Byron Kerr

Matt Skole "excited" to receive South Atlantic League MVP honor

August 30, 2012, 1:10pm

Nationals prospect Matt Skole was named the South Atlantic League Player of the Year today, after racking up 27 home runs and 92 RBIs for the low Single-A Hagerstown Suns this season. Skole told reporters in Zebulon, N.C., what an honor it was to receive the Most Valuable Player award. "I was really excited. It felt great," he said. "I was happy for myself and the way I played in that league. It is a very prestigious award." The 2011 fifth-round selection out of Georgia Tech played 101...

Tags:

Storen's stopper routine stuns Marlins

August 29, 2012, 7:36pm

Nationals

It was his seventh hold of the season. He managed to get three straight outs. Oh, yes, and did I mention the Marlins had two men in scoring position? And it was the eighth inning? And the Nationals had watched their 5-0 lead dwindle away until they led 6-4 as they looked to snap a season-high five-game losing skid? And the heart of the Marlins order was due up, led by the big bat of Carlos Lee? I didn't? Well, I should have. I am talking about closer-turned-eighth-inning-super-saver Drew...

Tags:

byron kerr cardinals davey johnson drew storen marlins nationals frontstory_nationals3

Anthony Rendon leads Nationals' contingent to Arizona Fall League

August 29, 2012, 10:52am

Nationals

Nationals top infield prospect Anthony Rendon will get to extend his season against the best competition in the Arizona Fall League with the Salt River Rafters. Rendon joins Jason Martinson, Brian Goodwin and one other yet to be named infielder from the Nationals organization. Pitchers selected from the Nationals are Paul Demny, Ryan Perry, Christian Garcia and one other pitcher to be named. Martinson will be the taxi squad participant, eligible to play Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mark...

Tags:

anthony rendon byron kerr nationals ryan perry frontstory_nationals3

Hagerstown's Caleb Ramsey named South Atlantic League Player of the Week

August 29, 2012, 8:49am

Nationals

Hagerstown's Caleb Ramsey named South Atlantic League Player of the Week

Hagerstown Suns All-Star outfielder Caleb Ramsey was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for Aug. 20-26 following an incredible six-game run. Ramsey hit .556 (10-for-18) with two doubles, three triples, 10 RBIs, five runs, two walks and one stolen base. He struck out just once. From Aug. 19-23, Ramsey smacked 11 hits and had 10 RBIs in a five-game span. Ramsey joins former teammates in outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and right-hander Alex Meyer as South Atlantic League Player/Pitcher...

Tags:

alex meyer byron kerr caleb ramsey hagerstown nationals steven souza frontstory_nationals3

Nationals decide to rest Alex Meyer with six games left; AFL next?

August 28, 2012, 7:26pm

Nationals

The Nationals have shut down a pitcher for the season. Well, this team only has six games remaining, plus a possible postseason run, but still. After reaching 129 innings between low Single-A Hagerstown and high Single-A Potomac, the Nationals don't want to push it with right-hander Alex Meyer and his season is done. At least with Potomac. Meyer could very easily be selected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. He told me two weeks ago that his high innings count might be the reason he...

Tags:

alex meyer byron kerr nationals potomac frontstory_nationals3

Skole reaches 100 RBIs, Ortega gets close to cycle in N.C. wins for Nats affiliates

August 28, 2012, 7:10pm

Nationals

Skole reaches 100 RBIs, Ortega gets close to cycle in N.C. wins for Nats affiliates

High Single-A Potomac got a big win in North Carolina Tuesday. The squad is now 1-16 in the Tar Heel State this season following a 4-1 win at Carolina. Matt Skole, Adrian Sanchez and Kevin Keyes had two hits apiece. Keyes hit his 20th homer of the season and added a double. Sanchez also had a double and scored two runs. But Skole's two RBIs are notable because he has reached 101 RBIs for the season. Skole joined teammate Jason Martinson (106 RBIs) and Tyler Moore (2010, 111 RBIs) as the only...

Tags:

bryce ortega byron kerr hagerstown jason martinson matt skole nationals potomac tyler moore frontstory_nationals1

Potomac goes on road in search of postseason bid

August 28, 2012, 5:56am

Nationals

Potomac goes on road in search of postseason bid

After Sunday's 10-7 loss to Frederick, the high Single-A Potomac Nationals are now three games back, behind Wilmington with seven games to play. Tonight, the P-Nats (29-33) begin a four-game set at Carolina (29-34). The final three games are at Wilmington (33-31). So, if the P-Nats can stay within three games of the Blue Rocks, they will have a chance at the second-half division title. Wilmington has six games remaining, all at home. The Blue Rocks face Myrtle Beach tonight. The Pelicans...

