SB Nation - Ronny Paulino

Monday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:18:55 -0000

by Jim Prisching - AP

Craig Counsell is expected to re-sign today.

Some things to read while John Tesh rocks the NBA on NBC theme (h/t Amy K. Nelson).

Randy Wolf is expected to undergo a physical this morning and once he does, expect his contract to become official sometime later today. That might not be today's only announcement, though: the Brewers are also expected to finalize a deal with Craig Counsell today. With Counsell, Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Alcides Escobar, Mat Gamel and Casey McGehee all on the roster, the Brewers' Opening Day infield is probably set, barring injury or trade.

Meanwhile, Mike Rivera is surprised to be looking for work after being non-tendered over the weekend. He thought the decision not to retain Jason Kendall would give him an edge as the only returning catcher familiar with the Brewer pitching staff.

As of this writing, roughly 4% of voters in the poll on your right listed the decision to offer Dave bush a 2010 contract as the one Brewer move from this weekend they would change. That's not exactly a large chunk of the fanbase, but In-Between Hops is taking on that vocal minority, making the case that the Brewers made the right move by giving Bush another shot.

If you missed Morineko's Weekend Mug, follow the link over to it for full coverage of the Brewers' arbitration decisions, and a link to this list of all the non-tenders leaguewide.

Looking back at last week, Jon Heyman ranked the Brewers among the Winter Meeting winners. Meanwhile, Marc Hulet of The Baseball Analysts listed Rule 5 selection Chuck Lofgren in the "Why Bother?" category.

The more I think about it, the more I think Lofgren will have a tough task ahead of him if he's going to make the team out of spring training. With Trevor Hoffman, LaTroy Hawkins, Todd Coffey, Claudio Vargas and Mitch Stetter back, there's only two bullpen spots left that are potentially available (barring injury), and Chris Smith, John Axford, Chris Narveson, Zach Braddock and now Lofgren fighting for them. I like Lofgren's potential and hope the Brewers will get an opportunity to realize it, but right now he might be the third or fourth best lefty in the bullpen competition.

If you have a vague interest in Brewer baseball, but wish there was less analysis and more profanity on this site, then Miller Park Drunk's RUNNING series might be just the ticket for you. Follow these links for bad Prince Fielder jokes, some fan fiction involving Ryan Braun trying to rap, and a vague musical reference to Rickie Weeks.

In the minors: Baseball Intellect has video footage of some at bats featuring Cameron Garfield, Cutter Dykstra and Josh Prince from a Pioneer League game back in July. They're pay-only, but there are worse ways to spend $2.95.

If you were gone this weekend, you didn't miss the opportunity to help select a center fielder and catcher for the BCB All Decade Team. Voting closes at 4 pm today for center fielders and 4 pm tomorrow for catchers. We'll open the voting for the final starting outfield spot later today.

Around baseball:

Blue Jays: Signed catcher John Buck to a one-year deal worth $2 million, signed Joey Gathright to a minor league deal,
Braves: Signed Matt Diaz to a one year, $2.55 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
D-Backs: Re-signed infielder Augie Ojeda to a one year deal, and avoided arbitration with Blaine Boyer.
Dodgers: Signed pitcher Josh Towers to a minor league deal.
Giants: Signed shortstop-turned-pitcher Tony Pena Jr. to a minor league deal.
Indians: Re-signed pitchers Adam Miller and Anthony Reyes to minor league deals.
Marlins: Signed catcher Ronny Paulino to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.
Nationals: Re-signed Scott Olsen to a one year deal. Also signed pitcher Ryan Speier to a minor league deal.
Padres: Signed pitcher Kevin Correia to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration.
Pirates: Signed Ronny Cedeno to a one year, $1.125 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Rangers: Signed infielder Esteban German to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration.
Rays: Avoided arbitration with catcher Dioner Navarro and pitchers Grant Balfour, Rafael Soriano, Lance Cormier and Randy Choate.
Royals: Avoided arbitration with pitchers Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies. They also signed pitcher Bruce Chen and catcher Vance Wilson to minor league deals.
White Sox: Signed J.J. Putz to a one year deal.

Meanwhile, the market heated up immediately for Yankees non-tender Chien-Ming Wang, with Ken Rosenthal reporting that six teams have already expressed interest. He doesn't list the teams, but I wouldn't be surprised to discover the Brewers are one of them.

I promise, I'm not going to mention it every time someone says something new about Jason Kendall. In fact, I might try to go the rest of the week without mentioning him at all. With that said, I thought these three links about him were interesting:

Joe Posnanski has a look at the potential Opening Day lineup for the 2010 Royals, now including Kendall.
He also compares Kendall to a superball on the field at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
Reminding us all how far and how fast Kendall has fallen, Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? named Kendall the Pirate Catcher of the Decade.

Weeks ago I linked to a post from minor league veteran Garrett Broshuis, mentioning the challenges in finding quality, healthy food in minor league clubhouses. It looks like that problem may be on its way to being resolved: After discussing it at the Winter Meetings, several teams are making an effort to provide healthier options, and remove the constant flow of junk.

If you're a fan of sabermetrics, or just want to learn more about them, I've got two links for you today:

TangoTiger has a look at OPS+, and some minor adjustments that could be made to it to make it more useful than some other advanced metrics.
That post links to this one, Big League Stew's beginner's guide to wOBA. I learned a fair amount by reading that one.

Gorman Thomas celebrated a birthday over the weekend, and while this probably isn't what he had in mind for a gift, David Chalk of Seventh Inning 'Stache has inducted him into the MLB Mustache Hall of Fame.

On this day in 1998, the Brewers acquired Alex Ochoa from the Twins for a minor leaguer named Darrell Nicholas. Ochoa spent one season as a Brewer, hitting .300/.404/.466 before being traded to the Reds for Mark Sweeney after the season.

Happy birthday today to:

Former Seattle Pilot and 1970 Brewer Greg Goossen, who turns 64.
Dave Nilsson, who appeared in 837 games as a Brewer and turns 40.
Marcus Jensen, who appeared in 18 games over two tours as a Brewer and turns 37.

Sean Forman, founder of Baseball Reference, is also celebrating his birthday today. You can help him celebrate by sponsoring a page. I know someone around here will want this one.

Drink up.

Alfredo Amezaga non-tendered

craig — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:13:14 -0000

The Marlins did not tender a contract to Alfredo Amezaga, it is official.

Alfredo is now a free agent.

Apparently they were concerned with the fact that he is still recovering from microfracture knee surgery and that he hasn't started a running program. The Marlins are leaving the door open to the possibility of re-signing Alfredo later on, but there is a problem with that. The problem is the Marlins cannot enter into negotiations with Alfredo again until March 2, 2010. That is the day when players are mandated to report to spring training. Which gives him a lot time to prove to the other clubs he is good to go while the Marlins are sitting on the sidelines.

