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Early in today's game against the Giants, when the Nationals only scored one run despite getting five walks, two hit batters, two hits and a wild pitch off Jonathan Sanchez, it felt like they might pay for doing so little with such generosity. That looks like a distinct possibility in the seventh inning, and somewhat fittingly, it's because of walks.
With runners on second and third in the top of the seventh, manager Jim Riggleman called for John Lannan to intentionally walk catcher Eli Whiteside, who'd homered earlier in the game but was hitting .231 for the season and .155 against lefties, to get to the pitcher's spot. The Giants were already into their bullpen, though, so it wasn't as if the Nationals would get a weaker hitter out of the deal; in fact, the Giants pinch hit with first baseman Aubrey Huff. And even though Whiteside had homered, I'd argue it becomes even less likely he'll do it again. In the end, I don't see the reason for the intentional walk.
And sure enough, after the bases were loaded, Lannan walked Huff to put San Francisco up 2-1. That's where we sit in the bottom of the seventh as the Nationals try to rally.
Update: The game is over, and the Giants have won 2-1. The Nationals loaded the bases in the ninth before Brian Wilson struck out Adam LaRoche for the game's final out. More to come shortly.