Tags:

alex meyer byron kerr matt skole nationals potomac frontstory_nationals2

During losing string, bullpen having trouble bridging

August 27, 2012, 3:26am

Nationals

During losing string, bullpen having trouble bridging

One reason for the Nationals' four-game losing streak is the bullpen's inability to hold the game at one or two runs. In every one of the four games the Nationals have lost since Wednesday, relievers have allowed at least one run. On Thursday, the Braves scored three runs in the ninth to extend a 2-1 lead to 5-1. Atlanta won the game by that score. On Friday, the Phillies tallied a crucial run in the eighth after the Nats had pulled with 3-2 on a Tyler Moore two-run homer just an inning...

Tags:

braves byron kerr nationals phillies sean burnett tom gorzelanny frontstory_nationals3

Potomac has chance to move closer to playoffs tonight versus Frederick

August 26, 2012, 7:59am

Nationals

Potomac has chance to move closer to playoffs tonight versus Frederick

High Single-A Potomac Nationals shut out Frederick 3-0 in a rain-shortened affair Saturday night to move within one game of the Keys and two games of the division with a week to play. Tonight, in an early 6:05 start, the P-Nats can complete the sweep of the Keys. Left-hander Robbie Ray (4-11, 4.52 ERA) gets the call against left-hander Tim Berry (4-5, 4.52). On Saturday, right-hander Matt Swynenberg scattered five hits and four walks, but managed to keep the Keys off the scoreboard. Jason...

Tags:

byron kerr jason martinson nationals potomac steven souza frontstory_nationals2

Potomac Nationals name 35th anniversary team

August 25, 2012, 3:09pm

Nationals

The fans voted for the Potomac Nationals' 35th anniversary team, and it is an impressive lineup, featuring home run hitters Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla, and pitchers Andy Pettitte and Dan Haren. Potomac Franchise 35th Anniversary Team C - Jorge Posada (1993) 1B - Albert Pujols (2000) 2B - Adam Kennedy (1997-78) SS - Rafael Belliard (1981) 3B - Roberto Bonilla (1985) OF - Bernie Williams (1988) OF - Barry Bonds (1985) OF - Magglio Ordonez (1995) P - Andy Pettitte...

Tags:

byron kerr nationals frontstory_nationals2

Potomac, in playoff form, grabs first game against Frederick

August 25, 2012, 5:44am

Nationals

Potomac, in playoff form, grabs first game against Frederick

It seemed like a must-win situation Friday for the high Single-A Potomac Nationals, down three games to the Frederick Keys with three scheduled games over the weekend. One down, two to go after a 6-4 win over Frederick on Friday night. Displaying his best stuff since the beginning of the season, right-hander Robert Gilliam (1-1) came up clutch and kept the Keys at bay, going 7 2/3 innings. He allowed six hits, two runs, one walk and had eight strikeouts. Gilliam faced 28 batters, tallying six...

Tags:

byron kerr frederick kevin gausman nationals potomac robert gilliam steven souza frontstory_nationals2

Meyer back to grooving; notes on Garcia and Perez

August 24, 2012, 6:55am

Nationals

Meyer back to grooving; notes on Garcia and Perez

Just in case you were worried Alex Meyer's six runs allowed in his last start would be habit forming, the 6-foot-9 right-hander was back to his normal self Thursday. Meyer allowed just one run on five hits in six innings, notching the victory over Carolina, 7-5. Meyer struck out three batters and walked two, leaving with a 6-1 lead. He is now 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA in seven starts for the P-Nats. Overall, he has tossed 129 innings and has struck out 139 batters. The next step will be the...

Tags:

alex meyer byron kerr christian garcia eury perez nationals potomac syracuse frontstory_nationals2

Even with Phillies down, Nats know journey to pennant goes through Philly

August 23, 2012, 7:59am

Nationals

Even with Phillies down, Nats know journey to pennant goes through Philly

The Nationals head on the road to Philadelphia and Miami for the next six days, but they have felt right at home living out of a suitcase this season. Another major component of why the Nationals are so good this year has been their ability to play their best baseball on the road. The 41-23 record (.641) is six victories better than their nearest competition. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Cincinnati all have 35 wins away from home. The Nationals have won 14 of their last 17 games on the...