The salsa warm up leading, life of the clubhouse, pulse of the team, unbelievable defensive specialist, fan favorite Alfredo Amezaga may never be a Marlin again. It is a sad day. Oh sure, the move that the club made is completely understandable and was the right move. But still. That really doesn't make you feel all that much better.

In other news, the Marlins reached a one-year deal with Ronny Paulino and tendered contracts to Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross, Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, Leo Nunez, Renyel Pinto and Anibal Sanchez.

Game 158 Recap: Marlins 5, Braves 4

cbwilk — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:59:05 -0000

More photos » by Gregory Smith - AP

Javier Vazquez took the loss, allowing 5 runs in 6 innings.

Browse more photos »

The Braves fell short in their most important game of the season. Starting pitcher Javier Vazquez unfortunately chose to emulate Tim Hudson's performance from last night, as he allowed 5 runs in 6 innings, taking the loss for the Braves. Florida's starter Ricky Nolasco, on the other hand, pitched his best performance of the season, striking out a career high 16, including striking out 9 consecutive batters at one point, becoming just the 4th player in Major League history to accomplish the feat.

But, as masterful as Nolasco was, he wore down a bit toward the end of the game, as the Braves were able to scratch two unearned runs across the board in the 7th inning on an Adam LaRoche double. A win seemed tantalizingly close as Florida closer Leo Nunez lost control of the strike zone in the 9th, allowing Yunel Escobar to drive in Brian McCann and Omar Infante to drive in Escobar.

Then, with two outs and the bases loaded, Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to bring in super-vet Brendan Donnelly to face Martin Prado. Donnelly needed only one pitch to end the game, but not in a manner anyone could have guessed. Catcher Ronny Paulino lost the ball in the dirt and as it squirted away from him Matt Diaz began down the third base line toward home. But, Diaz showed indecisiveness, ultimately retreating to third base, but not before Paulino could retrieve the ball and throw him out to end the game.

This was a heartbreaking and somewhat baffling loss. The onus has been on the Braves to win at the end of the season and the last two nights they have failed. This loss puts their elimination number at 2, meaning any combination of Rockies wins or Braves losses equaling 2 will eliminate the Braves from winning the Wild Card. The Phillies clinched the Eastern Division tonight, so the Wild Card remains the Braves lone hope, but, as I write this, they lead Milwakee 8 to 4 in the top of the 7th inning in Colorado. If the Rockies hold on to win the game, the Braves elimination number drops to 1, meaning any Braves loss or Rockies win after tonight kills the Braves playoff hopes.

Final - 9.30.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Florida Marlins	0	0	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	5	11	3
Atlanta Braves	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	4	6	1
WP: Ricky Nolasco (13 - 9) SV: Brendan Donnelly (2) LP: Javier Vazquez (15 - 10)

Complete Coverage >

Washington Nationals Take Two Of Three From The Florida Marlins With 7-2 Win Sunday.

Ed Chigliak — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:13:06 -0000

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

3 months ago: Members of the grounds crew fold up the tarp covering the diamond as the rain slows down during the top of the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Florida Marlins and the Washington Nationals on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Miami. The game was called because of rain in the ninth inning. The Nationals won 7-2. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Browse more photos »

Nationals Take Two Of Three From Fish In Florida...

It took Florida starter Chris Volstad 24 pitches to get through the first, and before the first frame was over the soon-to-be 23-year-old right-hander had allowed 2 hits, 3 walks and 3 runs, only two of them earned because of an error on Dan Uggla. DC lefty John Lannan got two quick outs in his own first, but Hanley Ramirez singled, stole second and scored when Jorge Cantu came through with a liner over Pete Orr at third to make it 3-1 Nationals.

A two-out walk by Volstad, his fifth, in the third, proved costly as he put Justin Maxwell on in front of Pete Orr, who hit his third MLB dinger to right center for a 5-1 Nationals’ lead. Vostad’s exited early, having allowed 5 hits, 5 walks and 5 runs, 4 earned in 3.0 IP over which he threw 59 pitches. Marlins’ lefty Andrew Miller took over in the fourth and walked the first batter he faced, Willie Harris, who was running on Ian Desmond’s infield single in the next AB. Harris took third when Hanley Ramirez threw wide of first on Desmond's grounder and scored when Cristian Guzman followed with a single over second for a 6-1 Nationals' lead after three and a half. In the fifth, it was Orr again, who doubled, took second on a passed ball and came home on an infield groundout by Wil Nieves for a 6-run, 7-1 lead.

John Lannan (W, 9-11) allows just 1 ER on 6 hits through 5.0, throwing 81 pitches, 50 for strikes, but a rain delay ends his day after just the five innings pitched. Tyler Clippard comes out after nearly two more hours of rain on top of last night's delays, and Clippard throws two scoreless in which he allows just 1 hit. Jason Bergmann starts the eighth by giving up a single to Hanley Ramirez, but a DP grounder from Jorge Cantu erased that runner. A two-out walk, however, did end up scoring, after a passed ball and a Cody Ross single make it 7-2, but any hope of a late Florida comeback ends when Land Shark Stadium is soaked by another storm...This rain delay finally ends it after two hours and forty-eight minutes of play, and three hours and three minutes of delays...

Nationals win, 7-2 final.

For A Florida Marlins Fan's Perspective On The Rain...uh, Game....Check Out The SB Nation's Marlins Blog:

FishStripes.

"Game 143: Rain helps the Nats for once" by Doghouse.

BACKPAGE:

• E: 122.

• What's Tim Foli Going To Do Now?

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 50-93.

BACKPAGE:

E: 122.

Pete Orr got his 3rd MLB HR today and his 2nd double of 2009, but he also commited his second error, which gives the Nationals 122-Major-League-leading errors on the season. E: 122 - Orr's E came in the first, on a throw to first that got by Adam Dunn, who was pulled off the bag and then just missed the ball. Orr's throw was offline, which is why, I suppose, he was given the E, as opposed to Dunn, who flat-out missed the catch. OUTCOME: Jorge Cantu moved first to third on the error, but he was stranded there one batter later when Cody Ross grounded into a force at second. No Harm.

What's Tim Foli Going To Do Now?

MASN's Nationals Sideline Reporter Debbi Taylor conducted an interview with DC GM Mike Rizzo in the fifth inning of today's game in which Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Rizzo quickly discussed John Lannan's performance, Ian Desmond's debut and the future of '09 Syracuse Chiefs' Manager Tim Foli...

