"The rain couldn't have happened an inning before? It's like, what else can go wrong? I'm beginning to think the baseball gods really do hate us." --Adam Dunn, quoted by MLB Network, June 30, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Florida Marlins scored three times in each of the seventh and eighth innings and took a rain-shortened victory over the Washington Nationals and their beleaguered bullpen, 7-5, before a very small crowd at Land Shark Stadium.

The loss drops the Nats to 22-53-1, last in baseball by nine games. Washington is now 0-8 against the Marlins this season.

Nats starter Craig Stammen pitched well enough through five innings, giving up just one unearned run, due to the first two of Ryan Zimmerman's three errors in the game.

But in the sixth, the 25-year old right-hander gave up a couple of hits to the bottom of Florida's line-up, had a run score on a wild pitch, then gave up a two-run shot to Hanley Ramirez, who took a 90 MPH fastball on the outside corner the other way into the second row of stands in right center field.

For the night, Stammen gave up three earned on six hits -- with no walks -- and two strikeouts in five and one-third innings. He also had a two-run single to help his cause.

Despite the homer, Stammen left with a 5-4 lead, courtesy of his handiwork with the bat, and Adam Dunn's RBI double in the first and two-run homer (20) in the fifth. Zimmerman was aboard for both hits.

But in the seventh, Washington would turn to the bullpen. And once again, they failed to provide relief. Tyler Clippard walked Cody Ross on four pitches, and catcher John Baker moved him up to second. Manager Manny Acta then went to Joe Beimel, and then the floodgates opened.

Pinch-hitter Ross Gload reached on Zimmerman's third error of the night, and Chris Coghlan followed with a walk to load the bases. Beimel struck out Emilio Bonifacio for the second out, which would turn out to be the last out of the game.

Hanley Ramirez singled through the right side to plate two, and Jorge Cantu followed with another single to plate the final run. At that point, the heavens opened up, and the umpires called for the tarp. They would call the game an hour later, sparing the Nats bullpen from further embarrassment.

THE TAKEAWAY: You walk the lead-off hitter in a one-run game, it's not going to be a one-run game for very long.

"You don't need to be an expert in math to know that walks plus errors equals runs," Acta said. "That's basically what happened tonight."

THE GOOD: Middle of the order (bats, not gloves). Zimm went 2-for-4 with two runs, and Dunn went 2-for-4 with the homer, three RBI and a run.

THE BAD: Nick Johnson. 0-for-4 with two Ks. He's now one for his last 25 at bats, and has not walked in that time frame.

THE UGLY: Zimm's glove. What the heck? A bobble and then bad throw on the same play allowing a run to score, then another botcher grounder later in the game that eventually scored. Yuck.

NEXT GAME: Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. for the lunchtime businessman's schedule. If there are 300 paying customers at Land Shark Stadium tomorrow, I'll eat my hat. Jordan Zimmermann (3-3, 4.65) takes on Josh Johnson (7-1, 2.76).

The Washington Nationals announced that they have traded OF Lastings Milledge and RHRP Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF Nyjer Morgan and LHRP Sean Burnett.

This is a deal that sacrifices what was once considered key pieces of the Nationals' future in order to improve the product on the field today.

Morgan, who turns 29 on Thursday, broke into the big leagues in 2007 at the age of 26. Since then, in 614 plate appearances, he has compiled a lifetime .286/.351/.376 line with 3 home runs and 41 RBI. It's possible he's a late bloomer, and it's also possible that the Nats are trading for him in the middle of his peak season.

Morgan is a plus defender, and will likely take over in center field -- though he has primarily played left field for the Bucs this season. He has very good speed, as his 18 stolen bases and defensive metrics will attest to, but he also leads the NL in caught stealing with 10.

Clearly, the Nats traded the possible upside of Milledge's potential for Morgan's current production. It's a dicey move to be sure, but the team apparently has grown tired of Milledge's mood swings and lack of preparation, making the Nats the second organization to do so in two seasons.

Burnett is a 26-year old left handed reliever. He has excelled so far this season as a lefty out of the pen. In 38 appearances, covering 34.1 IP, his splits have been very good (.189/.254/.396 v. LHB; .211/.357/.298 v. RHB), and has a 3/1 K/BB rate against lefties.

A failed starter, Burnett might have found his niche in the pen.

It's disappointing to see the team give up on Milledge and Hanrahan. Both players have many talents, but did not succeed the way the team envisioned this season.

