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We're going to do a bit of a hybrid approach to the Nationals and Royals tonight. I'm going to chat from the fourth to the sixth innings, probably as much about the decision to send John Lannan to the minors as the game. I'll post the chat window in a while. But before (and after) that, you can discuss the game in the comments section, and I'll blog some updates.
7:40 p.m.: Michael Morse continues to make his case he should be in the lineup more often. Morse blasted a 1-0 pitch from Bruce Chen about three rows from the left field concourse to put the Nationals up 1-0.
7:50 p.m.: The Royals tied the game in the top of the third, but they could've had more if not for Nyer Morgan, who made a terrific running catch to rob David DeJesus at the center-field wall. It's Morgan's second rangy catch in as many days, and he's already got a hit and a walk tonight. In fairness, though, he does lead the National League in times caught stealing after he was thrown out in the first.
8:03 p.m.: We're going to start taking some questions about the Lannan move in the window below. I'll keep posting on the game, as well, but if you've got questions, just submit them in the window, and we'll chat about the Nats from the fourth through the sixth innings.
9:09 p.m.: Back from our in-game chat -- you can watch the replay at the bottom of this page, if you like. And in the middle innings, the Nationals have taken the lead back. Cristian Guzman hit his third homer of the year on a 3-1 pitch off Bruce Chen. And the Nationals shut down a rally in the top of the seventh, picking Alberto Callaspo off second base. Ivan Rodriguez has thrown out three runners tonight, though he caught Scott Podsednik napping in the first. On this play, Ian Desmond did a tremendous job of blocking second base with his leg, tagging Callaspo before his other hand could reach the bag. Livan Hernandez is done after allowing one run on eight hits in seven innings. It was a start the Nationals needed, and though they only scored two runs off Bruce Chen - which might be the equivalent of getting shut out against anyone else - they still lead 2-1.
9:48 p.m.: The Nationals' losing streak is over. Matt Capps sandwiched three strikeouts around two singles in the ninth inning, and the Nats hung on for a 2-1 win. It wasn't pretty, but you can't lose to these kinds of teams at home, and it's a big win for the team to get back on track.
