Byron Kerr

Yunel Escobar gets on base five times in Nationals' 13-3 dispatch of Marlins

September 20, 2015, 1:59pm

Third baseman Yunel Escobar went 4-for-4 with a double, a walk and four RBIs as the Nationals steamrolled the Marlins 13-3. Escobar reached base in all five plate appearances and reached a personal milestone of 163 hits on the season. His previous career high was 158 hits in 2009 with the Braves. The key hit for Escobar arrived in the sixth. He slashed a double to deep right center field off of Scott McGough. The hit scored three runs. He had led off that same inning with a single to left...

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Nats game blog: Strasburg vies for first win against Marlins this season

September 20, 2015, 8:25am

Nationals

Nats game blog: Strasburg vies for first win against Marlins this season

It has been good to see Trea Turner contribute in the last couple of games. He has wanted to play, and getting a chance to show his speed, quick hands and ability to hit has been fun to watch. Sunday he gets his second start of his young career, batting eighth and playing second base. We had a discussion regarding Turner during MASN's "Nats Xtra" pregame show Saturday regarding the top infield prospect and his future with the Nationals. He is touted as the next shortstop and could replace...

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Trea Turner gets start at second base as Nats battle Marlins (lineups)

September 20, 2015, 7:52am

Nationals

Trea Turner gets start at second base as Nats battle Marlins (lineups)

The Nationals take on the Marlins seeking a series win following yesterday's 5-2 victory. The lineup includes the second major league start for Trea Turner, who will be at second base. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (9-7, 3.98) gets the call following back-to-back starts in which he registered at least 13 strikeouts. He has tossed 15 1/3 innings in those two outings with 27 strikeouts. The Marlins counter with left-hander Justin Nicolino (3-3, 3.81), who was pushed back a day to get the Sunday...

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Nats game blog: Is this second-to-last appearance for Zimmermann at Nats Park?

September 19, 2015, 8:53am

Nationals

Nats game blog: Is this second-to-last appearance for Zimmermann at Nats Park?

The Nationals showed some fire and emotion Friday night in a 5-4, 10-inning comeback win over the Marlins. Jose Lobaton had a sac fly to score Jayson Werth, who had a bloodied forehead and bloody right knee as he met with the media after the game. Washington looks to go up 2-1 in the series with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann getting the nod today. Wilson Ramos is back at the catching spot, and Tyler Moore gets the call at first base. Michael A. Taylor is back playing center field. "They enjoy...

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Jose Lobaton gets to play role of hero as Nats drop Marlins

September 18, 2015, 7:32pm

Nationals

Jose Lobaton gets to play role of hero as Nats drop Marlins

Jose Lobaton does not get many opportunities to play as the backup catcher. Even more rare is the chance for him to impact the game in his last at-bat. Friday night, Lobaton's fly ball to left field scored Jayson Werth from third base with the winning run as the Nationals completed a 5-4 comeback win over the Marlins in 10 innings. "What do you want me to say, (I am) happy," Lobaton said afterwards at his locker. "That was something that you really want to do every time you got that...

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Nationals game blog: Max Scherzer seeks fourth win over Marlins

September 18, 2015, 1:34pm

Nationals

The Nationals have not been able to take advantage of opportunities presented to them at critical times this season. Thursday night was another example. With the Mets off, the Nationals could have jumped to seven games behind the leaders by taking down the Marlins on their home field. Instead, the Marlins beat them 6-4. Miami has now defeated the Nationals nine out of 16 times they have matched up this season. That should not happen against a team that has lost 20 more games than they have won...

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Matt Williams hopes Jose Fernandez grows impatient at unfamiliar Nationals Park

September 18, 2015, 1:13pm

Nationals

Nationals had difficulty against Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez in their last matchup, even though he only pitched five innings. Fernandez threw 69 pitches, 43 for strikes, and did not allow a run in the Marlins' 2-0 win over the Nationals on September 12 in Miami. So manager Matt Williams believes the strategy tonight is to work the count against Fernandez. "I want us to be patient because he's still a little bit on a pitch count," Williams said. "Coming out last time it was five...