Debbi Taylor: Mike, a nice turnaround for John Lannan, what are you seeing there?

Mike Rizzo: Well, I think he's commanding his fastball much better than the previous couple of starts, and when he gets ahead of hitters, he can be really tough on guys with the rest of his repertoire, and he's pounding the strike zone today.

Debbi Taylor: Ian Desmond making his first start at second base, what are your impressions of him over there so far?

Mike Rizzo: Well, he's a very live-bodied, rangy play, he's very athletic and he's got a good arm and good hands, and we feel that if need be he could make the transition to second base or stay at shortstop, but, you know, his major league debut's been uh, it's hard to find any faults in it so far...

Debbi Taylor: He's been spectacular, a couple of more hits today, but how difficult is it not to be tricked by good play in the month of September?

Mike Rizzo: Well, September, when you're in the position we're in, is, you know, usually the players are relaxed coming up here and it's a little bit different feel than you get through the long haul of the season, so, you know, we're optimistic, but we're cautiously optimistic, and we take everything with a grain of salt on the performance, good or bad, because often times it can fool you...

Debbi Taylor: Tim Foli is somebody that has been really helpful to a lot of the players, and I know this is the time of year that you make some changes within the organization, what are your plans for him next year?

Mike Rizzo: Well, Tim's been, he's been a vital part of the organization, he's one of the true great baseball minds in our organization, and he's made the transformation from Field Coordinator to Triple-A Manager to help us out in Triple-A this year, we feel that he may be best suited and most valuable as a field coordinator, coordinating all of the instruction of all the levels of the minor leagues, not just our Triple-A players.

GAME REPORT:

Washington Nationals At Florida Marlins. Game 143 Of 162.

Willie Harris walks to start the Sunday finale. Marlins’ starter Chris Volstad gives up single up the middle on the first pitch to Ian Desmond. Cristian Guzman grounds to second, Desmond avoids the tag and Dan Uggla throws high to first pulling Nick Johnson off the bag to load the bases. Adam Dunn up, and a wild pitch from Volstad brings Willie Harris in, 1-0 Nationals. Dunn walks to bring Elijah SSSUPER DUKESSS up. Dukes slices a fastball inside over first for a two-run single and a 3-0 DC lead. Justin Maxwell flies out to center on the first pitch he sees. Pinch Hittin’ Pete Orr walks to reload the bases for the "Blocker" Wil Nieves. Nieves grounds to short, Hanley Ramirez to Uggla to Nick Johnson at first, double play...Chris Coghlan grounds out to Ian Desmond at second for John Lannan’s first out. Nick Johnson hits a liner right into Adam Dunn’s oversized glove. Hanley Ramirez punches a single to center in front of Jorge Cantu. Ramirez swipes one on Lannan. Cantu scores Ramirez from second with a liner over Orr at third. 3-1 Washington. Pete Orr backhands a grounder from Uggla and throws wide of first, Dunn misses it. First and third. Cody Ross grounds to Guzman at short, to Desmond, like the sound of that, 3-1 after one.

Lannan leads off the second with a weak groundout to third. Willie Harris takes a one-out walk off of Volstad. Ian Desmond takes an 0-2 fastball for a called strike three. The Guzzz, Cristian Guzman flies to left on the first pitch from Volstad...John Lannan gets a groundout to short from Ronny Paulino. Cameron Maybin grounds toward short, Orr cuts it off and throws to first, in time. Lannan gets the opposing pitcher swinging.

Adam Dunn sends a leadoff single whistling back up the middle. Elijah Dukes chops one out to Uggla, to Ramirez, to Johnson, double play. Justin Maxwell takes a two-out walk from Chris Volstad, and Pete Orr makes’em pay, Orr scores Maxwell the easy way with a line drive HR to right center, 5-1 DC. Wil Nieves reaches on a grounder that Volstad can’t handle. Lannan stares an 0-2 bender all the way in...Chris Coghlan rips a grounder to second and Ian Desmond can’t make the play. Nick Johnson pops out to center on a 3-1 fastball inside. Hanley Ramirez gets blown away on a 2-2 fastball outside and low. Jorge Cantu grounds to Desmond at second, to Guzman.

Andrew Miller replaces Chris Volstad after the third, and walks the first batter he sees, Willie Harris. Harris is running on a sharp grounder to short by Ian Desmond, Hanley Ramirez throws it by first, first and third when Harris moves up. The Guzzzzz, Cristian Guzman singles in a run, slicing a liner through second. 6-1 Nationals. Andrew Miller throws a wild pitch to move Desmond to third. Adam Dunn tips a 3-2 pitch into Ronny Paulino’s glove. Dukes pops the first pitch he sees up to first. Justin Maxwell swings through a 3-2 fastball to end the top of the fourth...Dan Uggla grounds out to short to start the Marlins’ fourth. Cody Ross rips a line drive to left center, but has to stop at first. Ronny Paulino walks to put two on for Cameron Maybin. Lannan hits the outside corner with a 1-2 heater for a called strike three. Pinch hittter Gaby Sanchez grounds to short, Guzman throws to second for the force, and Desmond gets out number four with a throw to first.

Christhian Martinez gives up a leadoff double to Pete Orr, who gets a liner by Johnson at first and into the right field corner. Orr takes third on a pitch from Martinez that gets by the catcher. Wil Nieves ground sharply to short with Orr running home, Hanley Ramirez throws to first, 7-1 DC. John Lannan grounds to short. Willie Harris grounds out to first to end the Nationals’ fifth...Chris Coghlan pops out to Justin Maxwell in right center. Nick Johnson flies out to Elijah Dukes on the warning track in right. Cristian Guzman stabs a grounder from Hanley Ramirez, but throws late to first. Jorge Cantu lines to left where Willie Harris grabs it.

Florida lefty Dan Meyer gets Ian Desmond looking for a called strike three. Cristian Guzman rips a single through short...and it’s another Rain Delay...Kiko Calero’s on the mound when it’s over, Adam Dunn’s K’s swinging and Elijah Dukes flies out to Cody Ross in right to end the Nationals’ sixth...Tyler Clippard vs Dan Uggla. Uggla pops up over the mound, Desmond gets in to make the catch. Cody Ross swings through a 1-2 fastball. Ronny Paulino swings through a two-strike change to end the sixth.

Justin Maxwell takes an 0-2 fastball outside and high for a called strike three. Pinch Hittin’ Pete Orr flies out to Maybin. Wil Nieves chops out to third to end the top of the seventh...Cameron Maybin rips a ground ball through short to start the bottom of the frame. Ross Gload sends a flare out to short for Guzman to grab. Chris Coghlan flies out to Willie Harris in left. Nick Johnson flies out to right to end the seventh.

