nationals

Nats expect momentum to follow emotional win

April 29, 2015, 12:45am

ATLANTA - The Nationals have underachieved, without question, in the first month of the season. Grand talks of running away with the National League East have turned to grumblings of early changes. So it's easy to point at last night's dramatic comeback and assume it will be the wake-up call for the baseball gods to reclear the path to October. "Yeah, this has got to," infielder Danny Espinosa said. "This could really take us a long way and get us on a good streak, get us in a good spot....

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Zimmermann looks for series win, Uggla back for more (with lineups)

April 29, 2015, 11:56am

Nationals

Zimmermann looks for series win, Uggla back for more (with lineups)

ATLANTA - Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann looks to correct an uncharacteristically poor start against in the rubber match of this season's first three-game series with the Braves. Zimmermann is 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA in four starts this year. He allowed two runs on six hits in six innings last Friday in Miami, but did not factor in the decision, leaving after having thrown 79 pitches. Last night's hero, Dan Uggla, starts at second base again today. The former Brave is 4-for-7 in the...

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The road traveled by A.J. Cole as he debuts with the Nationals in Atlanta

April 28, 2015, 9:20am

Nationals

It is exciting to see one of the Nationals' top prospects, A.J. Cole, get a shot tonight and a chance to stop his club's longest losing streak of the season in his major league debut. I remember saying hello to the tall, lanky and quiet right-hander at a minor league game a couple of seasons ago. He was charting pitches, and was cool and calm, just like he is on the mound. It all starts with Cole's difference-making fastball, plus a changeup and an improving slider. Baseball America...

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Dan Uggla provides ultimate comeback story in epic 13-12 win

April 28, 2015, 9:41pm

Nationals

Dan Uggla provides ultimate comeback story in epic 13-12 win

ATLANTA - After two innings, the Nationals found themselves down eight runs and staring at a seventh straight loss. But an amazing display of resiliency put themselves back into position for one mighty swing of the bat from second baseman Dan Uggla to regain all of the confidence that was seemingly lost throughout the season's disappointing first month. With one out in the ninth and the Nats trailing by two, Braves closer Jason Grilli had Uggla in an 0-2 hole. Catcher Jose Lobaton was standing...

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Dan Uggla's three-run blast gives Nats historic 13-12 comeback win

April 28, 2015, 4:34pm

Nationals

Dan Uggla's three-run blast gives Nats historic 13-12 comeback win

ATLANTA - It was a tough major league debut tonight for Nationals starter A.J. Cole. The 23-year-old rookie was battered for nine runs on nine hits as he lasted only two innings. The Braves' approach was relentless against Cole as they battered fastballs all over Turner Field. Cole did have a chance to lessen the damage with two outs in the second and the Nats down 4-1. Braves third baseman Alberto Callaspo hit a bouncer to first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Cole sprinted over to cover the bag, but...

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Rendon misses another rehab game, Williams responds to Gonzalez on Escobar injury

April 28, 2015, 2:52pm

Nationals

Rendon misses another rehab game, Williams responds to Gonzalez on Escobar injury

ATLANTA - Infielder Anthony Rendon's minor league rehab stint is on hold again at Double-A Harrisburg. Last night, Rendon was a late scratch after having trouble loosening up his injured left knee. He won't play tonight due to a completely new issue. "Today he reported to the stadium and felt a little tightness kind of in his side, so we want to make sure we don't mess with stuff like that," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "I think he's fine, it's just a question at this point of...

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Williams, Uggla deliver aggressive message (Rendon update)

April 27, 2015, 10:53pm

Nationals

Williams, Uggla deliver aggressive message (Rendon update)

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves are still paying Nationals second baseman Dan Uggla a lot of money, $13 million dollars to be exact this season. The remaining loot is part of a five-year deal Uggla inked back with the Braves in 2011. Uggla's performance, especially at the plate, submarined gradually and the Braves finally released him last summer. The three-time All-Star entered last night's game in the fifth inning to a sea of boos from the small but boisterous crowd at Turner Field. More...

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Nats look to rookie Cole to stop slide in debut, plus Scherzer update (with lineups)

April 28, 2015, 11:55am

Nationals

Nats look to rookie Cole to stop slide in debut, plus Scherzer update (with lineups)

ATLANTA - Right-hander A.J. Cole is set to make his major league debut at Turner Field tonight. His task: Beat the Braves and stop the Nationals' six-game freefall. The 6-foot-5 Cole is one of baseball highly regarded pitching prospects. The Nationals originally selected the 23-year-old in the fourth round of the First-Year Player Draft in 2010. He was sent to Oakland as part of the trade to acquire left-hander Gio Gonzalez and then brought back to Washington in three way trade involving first...

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Nationals upset with Simmons' "ugly slide" that injures Escobar in 8-4 loss

April 27, 2015, 8:21pm

Nationals

ATLANTA - It actually can get worse. On a night the where Nationals racked up as many errors as runs in an 8-4 loss to the Braves, most of the postgame clubhouse chatter surrounded a questionable play in the fifth inning that knocked third baseman Yunel Escobar from the game. I guess it's better than talking about why they only managed four hits on Braves starter Eric Stults, who brought a 4.50 ERA into the game. Either way, in the fifth inning, starter Doug Fister launched a pickoff attempt...

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Matt of Matt's Bats: No way around it, injuries have hurt Nationals

April 28, 2015, 4:57am

Nationals

It's been a tough week for Nationals fans. Following a series loss against the Cardinals, the Nats arrived in Miami to face the Marlins. Even though Miami has one of the best sluggers in baseball, Giancarlo Stanton, who is just starting to get hot, many doubted the Marlins had the fire to win against the Nats. Coming off the week they just had where they won five out of six, you'd think the Nationals would have a chance to win the series or even sweep the Marlins. Wrong. The Marlins took the...

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Losing streak reaches six as Nats fall 8-4 (Escobar injured)

April 27, 2015, 3:46pm

Nationals

Losing streak reaches six as Nats fall 8-4 (Escobar injured)

ATLANTA - Right-hander Doug Fister surrendered the dreaded leadoff walk to Braves right fielder Nick Markakis to start the game. Fister would pay for it as Markakis advanced to third on first baseman Freddie Freeman's double and then scored easily on a sacrifice fly from catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Fister had an 18-inning scoreless streak working against the Braves until the first-inning run. The slumping Nats offense has yet to pick up a hit yet against Braves starter Eric Stults. Update: Second...

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Anthony Rendon scratched from tonight's rehab start at Double-A Harrisburg

April 27, 2015, 2:34pm

Nationals

Anthony Rendon scratched from tonight's rehab start at Double-A Harrisburg

ATLANTA - Infielder Anthony Rendon will not make his scheduled minor league rehab start at Double-A Harrisburg tonight due to fatigue, according to the Nationals. Rendon, who is recovering from a left MCL sprain, was due to play seven innings at second base in his third game. He was 2-for-4 in his first two games, playing five innings on Friday and seven on Saturday, before a planned day off yesterday. Nationals manager Matt Williams expected Rendon to follow tonight's game with a full nine...

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History on his side, Doug Fister aims to end losing streak (with lineups)

April 27, 2015, 11:48am

Nationals

History on his side, Doug Fister aims to end losing streak (with lineups)

ATLANTA - The experimentation continues for Nationals manager Matt Williams as he looks to find the right formula for his offense. Facing Braves left-hander Eric Stults tonight, Williams has placed first baseman Ryan Zimmerman second in the order. Zimmerman is batting just .205, but has six extra-base hits (five doubles, one triple) and nine RBIs in his last 11 games. Overall, he leads the team with 12 RBIs and his eight walks are second most. Right-hander Doug Fister gets his turn at stopping...

