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Stephen Strasburg's roller coaster season continues (with lineups)

September 15, 2015, 11:29am

PHILADELPHIA - The roller coaster ride of a season continues for Stephen Strasburg tonight with the right-hander's 20th start of the year. Strasburg is coming off a hard luck loss to the Mets last Wednesday where he breezed through the first seven innings before surrendering a game-tying leadoff homer to Kelly Johnson in the eighth. After fanning Kirk Nieuwenhuis for his season-high 13th strikeout of the game, Strasburg was yanked when he yielded a single to Curtis Granderson. Yoenis Cespedes...

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In rough and unexpected season, Doug Fister picks up first save

September 14, 2015, 11:49pm

Nationals

In rough and unexpected season, Doug Fister picks up first save

PHILADELPHIA - Raise your hand if you had Doug Fister saving a near meaningless game in mid-September this season. That's exactly what happened last night when manager Matt Williams called on Fister for the first time in 13 days to close out a seesaw contest that left the Nationals leading the Phillies 8-7 in the bottom of the 11th. Fister walked Cameron Rupp to start the frame, but then settled down, whiffing Andres Blanco and Odubel Herrera before getting Freddy Galvis to line out to end the...

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Nationals game blog: Bryce Harper looks to continue power trip

September 15, 2015, 2:01pm

Nationals

PHILADELPHIA - Bryce Harper blasted his 37th homer of the season last night with a solo shot off Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. The third-inning blast gave the young slugger the first longball of his career off a pitcher younger than him. Harper is 6 1/2 months older than the 22-year-old Nola. Harper's 91 straight home runs to open his career off a pitcher older than him is the third-longest streak in the expansion era behind Mike Trout (116) and Bob Horner (95). Harper has reached base...

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Jayson Werth reflects on injury-plagued season after 8-7 win

September 14, 2015, 8:43pm

Nationals

Jayson Werth reflects on injury-plagued season after 8-7 win

PHILADELPHIA - In a season filled with injuries that have interfered with a division crown and a possible deep run into October, the Nationals are finally showing the potential of some of their battered stars. Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth - two guys who have combined to miss 151 games this year - led the way tonight as the Nationals outlasted the Phillies 8-7 in a game that featured 16 pitchers over 11 innings. Rendon set the tone from the start, smacking the first pitch of the game from...

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Matt of Matt's Batts: Three reasons 2015 was disappointing for Nationals

September 14, 2015, 5:13pm

Nationals

On the 15th of September, the Nationals are 10 games back of the New York Mets and it's safe to say their postseason chances are just a little more than zero. Before the season started, almost everyone thought Washington was a favorite to win the World Series. I predicted on my blog, MattsBats.com, that they would win 99 games and take the National League East easily. A lot of people are now wondering what went wrong for the Nationals this year. Today, I am looking at three of the biggest...

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Nats slug four homers, outlast Phillies 8-7 in 11 innings

September 14, 2015, 3:13pm

Nationals

Nats slug four homers, outlast Phillies 8-7 in 11 innings

PHILADELPHIA - Anthony Rendon belted the first pitch of the game from Phillies starter Aaron Nola over the left-center field wall. It was Rendon's second leadoff homer of his career and the eighth for the Nationals this season. Update: Ryan Howard smoked a 2-1 fastball from Nats starter Jordan Zimmermann over the wall in right to tie the score in the second. It was the first hit allowed by Zimmermann. Update II: Bryce Harper answered with a two-out solo homer to right in the third. It was...

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Denard Span named finalist for Roberto Clemente Award

September 14, 2015, 4:36pm

Nationals

Denard Span named finalist for Roberto Clemente Award

PHILADELPHIA - Center fielder Denard Span was named the Washington Nationals' 2015 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet, Major League Baseball announced today. The Roberto Clemente Award pays tribute to the Hall of Famer's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. Span is one of the 30 finalists from each Major League club for the annual award given to the player who best represents the game...

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Jonathan Papelbon critical of Phillies in return

September 14, 2015, 3:53pm

Nationals

Jonathan Papelbon critical of Phillies in return

PHILADELPHIA - Right-hander Jonathan Papelbon makes his uncelebrated return to Citizens Bank Park tonight for the first time since the Phillies shipped him to the Nationals just before the trade deadline on July 28. The controversial trade knocked right-hander Drew Storen back into a set-up role to make way for Papelbon to handle the ninth inning. The Nationals have struggled since the move, going just 20-25 and leaving Papelbon with only six opportunities to save games. Papelbon successfully...

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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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Bryce Harper returns after violent collision (with lineups)

September 14, 2015, 11:34am

Nationals

Bryce Harper returns after violent collision (with lineups)

PHILADELPHIA - Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper returns to the lineup tonight after a brutal collision knocked him out of yesterday's game. Harper ran into Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich while attempting to make a running turn at the bag on his way to third on Jayson Werth's inning-ending groundout. The violent impact left Harper on his back as Nationals manager Matt Williams and head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz rushed out to tend to him. Harper left the game for precautionary...

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Nationals game blog: Jordan Zimmermann looks for momentum in stretch run

September 14, 2015, 2:52pm

Nationals

PHILADELPHIA - Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann heads to the mound tonight looking to collect his 13th win of the season. The Phillies are the lone National League team that Zimmermann has a losing record against, coming in at 6-7 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 career starts. Zimmermann has allowed just three runs over his last three outings, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA while striking out 15 over 18 2/3 innings. After batting .314 with six homers and 18 RBIs in August, Ian Desmond's bat has cooled down...

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Finally healthy, Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth heat up

September 14, 2015, 4:41am

Nationals

Finally healthy, Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth heat up

After many questioned their pride, the Nationals showed up Sunday, ending a disastrous five-game losing streak with a 5-0 shutout win over the Marlins. Right-hander Max Scherzer led the way, tossing eight scoreless innings to earn his 12th win in his best start since the All-Star break. The Nationals rebounded from a three-hit shutout loss on Saturday to plate five runs on 11 hits yesterday. Anthony Rendon picked up three hits, a walk and an RBI. And batting in the cleanup spot for the second...

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Span named Nationals nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

September 14, 2015, 10:32am

Nationals

Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of MLB, today announced that Denard Span was named the Washington Nationals' 2015 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Wednesday, September 16th marks the fourteenth annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente's legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Span is one of the 30 Club...

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Opposite dugout: Playing out the string, last-place Phillies are a team in transition

September 12, 2015, 1:57pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Playing out the string, last-place Phillies are a team in transition

Manager: Pete Mackanin (1st season) Record: 56-88 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: CF Odubel Herrera (.299/.328/.428 with 8 HR, 14 SB), 1B Ryan Howard (22 HR, 76 RBIs), RHP Ken Giles (1.43 ERA, 13 saves), RHP Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.56 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 5-7 Pitching probables: Sept. 14: RHP Jordan Zimmermann vs. RHP Aaron Nola, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 15: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP David Buchanan, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 16: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. LHP Adam Morgan, 7:05 p.m.,...

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Marty Niland: Nats won't be judged by 2015 failure, but on how they respond

September 13, 2015, 5:06pm

Nationals

Marty Niland: Nats won't be judged by 2015 failure, but on how they respond

It seems like a natural instinct to judge based on failure, especially in baseball. So it might be easy to label the Nationals as a failure for falling short of their own expectations and those of many fans in the 2015 season. But it's often in failure where success is born, and that's how the Nats will ultimately be judged. The Nats set the tone for expectations shortly after signing Max Scherzer, when Bryce Harper asked rhetorically, "Where's my ring?" Pundits and fans quickly followed...

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Bryce Harper not showing concussion symptoms after violent collision

September 13, 2015, 12:38pm

Nationals

Bryce Harper not showing concussion symptoms after violent collision

The Nationals beat the Marlins 5-0 this afternoon essentially without the services of star outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper left in the first inning after a violent collision with Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich. With two outs and Harper on first, Jayson Werth hit a sharp grounder to Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas, who fired to first baseman Justin Bour to end the inning. Harper was running hard on the play in the event of a miscue. As he turned for third, Dietrich met him at second base....

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Max Scherzer dominates Marlins in 5-0 win (Bryce Harper injured)

September 13, 2015, 9:40am

Nationals

Max Scherzer dominates Marlins in 5-0 win (Bryce Harper injured)

The Nationals suffered yet another injury moments after the start of today's game. Anthony Rendon singled to lead off the game. After Marlins starter Brad Hand struck out Yunel Escobar, Bryce Harper grounded to shortstop Miguel Rojas, who forced Rendon at second. On Jayson Werth's ensuing grounder, Rojas fired to first baseman Justin Bour to end the inning. Harper was running hard to second on the play and collided with Derek Dietrich as he rounded the bag. The nasty collision left Harper on...

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Commanding all day, Max Scherzer leads Nats to 5-0 win

September 13, 2015, 1:18pm

Nationals

Commanding all day, Max Scherzer leads Nats to 5-0 win

The last time right-hander Max Scherzer won was July 30. The Nationals left Miami that afternoon on their way to New York, holding a three-game division lead. The Mets erased the deficit in the ensuing three days and then proceeded to build a commanding 9 1/2-game lead over the next five weeks. Make no mistake about it, Scherzer's struggles throughout August and into September were near the top of the Nationals' problems. Trying to prevent a sweep and maybe with some pride on the line,...

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Max Scherzer aims for a strong finish (with lineups)

September 13, 2015, 7:32am

Nationals

Max Scherzer aims for a strong finish (with lineups)

It's hard to believe that right-hander Max Scherzer will go for his first win since way back on July 30 when he takes the mound at Marlins Park this afternoon. That was also the last time Scherzer displayed real dominance, blanking Miami over seven innings while fanning six as the Nationals held on for a 1-0 victory. Scherzer has struggled mightily since, going 0-3 with an unfathomable 6.08 ERA in his last seven starts. Over the rough stretch, Scherzer has been tagged for 11 home runs. The...

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Matt Williams on Bryce Harper: "The secret to his success is patience"

September 13, 2015, 7:29am

Nationals

Matt Williams on Bryce Harper: "The secret to his success is patience"

Bryce Harper has experienced a rough two nights in Miami. He did everything possible to will the Nationals to victory on Wednesday night at home - smacking two homers and a double and scoring all three runs - but it wasn't enough to catch the Mets in the 5-3 loss. On Friday night in Miami, Harper went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk. The 22-year-old collected one of the two hits the Nats managed off Marlins ace Jose Fernandez last night, but then he was quickly doubled up at first...