Tags:

byron kerr nationals phillies frontstory_nationals2

Suns' Ramsey and Dykstra get decisive hits in wins over Kannapolis

August 22, 2012, 7:32pm

Nationals

Suns' Ramsey and Dykstra get decisive hits in wins over Kannapolis

A nice couple of games for outfielder Caleb Ramsey and third baseman Cutter Dykstra, as they continue to play consistent baseball for the Low Single-A Hagerstown Suns. On Tuesday, Ramsey went 3-for-3 with two triples and three RBIs in the Suns 7-6 win over Kannapolis. Then Wednesday night, Ramsey hit another triple, this one in the fourth, to plate three runs in helping the Suns to a 5-4 win over the Suns. Dykstra's two-run double in the eighth put the Suns up to stay. Dykstra hit his...

Tags:

billy burns byron kerr caleb ramsey cutter dykstra hagerstown nationals frontstory_nationals2

Davey thinks half-dozen likely called up in September

August 22, 2012, 1:17pm

Nationals

Davey thinks half-dozen likely called up in September

Nationals manager Davey Johnson commented on the upcoming roster expansion, which will occur in about 10 days with September call-ups. Johnson said he looked forward to calling up players last year and that need is not as urgent this season. "I really was last year, much more so than this year," Johnson said. "I don't know how many we had last year, but we couldn't have had that many." Johnson believes there could be close to a half-dozen summoned to help shore up the roster for the...

Tags:

anthony rendon byron kerr davey johnson nationals frontstory_nationals2

Rizzo confirms Giolito likely needs Tommy John surgery (with audio)

August 22, 2012, 10:08am

Nationals

Rizzo confirms Giolito likely needs Tommy John surgery (with audio)

It is almost time to begin the Tommy John clock for right-hander Lucas Giolito. Appearing on the "Holden & Danny Show" on Wednesday on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo confirmed that first-round selection Giolito will likely need Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in his right elbow. "It looks like he is going to need Tommy John surgery," Rizzo said on "The Mike Rizzo Show." "He has seen our medical people. We're going to give him a second...

Tags:

byron kerr lucas giolito mike rizzo nationals stephen strasburg frontfeatured_nationals

Desmond surge a good sign, even if he still isn't 100 percent

August 21, 2012, 7:31pm

Nationals

Desmond surge a good sign, even if he still isn't 100 percent

Shortstop Ian Desmond went 0-for-11 in his return from a left oblique strain that forced him to miss 25 games on the disabled list. But in the last two games Desmond has returned to his All-Star form with home runs in his first at-bat. Desmond smacked a two-run shot off of Braves' starter Tim Hudson in the first inning Monday, capping a four-run inning that gave the Nationals a 4-1 lead. He finished with two hits in the 13-inning marathon. On Tuesday, with rain pouring down, Desmond...

Tags:

byron kerr davey johnson ian desmond nationals stephen strasburg frontstory_nationals2

Davey says bullpen is good to go in Game 2

August 21, 2012, 1:24pm

Nationals

Davey says bullpen is good to go in Game 2

Despite using all seven relievers in Monday's 5-4, 13-inning marathon win over the Atlanta Braves, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said they will all be available for Tuesday's Game 2. Even Craig Stammen, who went two full innings, will be available. "He is probably good to go too," Johnson said. "He is the strongest one out there." Johnson said the bullpen, which includes three lefties and four right-handers, will be ready if needed after Stephen Strasburg tonight. "They are all...

Tags:

byron kerr craig stammen davey johnson nationals frontstory_nationals3

Prospect Ricky Hague's shoulder "feels great"

August 21, 2012, 9:32am

Nationals

Prospect Ricky Hague's shoulder "feels great"

High Single-A Potomac Nationals shortstop Ricky Hague is putting together a full season after missing most of last year with a shoulder injury. Hague has worked very hard to strengthen the shoulder and game repetition has helped him maintain his range of motion. "The shoulder feels great," Hague said recently. "It has given me no problems. It feels strong. No pain at all." Hague has also learned that playing 92 games so far in a season is the true test every baseball player at the...

Tags:

byron kerr jason martinson nationals potomac rick hague frontstory_nationals1

Details on how Nationals' AFL roster will break down

August 20, 2012, 1:11pm

Nationals

The Nationals' selections for participation in the Arizona Fall League will be decided in about one week, according to a club source. The Nationals will partially stock the Salt River Rafters, alongside the Rockies, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and White Sox. AFL play begins Oct. 9. As reported last week, with the new guidelines for roster allocation in place this season, each team can send two low Single-A players, two high Single-A players and three players from Double-A and up. No details...