially called it a fly out but it was a homer.

by christonabike on Aug 20, 2008 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah, I see.

by taco pal on Aug 20, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Myers

I don’t know about “a completely different pitcher” but I sure prefer following Myers since his return from the minors. Interesting to see the low average by LH batters vs. Myers (.220). Righties are hitting him much better than lefties.

by phillyinportland on Aug 20, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

Living between Baltimore and DC, it sucks to have to watch this on MASN. Their announcers are insufferable. The only good part to the broadcast is watching their Fantasy Camp commercials.

by Cluttered_JML on Aug 20, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions