In the Washington Nationals first series win since the season opening in Cincinnati against the Reds, they looked to sweep the Atlanta Braves.
WASHINGTON – As a reminder, there’s no such thing as a wrong or “out of order” lineup when playing for Dave Martinez. For the final game of the series against the Braves, here’s how the team lined up:
Brian Goodwin LF
Trea Turner SS
Bryce Harper RF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Matt Adams 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Michael Taylor CF
Pedro Severino C
A.J. Cole P
Cole and Brandon McCarthy faced off on the mound today. Many may have been shocked that Cole would have another go ‘round but Martinez was set on giving him another chance. He got bounced around in his last start but displayed poise and experience on the mound for today’s game.
He gave up a homer to outfielder Ozzie Albies and catcher Kurt Suzuki but that was all the damage he allowed. He exited the fifth inning giving up three hits, two home runs and two walks. Five strikeouts on 76 pitches and a limited amount of damage is a good day for Cole as it was a drastic improvement from his last outing.
McCarthy had a great day at the plate for the Braves giving up one earned run on four hits. A scary moment in the fifth inning forced his day to be over, as he appeared to have dislocated his shoulder catching a ball to record the out at first base. He immediately called for the trainers, and on the field they popped his shoulder back into place, but he would not re-enter the game. There were smiles in the Braves dugout which is a good sign, but it could be a lingering problem for McCarthy as he missed a ton of time with the Los Angeles Dodgers due to similar issues.
The Nationals couldn’t battle back early after scoring one in the fourth inning. In the seventh, with two runners on base (first and second) and the closest they’ve been to tying the game, Matt Adams was called out at home plate after being waved by third base coach Bob Henley to put a dent in their hopes. They went silently into the eighth but in the ninth after Rendon was called out at first base, Matt Adams was up to bat and was their saving grace. Some sort of redemption. He blasted one out to tie the game 2-2 and send it to extra innings.
A lot of action happened with each team tacking on two more runs in the 11th but the Braves came out on top. In the 12th, Ryan Madson had the bases loaded and Peter Bourjos capitalized driving in two runs. The Nats lose the game 5-3 and look forward to their next series with Colorado. Next game time is tomorrow April 12 at 7:05 pm against the Rockies.
A few pregame notes:
-Adam Eaton has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a bone bruise on his left ankle
-C Matt Wieters reinstated
-C Miguel Monero DFA/ C Pedro Severino backup catcher for season
-OF Moises Sierra called up
-In the next week or so Daniel Murphy may be headed to West Palm Beach for some extended spring training games (according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post)
More predictions and analysis at Doc’s Sports
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(Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