Mike Morse is up in the top o’ the eighth. Burke Badenhop throwing for Florida. Morse shoots a grounder to short that Hanley Ramirez handles. WIllie Harris sneaks a single through second. Ian Desmond grounds into a force at second, but beats out the DP throw to first. Cristian Guzman grounds sharply to short, Hanley Ramirez has no play at second and he bounces a throw to first that’s too late. Alberto Gonzalez ground out to short to end the frame...Jason Bergmann takes over on the mound against Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez drops a pop into short right. Jorge Cantu grounds to the hole at short, Desmond gets there, backhands, throws to second, Alberto Gonzalez to first, double play. Dan Uggla takes a two-out walk. Uggla takes second on a passed ball with Cody Ross at bat. Ross fouls off a few 3-2 pitches and finally singles to left to score Uggla. 7-2 DC. Ronny Paulino grounds out to second to end the eighth.

Elijah Dukes leads off the ninth. Dukes takes strike three on the outside edge. Justin Maxwell K’s swinging over a bender. Pete Orr K’s staring at a slider...Cameron Maybin vs Jason Bergmann in the ninth. Maybin singles to center. RAIN DELAY AGAIN!!!! And they never come back...Washington wins, 7-2 final.

Nationals now 50-93.

Ryan Zimmerman's Walk-Off HR Ends Eight-Game Losing Streak, Washington Nationals 5-4 Over The Florida Marlins.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:01:48 -0000

More photos » by Haraz N. Ghanbari - AP

"Hey! It's Bernadina!!!!" - Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman is congratulated after hitting a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Florida Marlins, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, during a baseball game in Washington. The Nationals won 5-4. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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Just when it seemed like all hope was lost. After the Nationals had rallied to tie the Marlins at 2-2 in the eighth and then watched as closer Mike MacDougal gave up a two-out hit to Nick Johnson that put Florida back up 4-2...Just then...Willie Harris stepped to the plate against the Marlins' closer Leo Nunez and sent a solo shot to right, right into the second deck to remind everyone why he's TAWH!!! The Amazing Willie Harris!!! Cristian Guzman follows with a sharp grounder to second, deep in the hole, and Guzman, (bunions and all), beats the throw to first and is actually called, "SAFE!!" Do You BELIEVE, DC FAITHFUL? Ryan Zimmerman steps in against Leo Nunez. First pitch change in at 86 and it's called ball one. Nunez comes back with a fastball and dials it up to 96 for a swinging strike and a 1-1 count. Is Nunez crazy? The Florida closer comes back inside with a 1-1 change and Ryan Zimmerm---THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! TWO-RUN WALK-OFF HR TO CENTER AND GONE!!! Ryan Zimmerman's 28th HR of 2009 wins it for Washington!! The Nationals break an eight-game losing streak!!! The NATIONALS WIN! THE NATIONALS WIN!!!

Nationals win, 5-4 Final.

Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching!!

Check Out The SB Nation's Florida Marlins Blog: FishStripes - Open Thread And Ichthyomancy.

"Game 137: Like old times--in a GOOD way!" -Doghouse.

BACKPAGE:

• Elijah Dukes, Socks High, Sends A DY WAVE To The Dugout From Second!!!

• The Kids Call Him Zim!! A Win That Almost Wasn't And Why.

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 47-90.

BACKPAGE:

• Elijah Dukes, Socks High, Sends A DY WAVE To The Dugout From Second!!!

Elijah Dukes had the red socks pulled high today as the Nationals donned their Sunday Reds with the alternate BIG "W" logo in white and white piping on the jerseys, and the Nationals' right fielder had another impressive outing as all eyes in DC, with not much else to watch, have turned their attention to right to see if Dukes can claim the job for 2010 in the last month of the season, and it seems like Dukes knows he's playing for a spot. Dukes is 11 for 25 in his last 8 games played before this afternoon, and Dukes ended the day 2 for 2 with a walk, a double, his 18th, and a run scored. So far in September, Dukes is hitting .444 in 4 games, and he's using the Discerning Eye passed on by the great Nick Johnson, walking 5 times in 9 at bats and posting a .643 OBP so far in the final month of the season. They're not yelling, "Boo"...They're Yelling DUKES!!!!

• The Kids Call Him Zim!! A Win That Almost Wasn't And Why.

D.C. right-hander J.D. Martin held the Florida Marlins to one run through six, and had two out in the seventh when two two-strike pitches to Cameron Maybin were called balls** and the Marlins' center fielder walked. Pinch hitter Ross Gload followed with a single to right that sent Maybin to third, and Chris Coghlan's single scored the two-out walk to make it 2-0 Marlins after seven. DC right-hander Tyler Clippard pitched a quick scoreless eighth and the Nationals got a bases-loaded, two-out, two-run single from pinch hitter Mike Morse to tie it, only to give up the third out of the inning when Wil Nieves failed to advance to third on the throw home and Morse ran into him at second and was tagged out. 2-2 after eight.

Mike MacDougal takes over for the Nationals in the ninth. The DC Closer gives up a single, throws a wild pitch and issues a walk to Cameron Maybin put two on for Marlins' third baseman Wes Helms, who bunts both pinch runner Emilio Bonifacio and Maybin into scoring position. Chris Coghlan had another chance to win it, but he hit a ground ball to second that Willie Harris threw home for Wil Nieves who blocked and tagged Bonifacio. One down, first and third and...Oh no!...It's Nick Johnson! And the Former Nationals' first baseman hit a Trademark Single™ to center to give the Marlins the lead, and an ill-advised dive and miss by the "defensive replacement" Justin Maxwell allows Coghlan to score from first for a 4-2 lead after eight and a half...

And Then TAWH!! THE GUZ!!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! LOSING STREAK OVER!!!!

(ed. note - " ** = Check the MLB.com Gameday Link And Tell Me Pitches 5 and 7 aren't strikes!!)

GAME REPORT:

Florida Marlins At Washington Nationals. Game 137 Of 162.

J.D. Martin starts the afternoon by popping up Chris Coghlan for the first out of the series finale with the Florida Marlns. Former Washington Nationals’ first baseman Nick Johnson strikes out swinging at a fastball up high. Hanley Ramirez flies weakly enough to left that Cristian Guzman runs out to get it...In the absence of Nyjer Morgan, Willie Harris is leading off against Anibal Sanchez, and he flies out to center. In the absence of "Two-Spot" Johnson, Cristian Guzman’s batting second. Guzman hits one up into the wind toward center for Cameron Maybin to catch. Ryan Zimmerman hustles but he’s thrown out by Hanley Ramirez after a grounder to short.

Cristian Guzman throws to first to get Jorge Cantu. Dan Uggla pops a slow curve up to the infield. Cody Ross gets a hold a hanger and lines it over Willingham’s head in left. Ronny Paulino flies to Willie Harris to end the top of the second...Adam Dunn K’s chasing a fastball up out of the zone. Josh Willingham grounds out to the pitcher. Elijah Dukes rips a single through short off Sanchez. Alberto Gonzalez hits another two-out single to send Dukes to third. Wil Nieves swings through a high fastball to end the second.

Cameron Maybin grounds out to Guzman to start the Marlins’ third. Wil Nieves fires the ball to Ryan Zimmerman at third after catching the third strike thrown by the opposing pitcher. Chris Coghlan hits another single to center. Nick Johnson gets jammed and he pops one straight up...J.D. Martin tests Nick Johnson’s reflexes with a line drive to first. Willie Harris walks with one down. Cristian Guzman K’s swinging through a high fastball from Sanchez. Ryan Zimmerman flies out to center to end the third.

Hanley Ramirez launches a leadoff HR to left for a 1-0 Marlins’ lead. Jorge Cantu fouls strike three into Wil Nieves’ glove. Dan Uggla grounds out to Zimmerman at third. J.D. Martin hangs another bender to Cody Ross, who sends a screamer to left for a two-out double. Ronny Paulino grounds out to short...Adam Dunn flies out to left field for Chris Coghlan to catch. Willingham grounds out to third. Elijah Dukes up with two down, and he goes the othe way with a line drive double to right. DY WAVE FROM SECOND BY DUKES!!! Alberto Gonzalez K’s swinging.

Cameron Maybin doesn’t think the low outside corner counts, but J.D. Martin hits it. Elijah Dukes sprints in and makes an underhand catch on a liner from the pitcher. Martin gets Chris Coghlan to ground to short to end the Fish’s fifth...Wil Nieves sends a fly ball out to Cameron Maybin in center. J.D. Martin K’s swinging over a two-strike bender from Anibal Sanchez. Willie Harris flies to the warning track in right to end the fifth.

Elijah Dukes leaps at the wall, but misses a fly ball off Nick Johnson’s bat. Johnson in with a double, so Hanley Ramirez gets the intentionals with first open. Jorge Cantu grounds to short, Guzman to Alberto Gonzalez to Dunn, double play. Johnson takes third. Uggla up with two down. J.D. Martin gets a grounder back to the mound and throws to Dunn to end the threat...Cristian Guzman pops out to Cantu foul of third. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to Uggla at second. Adam Dunn hits a two-out double to right and off the wall on one hop. Josh Willingham walks, and Elijah Dukes gets a two-out RBI opportunity. Dukes takes a curve in the numbers and takes first. Alberto Gonzalez grounds out to first to end any threat.

Cody Ross pops out to the infield. Ronny Paulino grounds back to the mound. Cameron Maybin takes a low fastball for ball four and a two-out walk. Ross Gload gets a PH opportunity. Gload singles to center, Maybin moves around to third. Chris Coghlan lines an RBI single into right to score Maybin, 2-0 Marlins. Nick Johnson hits one straight down that stays fair, Johnson out at first, 2-0 Fish in the seventh...Wil Nieves leads off the seventh against Matt Lindstrom. Nieves flies out to Maybin in left center. "Pinch Hittin’" Pete Orr drops a single into short right. Willie Harris lines out to Cody Ross in right. Cristian Guzman walks with two down. Ryan Zimmerman flies out to Chris Coghlan in left.

Tyler Clippard blows Hanley Ramirez away with a 90 mph two-strike fastball for a swinging strike three. Jorge Cantu singles to left with one down. Dan Uggla pops out to short center. Cody Ross pops out to center to end the top of the eighth....Renyel Pinto’s dealing to Dunn in the eighth. Dunn flies out to left field. Josh Willingham flies out to Cody Ross in right. Elijah Dukes takes a two-out walk. Josh Bard moves Dukes to third with a two-out single. Wil Nieves takes a second two-out walk. Mike Morse will see Kiko Calero. Morse lines up the middle, two runs score, tie game, 2-2, but Wil Nieves is still on second when Morse arrives there, and Morse gets tagged out to end the inning.

Mike MacDougal is on in the ninth. Ronny Paulino singles through short to start the ninth. Emilio Bonifacio runs for Paulino. Cameron Maybin take a two-out walk in front of Wes Helms. Helms bunts to third, Zim fields and throws, but both runners advance. Chris Coghlan grounds back to the mound, Willie Harris throws home and nails Bonifacio at the plate. Two down. Nick Johnson with two on and two out, hits a Trademark single™ to center to score Maybin, Justin Maxwell misplays it, and the Marlins score two, 4-2 Fish. MacDougal walks Hanley Ramirez and gets a ground ball from John Baker to end the inning...TAWH GOES DEEP!! GONE!! Solo shot by Harris to cut the lead in half!!! 4-3 FISH!! Cristian Guzman grounds deep in the hole near second and beats the throw to first. Tying run on for Ryan Zimmerm---WHO WANTS A TIE!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! Ryan Zimmerman hits a two-run walk-off HR to win it for the Nationals. 5-3 final. THE NATIONALS WIN! THE NATIONALS WIN!!!!

Nationals now 47-90.

Mike Smell-frey: Marlins 5, Mets 3

Eric Simon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:13:16 -0000

Today wasn't Mike Pelfrey's day at all, as he struggled with his control through five-plus innings, allowing five runs on eleven hits and five walks while striking out just two (one of which was the opposing pitcher). He coaxed swinging strikes on just four of his 118 pitches (3.4%), which is as sure an indicator as any that he didn't have anything even resembling his dominant repertoire.

The Mets actually led 2-0 after RBI hits by Fernando Tatis and Anderson Hernandez in the second, but the Marlins knocked in two runs in the third on a Cody Ross triple and plated two more in the fifth on a Ronny Paulino homerun. That was all the Marlins would need, as John Johnson held the Mets mostly in check through six innings, allowing nine hits and no walks and worked in seven strikeouts for good measure. He got swinging strikes on ten of his 92 pitches (10.9%), far better than Pelfrey.

The losing streak is at five, and the Mets are in a good position to stretch that to six when Tim Redding faces off against Anibal Sanchez on Thursday at 1:10pm.

