Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg did not factor in the decision of Monday's 4-3 loss in 15 innings to the Reds. But Strasburg was able to go seven innings and allowed just two runs. "Felt pretty good, battled," Strasburg said. "Fastball was up a little bit tonight. Trying to keep it close." A key play in the game came in the seventh when the Nationals were able to get Billy Hamilton caught between third and home plate. Strasburg could see Hamilton leading off of third base. "I...

Fifteen innings. Four hours, 58 minutes. It took that long for the Nationals and Reds to decide the opener of a three-game series, and unfortunately for those who stuck around Nats Park or those who stayed up with us on MASN to watch this one, the road team ended up going home the victor. Todd Frazier's two-run homer in the top of the 15th off Ross Detwiler gave the Reds a 4-2 lead, and they hung on for a 4-3 victory. It was a tight, entertaining ballgame, but a tough one for the Nats to...

Adam Jones chases pitches and the Orioles don't draw enough walks. We should talk more about that. While we are at it, I think Jones is to blame for Matt Wieters' elbow discomfort, Ubaldo Jimenenz's poor April, Tommy Hunter's blown saves and J.J. Hardy's homer drought. I also thought it was a little chilly out last night and Jones should have to explain why. Meanwhile, here are a few facts: Jones has a 13-game hitting streak and has hit five homers over his last 12 games. Hardy has no...

Manager: Clint Hurdle, fourth year Record: 18-25 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.301/.425/.468, 16 XBH, 19 RBIs); 2B Neil Walker (.259/.339/.458, 9 HR, 25 RBIs); LHP Francisco Liriano (0-3, 4.25 ERA, 49 K); LHP Wandy Rodriguez (0-2, 6.84 ERA) Season series vs. O's: 0-2, 6 runs scored, 11 runs against Pitching probables May 20: Francisco Liriano vs. Miguel Gonzalez, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD May 21: Wandy Rodriguez vs. Chris Tillman, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD Series breakdown Since the...

Wave goodbye to the designated hitter for the next two nights. Enjoy watching Orioles pitchers try to lay down bunts without losing a finger. Zach Britton may get more save chances, but I'd bat him cleanup. He's 5-for-8 with a double and home run in the majors. Britton went 2-for-3 with a run scored in a June 22, 2011 game at PNC Park. Let him swing away. With Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano on the mound tonight, the Orioles' lineup most likely will include Nelson Cruz in left field,...

Monday's series opener paired a matchup of two of the top eight overall selections from the 2009 first-year player draft as the Reds arrived in D.C. to face the Nationals. Top overall selection Stephen Strasburg faced off against the eighth overall pick Mike Leake. Strasburg had to deal with a runner in scoring position in each of the first two innings, but escaped unscathed. In the first, Skip Schumaker doubled with one out. Strasburg was then able to retire Brandon Phillips and Devin...

Nationals manager Matt Williams said third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will have another x-ray today to check on his recovering right thumb fracture. Zimmerman, on the 15-day disabled list since April 13, has been seen shagging fly balls in the outfield the last few batting practices. "He also has been taking grounders in the infield too," Williams said. "We have to be very careful with him because it is a fracture. His natural tendency in the infield is to catch the ball with two hands. So in...

After getting 14 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter this season between the Marlins and Nationals, Greg Dobbs is in a starting lineup for the first time in 2014. The veteran utilityman will play first base for manager Matt Williams tonight. Dobbs has gone 2-for-14 this season, but singled up the middle on Friday in his first at-bat with the Nats. The Reds will send right-hander Mike Leake to the mound, while the Nats will go with Stephen Strasburg in the opener of this three-game set. For the...

The Marlins released reliever Carlos Marmol today and signed veteran infielder Miguel Tejada to a minor league contract. That sound you hear is the balance of power shifting in the National League East. Or it's my sarcasm. Earlier today, I mentioned how Steve Pearce has practically disappeared since Chris Davis came off the disabled list. The same is true of Delmon Young, another right-handed hitter on the roster. Pearce is batting .271/.327/.521 with three doubles, three homers and six RBIs...

Single-A Frederick pitcher Parker Bridwell has been named the Pitcher of the Week in the Carolina League after his near no-hitter last Tuesday. Bridwell becomes the first Key to be named Pitcher of the Week since Tyler Wilson won the award in September 2012. Bridwell was the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week last August. He lost a no-hitter with one out in the ninth against the Potomac Nationals. Bridwell established a new career high for innings pitched at 8 1/3, which is the longest...