The Nationals looked to keep in the win column after a much needed 6-2 victory on Saturday.
WASHINGTON — A special day for players all around the league but especially those of color, for on April 15, exactly 71 years ago the game was changed. On Jackie Robinson Day, where everyone wears the number 42, this is how the Nationals lined up:
Trea Turner SS
Wilmer Difo 3B
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Matt Wieters C
Moises Sierra LF
Michael Taylor CF
Stephen Strasburg P
Strasburg and Tyler Anderson took the mound for the series finale. Sharp in the early innings, Strasburg had complete control until the sixth inning. Charlie Blackmon – who has been a thorn in the side of the Nationals for the past two games – gave them a boost putting them up one (4-3). The game tangoed back forth from that point on, but former National Ian Desmond gave the final blow. He belted a home run in the ninth inning off Sean Dootlittle and that would be all for the day.
The Nationals have lost nine of their last twelve games and although it’s early in the season, there’s an anxious feeling in the air. The struggle of not being able to score with runners in scoring position – which has been discussed for years on end- is still holding to be true. The Nationals are living and dying with the home run ball but can’t capitalize by stringing hits together.
They look ahead to their series with the red-hot New York Mets who are currently sitting at the top of the division with a 12-2 record. The Nats are six games back and it’s only worth mentioning because fans are not used to checking records and seeing their team at the bottom, even this early in the season. Next game time is tomorrow April 16 at 7:10 pm.
Pitching News for 4/16:
According to Dan Kolko of MASN sports, Jeremy Hellickson, whom the Nationals acquired during spring training will start. Assumingly, the Nats will replace A.J. Cole with Hellickson.
More predictions and analysis at Doc’s Sports
(Photo Credit: AP Sports)