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Erik Davis shows great patience, finally back in big leagues after Tommy John recovery

September 18, 2015, 6:41am

Nationals

Erik Davis shows great patience, finally back in big leagues after Tommy John recovery

Right-hander Erik Davis has returned to the Nationals as a September call-up. It has been a longer road than he anticipated getting back from Tommy John surgery in 2014. But he has returned and made 37 appearances with three teams in the minors this season. He did well, going 1-2 with a 3.88 ERA and 47 strikeouts and 27 walks. His best run came with Double-A Harrisburg. Davis pitched in 24 games, going 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA. He admitted that rehabilitation from a major surgery is not an easy task...

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Tanner Roark allows two home runs in 6-4 loss to Marlins

September 17, 2015, 7:28pm

Nationals

Tanner Roark allows two home runs in 6-4 loss to Marlins

Right-hander Tanner Roark had a rough first inning against the Marlins on Thursday. His fifth, and last inning, was even worse. Roark allowed a two-run shot to Martin Prado in the first frame and a three-run homer to Justin Bour in the fifth. That provided the Marlins almost all the offense they needed in a 6-4 win. "I gave up six runs," Roark said. "As a starter, you're not supposed to do that. You're supposed to limit the damage done, and I didn't do my job today. Honestly, that's the...

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Nats game blog: Tanner Roark looks to keep win streak going against Marlins

September 17, 2015, 2:01pm

Nationals

Nats game blog: Tanner Roark looks to keep win streak going against Marlins

The Nationals return home to begin their longest homestand of the regular season, spanning 11 games. They begin with the Marlins. Miami stunned the first-place Mets 6-0 Wednesday night in New York. They also took two of three versus the Nationals last week in South Florida. The Marlins have won 11 of their last 15 games. Imagine what they could have done with Giancarlo Stanton? The Nationals swept the hapless no-name Phillies 24-9. In last night's 12-2 shellacking, Jayson Werth hit two homers...

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Drew Storen apologized to Matt Williams for breaking thumb

September 17, 2015, 1:47pm

Nationals

Drew Storen apologized to Matt Williams for breaking thumb

Nationals right-hander Drew Storen met with the media in front of his locker for the first time at Nationals Park since it was announced he is out for the season due to a broken right thumb. Storen injured the thumb by slamming the door shut to his locker following a pair of rough performances last homestand against the New York Mets. Storen described his conversation with manager Matt Williams after it was diagnosed as a broken thumb and that he would be out for the season. "I kind of just...

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Strasburg and Harper remind Nats of their solid base

September 16, 2015, 6:24am

Nationals

Strasburg and Harper remind Nats of their solid base

This season certainly hasn't turned out like the Nationals wanted. Outfielder Jayson Werth said as much after hitting two homers, including a grand slam, in an 8-7 11-inning win Monday. The team will look different with a lot of the free agents currently on the roster not returning in 2016. But two important players - arguably the most important pieces - will be there next season. Both displayed their value in Tuesday's 4-0 shutout of the Phillies. Outfielder Bryce Harper clubbed two homers...

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Exclusive: 2015 Nationals instructional league invitees

September 15, 2015, 4:41am

Nationals

The Nationals instructional league commences early next month in Florida and the roster is filled with the best prospects in the system. MASNsports.com received a list of the invitees. The list includes pitchers Lucas Giolito, Erick Fedde, Jacob Johansen, Reynaldo Lopez, Jefry Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Austen Williams. Also invited are catcher Spencer Kieboom, infielders Chris Bostick, Jose Marmolejos-Diaz and Drew Ward, plus outfielders Rafael Bautista, Victor Robles and Andrew...

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Will the Nationals go after O's Wieters in free agency?

September 14, 2015, 5:44am

Nationals Orioles

Will the Nationals go after O's Wieters in free agency?