Haiku by Howard Megdal

As de facto ace
Pelfrey does little stopping
As Mets drop fifth straight

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Fish Stripes Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Fernando Tatis, +11.6% WPA, Daniel Murphy, +4.4% WPA
Big losers: Mike Pelfrey, -31.2% WPA, Jeff Francoeur, -10.6% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Tatis RBI double in second, +12.0% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Paulino two-run homerun in fifth, -25.2% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: -25.5% WPA
Total batter WPA: -24.5% WPA
GWRBI!: Ronny Paulino

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by lstorie1971; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	lstorie1971	52
2	LeiterMilnerFasterStronger	44
3	Kepler	39
4	Mex_17	39
5	metsguy234	37
6	fxcarden	37
7	Michkin	33
8	painiac	29
9	itsmetsforme	25
10	firejerrynow	12

Cubs Win! Wait... It's Tied. Wait! Cubs Win! Wait... Extra Innings. Lee's HR Gives Cubs Wacky 9-8 Victory In 10

Al — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:30:11 -0000

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

Thanks for hitting this HR, D-Lee. Otherwise we might still be watching this game.

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It's a good thing last night's 9-8 Cubs win over the Marlins ended when it did -- otherwise we might have been treated to the sight of Cubs starting pitchers playing the outfield, and Kosuke Fukudome playing shortstop for the first time since high school, and...

Shudder. Let's not think about those possibilities. The Cubs blew a 6-0 lead after two innings, and an 8-5 lead with two out and nobody on and two strikes on pinch-hitter Ronny Paulino, who homered -- he had been a .154 hitter as a PH before last night. Even then the Cubs still led by two, but two batters later, Emilio Bonifacio, who was only in the game because Hanley Ramirez got hit on the knee by a Carlos Zambrano pitch and left in the third inning, skied a two-run triple over the head of Kosuke Fukudome to tie it. It was Kevin Gregg's first blown save since June 23 at Detroit; he had reeled off 10 consecutive saves since then.

Thank you, Derrek Lee, for winning this game with a HR that went nearly as far as Jake Fox's on Friday, and thank you, Aaron Heilman, for coming into a save situation in the last of the tenth and not allowing a baserunner. Heilman picked up his first save as a Cub and only the 10th of his career.

In games like this, teams often run out of players. The Cubs, who are currently carrying eight relief pitchers -- since they won't need to recall Tom Gorzelanny to start until Tuesday -- were actually better set for pitching had the game gone longer, than they were for position players. Sean Marshall, who could have thrown several innings, and Jeff Stevens were left in the bullpen -- but, along with Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells, those were the only Cubs who did not appear in last night's game. The sight of Alfonso Soriano at third base -- he actually made eight starts and ten appearances there nine years ago with the Yankees -- was a little frightening, but Jeremy Hermida, a lefthanded hitter, cooperated by striking out; then Soriano and Jeff Baker flip-flopped again, and Ryan Theriot squeezed Cody Ross' popup to end it.

Entertaining? Sure, but it probably took a couple of years off Lou Piniella's life, not to mention delaying a scheduled postgame concert by the Village People, probably one of the reasons for the Marlins' third-largest home crowd of the year, 35,811 (the only two larger Marlins home attendance figures were for games vs. the Mets and Yankees) By the time the game ended most of those remaining were Cubs fans, or at least that's what it sounded like when D-Lee's HR landed in the seats above the out-of-town scoreboard, which, unlike Friday night, was actually functioning Saturday.

The four hour, 11 minute game featured 426 pitches by 13 pitchers; 16 walks; 24 strikeouts; and several injuries that, from a Cub standpoint, we hope are minor. Z left the game after three innings with a stiff back; he says he'll get treatment and be ready for his next start:

What caused the back problems?

"Sometimes I sleep on the wrong side of the bed, or maybe the bed is too soft at the hotel," Zambrano said. "Anything can do it. Sometimes [Derrek Lee] feels things in his neck. We're big men. We suffer from neck and back injuries. We just have to take care of things in the trainer's room and get ready for the next start.

"It's nothing to worry about," Zambrano said. "Let's treat it and take care of it."

Both Ramirezes -- Hanley and Aramis -- were hit by pitches. Hanley left the game with a knee contusion and A-Ram, though at first staying in the game, left after advancing to second base. Looking at what A-Ram was doing when he left, it didn't appear related to the HBP -- he appeared to either have something in his eye or was having problems dealing with the heat and humidity in addition to whatever pain he had from the pitch -- which was a breaking ball, which ought to stop any talk about Leo Nunez hitting Aramis intentionally. Plus, you don't put the winning run on base like that in extra innings in a tie game. Let us hope these two teams, who don't seem to like each other much, don't get into the retaliation game today.

All the teams ahead of the Cubs -- and I say "all" because the Cubs also have sneaked into the wild-card race, only one game behind the Rockies and Giants -- also won last night, so the standings remain the same with the Cubs also just half a game out of first place. Welcome to an August pennant race. Let's win this series today. (Good thing the game isn't till 5 pm EDT. These guys must be exhausted!)

Marlins Come Through In A Pinch, Beat Dodgers 6-3

Eric Stephen — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:08:09 -0000

More photos » by Matt Sayles - AP

Jeremy Hermida drove in the eventual winning run with a pinch-single in the 7th inning Friday night.

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As expected, both starting pitchers were effective tonight, each pitching a quality start, but Josh Johnson lasted a little longer than Clayton Kershaw. In a battle of bullpens, the Dodgers usually come out ahead, but tonight they were done in by back-to-back Marlin pinch hits.

In the seventh inning, Brent Leach was summoned to face the lefty-hitting Jeremy Hermida with runners on first and second base. Hermida deposited a single just in front of Andre Ethier, scoring the go-ahead run, but thanks to Ronny Paulino running into an out at third base on the play, the damage was limited to one run that inning, and the Dodgers only trailed 4-3 after seven innings.

Ramon Troncoso was brought in for the eighth inning, his customary role, but allowed just his third home run of the season, a leadoff shot to another pinch-hitter, Chris Coghlan, who deposited a fly ball into the right field seats between the foul pole and the bullpen. Troncoso allowed another run in the inning, meaning his string of 17 straight innings without allowing an earned run came to a halt.

Clayton Kershaw was effective again, which is a weird thing to say for someone who gave up 12 baserunners in six innings. However, most of the hits were of the dink-and-dunk variety, which could have been expected given that Kershaw's batting average on balls in play was a paltry and somewhat-lucky .254 coming into tonight. Still, three runs in six innings -- including the first unearned run allowed by Kershaw in his career -- is a quality start.

Josh Johnson was just a bit better, lasting seven innings, also allowing three runs, but not walking a batter. Johnson picked up his ninth win in 11 decisions this season.