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As season's first month nears end, answers to some pressing questions

April 27, 2015, 12:48pm

Nationals Orioles

As season's first month nears end, answers to some pressing questions

You have questions, we have the answers: Q: Are the Mets for real in the National League East or is this an April mirage? A: The Mets' start is a sign of their all-new can-do attitude. They won 79 games last season and came to spring training convinced they were a contender. And then, after they won two of three in their first series in Washington, they had a confidence-builder, beating a team they went 4-15 against in 2014. The Mets are winning even though their second-best pitcher, Zack...

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It's got to get better in a little while

April 27, 2015, 3:53am

Nationals

It's got to get better in a little while

ATLANTA - With the Nationals mired in a five-game losing streak and staring seven more games remaining on this road trip, it's hard to find reasons for promise. They've lost 12 games in 12 different ways. Injuries have certainly played a part, but shouldn't be recognized as the main problem. "I can tell you this: When you start the season and you're missing your one, two, three hitter, you're at a disadvantage in that regard," manager Matt Williams said. "But the other parts of the...

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Opposite dugout: First series against new-look Braves lacking usual feel

April 26, 2015, 10:44am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: First series against new-look Braves lacking usual feel

Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (5th year) Record: 9-9 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: RF Nick Markakis (.338/.439/.371 with 11 BB), 1B Freddie Freeman (.235, 4 HR, 8 RBIs), 3B Chris Johnson (.314/.375/.429), SS Andrelton Simmons (.279, 11 RBIs), LHP Alex Wood (1-0, 3.00 ERA), RHP Jason Grilli (1.20 ERA, 7 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting of 2015; 11-8 in 2014 Pitching probables: April 27 - RHP Doug Fister vs. LHP Eric Stults, 7:10 p.m., MASN April 28 - RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Julio...

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David Huzzard: Slow start has Marlins fishing for answers

April 22, 2015, 6:13pm

Nationals

David Huzzard: Slow start has Marlins fishing for answers

It's still very early in the baseball season, too early to count any team out or call into question anyone's spring training predictions, but the Marlins have the worst record in baseball and could be on the verge of changing managers. One of the main reasons for this is that Marlins starting pitching is not very good. They came into Wednesday's action sporting a 5.30 ERA, with Dan Haren their best starting pitcher so far. If people weren't so enamored with the Marlins outfield and paid...

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Marty Niland: A veteran club like the Nats shouldn't be playing like this

April 26, 2015, 6:36pm

Nationals

Marty Niland: A veteran club like the Nats shouldn't be playing like this

There are many ways to break out of a losing streak. A good way to extend one, however, is to make silly plays, something the Nationals have gotten good at during their current five-game skid. Let's review the fun, shall we? On Wednesday, after the Nats rally to tie the Cardinals at 5-5 with a five-run third, Bryce Harper, representing the go-ahead run, gets himself picked off first with Ryan Zimmerman at the plate looking for his third hit of the night. The Cards take the lead in their next...

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Nats' troubling five-game losing streak is reason for concern

April 26, 2015, 2:11pm

Nationals

Nats' troubling five-game losing streak is reason for concern

MIAMI - Just three weeks ago, the Nationals were the betting man's pick to win the World Series. That seems laughable after today's 6-2 loss completed a series sweep by the Marlins and extended the Nats' losing streak to five games, their worst since July 2013. "I'm not worried," right fielder Bryce Harper said. "Do I look worried?" What else is Harper supposed to say? He can't back down yet from his brash preseason "Where's my ring?" declaration. At least the 22-year-old got the...

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Williams planning for Scherzer to miss Tuesday's start

April 26, 2015, 11:51am

Nationals

Williams planning for Scherzer to miss Tuesday's start

MIAMI - A swollen right thumb has placed the next start for Nationals ace Max Scherzer in doubt. "I'm not ready to rule it out completely, but I also have to be honest with myself because anytime you deal with an injury to your pitching hand, you literally have to be 100 percent to go back out there," Scherzer said. The right-hander is scheduled to make his fifth start of the season on Tuesday in Atlanta. He jammed his hand when he hit a grounder in his second at-bat in the fifth inning on...