With the way the season is winding down for the Nationals, it would seem logical that this team will look quite different in 2016 if it is going to make a run at the Mets and the National League East. There could new players starting at various spots in the lineup. Michael A. Taylor could be the starting center fielder. Trea Turner could be the new shortstop. What about catcher? Catcher Wilson Ramos has not had a standout season from the offensive or defensive side for the Nationals. Ramos has...

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Despite loss to Marlins, Roark looks comfortable in starter role

September 12, 2015, 6:14pm

Nationals

Despite loss to Marlins, Roark looks comfortable in starter role

Right-hander Tanner Roark started again for the Nationals on Saturday night against the Marlins. Roark finished 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits but only two runs with one walk, two strikeouts and one hit by pitch. He fired 69 pitches, 40 for strikes. He suffered the loss in the 2-0 defeat. But Roark (4-5) has a track record of success as a starter. In 43 games, Roark was 21-12 with a 3.06 ERA heading into Saturday's affair. In 2014, he won 15 games for the Nationals as a starter. This...

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Bleier and Espino shined with Triple-A Syracuse this season

September 11, 2015, 10:54am

Nationals

Bleier and Espino shined with Triple-A Syracuse this season

Left-hander Richard Bleier stepped up well at Triple-A after his promotion this season. With the Syracuse Chiefs, he made his first start July 27. Bleier went 6-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 11 starts (12 games). He struck out 25 and walked seven, allowing only 75 hits in 68 2/3 innings. At Double-A Harrisburg, Bleier was 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 15 starts (16 games). He had 40 strikeouts and nine walks in 103 innings. Minor league pitching coordinator Paul Menhart says Bleier is unique in that he knows...

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Drew Storen on bad outings: "I have to make that adjustment"

September 10, 2015, 9:08am

Nationals

Drew Storen on bad outings: "I have to make that adjustment"

Nationals closer Drew Storen was rolling along at the beginning of this season. In the first four months of the season, Storen had allowed seven total earned runs in 40 appearances for a 1-0 record and a 1.64 ERA in 38 1/3 innings. Since August 1, one day after the trading deadline that brought in new closer Jonathan Papelbon, Storen has struggled mightily. In 18 games since August 1, Storen has allowed 16 runs with 14 earned. He has gone 1-2 with a 7.56 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. His WHIP (walks...

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Desmond on sweep by Mets: "Pretty devastating"

September 09, 2015, 7:07pm

Nationals

Desmond on sweep by Mets: "Pretty devastating"

To gauge how much the 5-3 loss and sweep at the hands of the New York Mets affected the Nationals clubhouse, just go to the longest-tenured Nationals player, shortstop Ian Desmond. "Pretty devastating," Desmond said. "Put ourselves in a good position coming into this series. Obviously not where we'd like to be, but we gave ourselves a chance. Obviously, a lot more optimistic coming into this series than exiting it. "Is it over? No. Until the numbers tell you it's over it's not over. We...

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Nats game blog: Nationals look to Strasburg to prevent sweep vs. Mets

September 09, 2015, 1:02pm

Nationals

The Nationals look for Stephen Strasburg to do two very important things in his start tonight against the Mets. They need the right-hander to keep the score down and go at least six innings to help a wounded bullpen. The 'pen allowed six runs on six walks and three hits in the seventh inning Tuesday. The Mets were able to erase a 7-1 lead. You know the rest of the story. The Mets counter with right-hander Jacob deGrom (12-7, 2.40 ERA). He has won four of his last five decisions and beat the...

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Matt Williams still "confident" in bullpen after blowing 7-1 lead to Mets

September 08, 2015, 7:45pm

Nationals

Matt Williams still "confident" in bullpen after blowing 7-1 lead to Mets

The Nationals dropped a stunner to the Mets 8-7 Tuesday after they led 7-1 heading to the top of the seventh. For the second straight game against the Mets, the Nationals allowed huge seventh innings: three runs Monday in an 8-5 loss and six runs Tuesday night that erased a big lead, tying the game at 7-7. Nationals manager Matt Williams attempted to pull out all the stops in the seventh, using three relievers. But Blake Treinen, Felipe Rivero and Drew Storen combined to allow six walks, three...