Down 4-0 in the sixth inning and getting no-hit, the Nationals woke up and pounded out three runs to make it a ballgame and chase Pirates starter James McDonald. They just couldn't do quite enough to get over that final hump to even things up or take the lead. The Nats missed out on a couple late opportunities, leaving a runner stranded at third to end the sixth, then stranding runners at second and third in the seventh, and they fell to the Pirates 5-3. Washington hitters struck out 14...

Remember when James McDonald had a no-hitter through five innings? That seems so long ago. McDonald, who had a perfect game through four innings and had struck out 10 through five, had a disastrous sixth inning, allowing three runs on four hits. He got pulled from the game with two outs in the sixth, ending an outing which had started in dominating fashion. Jesus Flores was the one to get it all rolling for the Nationals, with his leadoff double in the sixth breaking up McDonald's no-no and...

We all enjoy watching the Nationals, particularly during this hot start to the 2012 season. But from the superstars like Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, down to the 25th man on the roster, every player started their journey as a young boy, molding their talents and honing their skills in recreation leagues. For every major league player, rec league is where it all began, reminding fans that while it's fun to root for our favorite team in the majors, there wouldn't be professional...

Andrew McCutchen entered today hitting .439 in 23 career games against the Nationals. Rod Barajas came into tonight's game batting just .188 on the season, but was the one who smacked the walk-off two-run home run off Henry Rodriguez last week. Both guys continued terrorizing the Nats tonight. McCutchen smacked a solo homer off Jordan Zimmermann in the first inning to put the Pirates up 1-0. The blast gave him a ridiculous nine homers and 20 RBIs in 23 games against Washington. Those are...

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Low Single-A outfielder

You already know that Michael Morse is progressing in his rehab and is closing in on a return to action. We can file Mark DeRosa into that same category. DeRosa, who went on the disabled list April 29 with a left oblique injury, took dry swings, played catch and did some running today, all at about 50-60 percent. He still isn't ready to come off the DL despite being eligible to do so on Monday, but feels like he's taking positive steps. "I'm starting to do baseball activities, which is...

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Low Single-A Hagerstown Suns third baseman

I guess we could say this about Jim Johnson and J.J. Hardy: They are who we thought they were. Somewhat overlooked in the Orioles' amazing run to first place by the sometimes surprising contributions of others, we can no longer look past the All-Star caliber seasons the O's are getting from that duo. Johnson has taken the drama out of the ninth inning. That is a good time for there to be no drama. He now has saved 14 games in 14 chances with an ERA of 0.48. Yes, that is pretty...

The Nationals had been targeting June 8 for Michael Morse's return to the lineup. That will be the start of road interleague games for the team, which would allow Morse to slide in as the Nats' designated hitter and give his strained lat - which had been bothering him when he threw - more time to recover before he needed to return to the outfield. But manager Davey Johnson indicated today that Morse could be ready to return earlier than originally expected, possibly as soon as June 1, when...

The Orioles won a game today in Kansas City, lost a minor league player and retained another one. The Yankees claimed infielder Matt Antonelli off waivers this afternoon, but pitcher Brad Bergesen has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Bergesen was designated for assignment on May 12 to make room for infielder/outfielder Bill Hall on the 40-man roster. He was 1-2 with a 5.13 ERA in eight games, including six starts, at Norfolk, with 45 hits allowed, 13 walks and 17...