Hong Chih-Kuo pitched a scoreless inning for Advanced Class A Inland Empire tonight, striking out the final two batters he faced. Mike Saeger, the lead broadcaster for the 66ers, mentioned Kuo hit 92 mph during his inning, although I only heard him mention the speed of one pitch. Kuo is expected to be activated soon, perhaps for the Dodgers upcoming road trip.

Hiroki Kuroda faces the Dutchman, Rick VandenHurk, tomorrow night.

WP - Josh Johnson (9-2): 7 IP, 5 hits, 3 runs, 4 strikeouts

LP - James McDonald (2-2): 0.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk

Sv - Leo Nunez (7): 1 perfect inning

Box Score

Hooked: Phillies 6, Marlins 5 (12)

dajafi — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:53:11 -0000

More photos » by J Pat Carter - AP

Cole Hamels was back in form against the Marlins Friday night, but between a rain delay and bullpen meltdowns he was long, long gone before the game ended. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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The Phillies won a war of attrition in the form of a baseball game Friday night, barely outlasting the always-resilient Marlins in 12 innings. It shouldn't have been this hard: through five and a half, Cole Hamels was cruising with a 4-1 lead, holding Florida off the board after a leadoff home run by rookie outfielder Chris Coghlan. Chase Utley had hit a two-run homer in the top of the first, and the Phils added two more on run-scoring hits by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz in the fourth, all against Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco. Hamels had allowed four hits and a walk and struck out five, needing just 68 pitches to that point, and might have made a run at his second complete game of the season.

But a rain delay of more than an hour ended the evening for both pitchers, and the Marlins rallied with one seventh-inning run off Chan Ho Park and two in the eighth off Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, and Chad Durbin. Ex-Phillies Ronny Paulino and Wes Helms--the latter so sick that he'd reportedly been throwing up in the clubhouse (which, of course, double-guaranteed that he'd do something big in the game)--delivered the big hits before Durbin escaped a bases-loaded jam by striking out Coghlan. After the Phillies were unable to capitalize on a first-and-third, one-out threat in the top of the ninth, Durbin then put the first two hitters on in the Marlins' ninth before escaping with a deep flyout, a strikeout, and a groundout.

Both managers emptied their benches and bullpens, with Charlie Manuel turning to Scott Eyre for the 10th and Clay Condrey, just off the DL, for the 11th. Finally, the Phils broke through in the top of the 12th against Burke Badenhop, the sixth Marlins pitcher of the night: Jimmy Rollins singled, went to second on a Shane Victorino sacrifice, and scored on a Chase Utley single. Later in the inning, Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez made one of the less well-considered moves you'll ever see, intentionally walking Paul Bako to get to Jayson Werth Properly motivated, the all-star delivered his second RBI single of the night to score Utley and put the Phillies ahead 6-4.

Then it was Brad Lidge time. After retiring Cody Ross on a flyout, Lidge walked Paulino, walked Jeremy Hermida... and fell behind 3-0 to Chris Volstad, the pitcher who was pinch-hitting for Badenhop with the Florida bench emptied. He came back to run the count full, then threw what looked like ball four--which Volstad bunted for a sacrifice to put both men in scoring position with two out. Dan Uggla came up next, and after getting strike one, Lidge misfired on a slider that bounced away from Carlos Ruiz. Paulino scored, and Hermida advanced to third. Finally, Uggla grounded to Utley and the Phils had an unlovely but well earned win to go up six games on the Marlins and Braves.

Washington Nationals' Bullpen Spoils Scott Olsen's Return...Florida Marlins Win, 4-2 Final.

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:33:24 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

5 months ago: Washington Nationals' relief pitcher Ron Villone, right, hands the ball to manager Manny Acta, left, as he is relieved in the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins during a baseball game at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Monday, June 29, 2009. The Marlins won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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-- Bottom of the 8th, 2-2 tie...Washington's left-handed reliever Ron Villone takes the mound...

- "Oh Geez. It's Villone." - ROSCOEtheNATSfan.

- "...goodcallwemaygoextrasfishnothittinglefties........WRONG" - cat daddy 3000.

- "VILL2.45NE!!" - e chigliak

- "I never thought I'd say this...but...This is not a good idea…" - Mezza

There was a time when DC's lefty reliever Ron Villone was known around here as Ron VILL0.00NE. The Nationals' 39-year-old left-hander joined the roster on May 7th as part of "Acting" DC GM Mike Rizzo's desperate attempt to rebuild Washington's bullpen after some ugly early struggles. Villone reeled off 17.0 scoreless innings before he allowed the first run to cross while he stood on the mound. Since giving up the first, however, Villone's allowed 7 runs, 5 earned, in 5.0 IP, in which he's given up 11 hits, and the tailspin continued tonight as he allowed a leadoff double, sac bunt and sac fly by Florida to put the Marlins ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning of a game Washington's returning starter Scott Olsen had held tied from the fourth inning on...

Marlins win, 4-2 final.

Miss The Game, The DC Faithful Were Watching...(And They Saw It Coming)...

BACKPAGE:

• Olsen's Return Makes Smarty's Snub Hurt Less...

• Ryan Zimmerma--THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!!

• Can We Go Back To The AL And Away From The Marlins...And Bonifacio...

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The Jump...

DWDT: 15.

Nationals now 22-52.

BACKPAGE:

Olsen's Return Makes Smarty's Snub Hurt Less...

Shairon Martis, according to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan's Nationals Journal post entitled, "Wait! Martis Demoted To Class AAA, Stammen Back In Rotation", "declined comment...after learning the news of his demotion," yesterday afternoon. Martis was sent down(up really?) to the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, NY to make room for the returning DC lefty Scott Olsen. After working his way back from what was officially called "shoulder tendenitis", Olsen took the mound tonight for the first time since May 16, and threw 94 pitches, 66 for strikes, over 7.0 IP in which he allowed 6 hits and 2 ER while collecting 7 K's.

After Ryan Zimmerman's leadoff HR and Wil Nieves' two-out RBI single in the second inning off Marlins' right-hander Ricky Nolasco, Olsen allowed Florida to tie it at 2-2 in the third. Brett Carroll doubled, moved to third on a sac bunt by Nolasco and scored on a one-out RBI single by Chris Coghlan to make 2-1, and Emilio Bonifacio tripled before Hanley Ramirez singled to tie it at 2-2. Olsen retired the Marlins in order in the 4th, 5th and 6th and then gave up a two-out single in the seventh before popping Carroll up to center to strand the only baserunner he allowed after the third. Nolasco (W, 5-6) was nasty as well, striking out 8 in 8.0 IP in which he surrenders just 4 hits and 2 ER. Ron Villone takes the loss, (L, 3-5), and Julian Tavarez gets a talking-to and a finger in his chest from DC Manager Manny Acta after Tavarez walks 3 and gives up a 1 hit and 1 ER in just 0.1 IP. Marlins' relievers Dan Meyer and Leo Nunez get it right, holding and saving Nolasco's hard-earned W.

Ryan Zimmerma--THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!!

Ryan Zimmerman had hit just 2 HR's in his last 33 games, with one on May 22nd at home against the Orioles and his last HR before tonight on June 13th in Tampa Bay, Florida. Ricky Nolasco started Ryan Zimmerman with a fastball in the second, and Zimmerma--THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! launched it to left and into the second deck above the outdated out-of-town scoreboard for what was, at the time, a 1-0 Nationals' lead. Zimmerman finishes tonight's game 1 for 4 with a .298 AVG, 13 HR's and 44 RBI's in '09.

Can We Go Back To The AL And Away From The Marlins...And Bonifacio...

Emilio Bonifacio was 8 for 23 for a .348 AVG before tonight's game, with a .400 OBP, .565 SLG, .965 OPS, 7 runs scored, 1 triple, 1 HR, 4 RBI's and 4 steals in 6 games against the same Washington Nationals who traded him (along with 2 prospects) to Florida in exchange for tonight's starting pitcher, Scott Olsen, and right fielder, Josh Willingham. Bonifacio went 3 for 4 tonight, with a triple, a run scored, and the game-winning sac-fly RBI in the eighth. The Marlins are now 7-0 against the Washington Nationals in 2009.

GAME REPORT...

Washington Nationals At Florida Marlins. Game 74 or 75 of 162.

Willie Harris swings over a slider inside that drops out of thin air for Ricky Nolasco’s first K of the game. Cristian Guzman pops out to Hanley Ramirez for out No. 2. Nick Johnson skies one to Cody Ross in center and the Nationals go down in order...Groundball to Nick Johnson from Marlins’ leadoff hitter Chris Coghlan. Emilio Bonifacio grounds out to his replacement at second, Anderson Hernandez. Scott Olsen challenges Hanley Ramirez with a fastball inside and has a laser hit by his feet for a two-out single. Willie Harris gets under Jorge Cantu’s pop fly to center and makes the catch to end the first.

First pitch fastball to Ryan Zimmerma---THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! HR to left and into the second deck!! 1-0 Nationals. Adam Dunn flies out to Brett Carroll in right. Josh Willingham hammers a ground rule double to center, one bounce and over the wall. Ricky Nolasco shatters Anderson Hernandez’s bat, inducing a weak grounder back to the mound, Hammer takes third. Wil Nieves sends a dribbler past Nolasco, Dan Uggla tries to shuffle it to first with his glove, no dice, Hammer scores, Nieves safe, 2-0 DC. Olsen K’s looking and heads back to the mound...Scott Olsen’s 2-2 change is unhittable, Dan Uggla K’s trying. Cody Ross flies to right center, where Josh Willingham makes the grab. Ronny Paulino pushes Willingham back to the track, the Hammer has it, 2-0 DC after two.

Willie Harris hasn’t figured out Nolasco’s bender yet, swinging K no. 2 for the first out of the third. Cristian Guzman watches a two-strike bender drop onto the outside corner for a called strike three. Nick Johnson lines out to Carroll in right to end the Nationals’ third...Brett Carroll blasts a double to the gap in left center, and takes third on Ricky Nolasco’s sac bunt. Chris Coghlan singles in a run with a line drive to right, 2-1 DC. Wil Nieves nails Coghlan trying to steal second with a perfect throw. Emilio Bonifacio triples off the left field wall and scores on a single up the middle from Hanley Ramirez, 2-2 ballgame. Jorge Cantu flies out to Dunn to end the third.

Ryan Zimmerman pops the first pitch of the fourth up over home, Ronny Paulino makes the catch. Adam Dunn stares a two-strike curve onto the outside edge. Josh Willingham gets a single through Bonifacio’s glove at third and into left. Anderson Hernandez drills one to the mound, Nolasco stabs it and throws to first...Dan Uggla K’s looking at a curve that he thinks is inside. Cody Ross lines to right, Willingham makes a shoestring grab to rob Ross. Ronny Paulino grounds to short, Guzman backhands, jumps up and makes the throw, 2-2 after four.

Wil Nieves grounds the first pitch to Bonifacio at third. Scott Olsen pops out to Brett Carroll in fair territory down the line in right. Willie Harris grounds out to Jorge Cantu at first to end DC’s fifth...Brett Carroll swings a foot over a 1-2 change from Scott Olsen. RIcky Nolasco K’s swinging, and Chris Coghlan flies out to Willie Harris in center to end the fifth.

Cristian Guzman grounds out to Jorge Cantu at first to start the sixth. Nick Johnson flies out to Chris Coghlan in the left field corner. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to short, Hanley handles it...Emilio Bonifacio pops out behind second. Hanley Ramirez is looking fastball when he gets a 2-2 change and K’s. Jorge Cantu K’s swinging through a fastballl upstairs!!!

Adam Dunn works the count full against Nolasco, and K’s swinging over a slider down the pipe. Josh Willingham lines out to right. Two-strike change in the dirt and Anderson Hernandez K’s swinging...Dan Uggla grounds to Zimmerman at third. Cody Ross K’s swinging. Ronny Paulino hits a two-out single to second. Brett Carroll lifts a 2-0 pitch to center, Willie Harris makes the grab.

Wil Nieves rips one all the way to the track in left center, but Cody Ross gets there. Elijah Dukes rips a line drive to Ross. Willie Harris hasn’t been able to figure out Nolasco’s slider all night, and he K’s again...Reliever Ron Villone faces pinch hitter Wes Helms, who doubles to right just inside the first base line. Chris Coghlan gets the sac bunt down to move pinch runner Alejandro De Aza to third. Emilio Bonifacio flies out to center, De Aza tags and scores. 3-2 Marlins. Julian Tavarez comes on to face Hanley Ramirez, and he gives up a double on the first pitch. Tavarez walks Jorge Cantu to get to Dan Uggla. Tavarez walks Dan Uggla. Julian Tavarez walks Cody Ross to force in a run. 4-2 Florida. Paulino hits a hotshot to third, Zimmerman takes the force at second to end the threat.

Dan Meyer vs Cristian Guzman. Guzman grounds out to Cantu at first. Nick Johnson singles over short in his trademark style. NJ™. Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right center. Adam Dunn rips a line drive through the dramatic shift, Johnson takes third. Dan Meyer’s done. Leo Nunez up next. Nunez vs Willingham. Hammer flies to center and Cody Ross makes the catch. Ballgame. Marlins win, 4-2 final.

Nationals now 22-52.