Milledge should settle into left field for the Pirates and give them some pop and speed in that position, and Hanrahan -- if he can find the right mentor to bring out what's best in him -- will give them another big arm in the pen.

Here's the press release:

WASHINGTON ACQUIRES OUTFIELDER NYJER MORGAN AND LEFTHANDER SEAN BURNETT FROM PITTSBURGH IN FOUR-PLAYER TRADE

The Washington Nationals today acquired outfielder Nyjer Morgan and left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handed pitcher Joel Hanrahan. Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

The 28 year-old Morgan was batting .277 (77-for-278) with six doubles, five triples, two home runs and 27 RBI in 71 games with Pittsburgh prior to the trade. Thanks to a career-high 29 walks and a .351 on-base percentage, Morgan has scored 39 runs this season, or two fewer than his career total in 86 games entering 2009. His five triples rank among NL (tied for second) and MLB (tied for third) leaders. Morgan departs despite pacing the Pirates in batting (.322, 66-for-205) against right-handed pitchers in 2009.

Morgan is blessed with the brand of speed that the Nationals were lacking both on the basepaths and in the outfield. Morgan currently ranks fifth in the National League with 18 stolen bases, and his eight swipes in June are just one less than the nine registered by Washington this month. Morgan played primarily left field for the Pirates. He currently leads all MLB left fielders in total chances per 9.0 innings and range factor per game.

Morgan’s patience (3.9 pitches seen per plate appearance) and batting eye (career-best walk ratio of one base on balls per 11.1 plate appearances) have both played a role in his breakout 2009 season.

Burnett, 26, was 1-2 with six holds, one save and a 3.06 ERA (11 ER/32.1 IP) in a team-leading 38 appearances for Pittsburgh at the time of the trade. A two-time (2001 and 2002) Pirates Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Burnett is 7-8 with 14 holds, one save and a 4.54 ERA (81 ER/160.2 IP) in 109 games (13 starts) spanning three big league seasons with Pittsburgh.

Burnett sports a .200 (22-for-110) batting average against in 2009, and has been nearly equally effective against left-handed batters (.189, 10-for-53, four walks) as those that hit from the right side (.211, 12-for-57, one home run). Burnett shifted exclusively to relief in 2008 and in 96 appearances since, has neutralized opposing left-handed batters with a stingy .178 (23-for-129) batting average against.

The Pirates’ No. 1 selection (19th overall) in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, Burnett is currently tied for eighth in the National League having allowed only four of 28 inherited baserunners to score. His .345 slugging percentage against is .067 better than the NL average of .412.

Milledge, 24, went 4-for-24 (.167) with one RBI and one walk in seven games with Washington this season.

The 27 year-old Hanrahan finished 0-3 with five saves (10 save opportunities) and a 7.71 ERA (28 ER/32.2 IP) in 34 appearances with the Nationals in 2009.

Head shots courtesy of CBSSports.com.

All other photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Various sources say a deal that would sent Lastings Milledge and perhaps Joel Hanrahan to the Pirates in exchange for Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett is just about complete.

This deal, should it go down as structured, clearly says to the fan base that the team is not satisfied with the product it is putting on the field right now, and is willing to make changes to a team that is eight games back in the win column from the next worst team in the league.

Nats News Network will have much more once we can confirm the news.

"I'm not Jamie Moyer. I can't really be hugely successful throwing 82-83. I need to be up around 90." --Scott Olsen, June 29, 2009.

THE RESULT: In his return from the disabled list, Washington Nationals LHP Scott Olsen was effective, with his velocity obviously up from his pre-injury starts. Unfortunately, his opponent, Ricky Nolsaco of the Florida Marlins, was equally effective.

That left matters in the hands of the respective bullpens. And as the case has been all season long, Washington's did not come through when it mattered most, and another win slipped through their fingers.

The Marlins scored two in the bottom of the eighth against Ron Villone and Julian Tavarez, two of manager Manny Acta's go-to guys, and Florida escaped with a 4-2 victory before 10,623 at Land Shark Stadium. No kidding, Land Shark Stadium.

Villone (L, 3-5, 2.78) surrendered the lead, as he allowed a leadoff double to pinch-hitter Wes Helms. Pinch-runner Alajandro De Aza was promptly sacrificed to third by rookie Chris Coghlan, and scored on Emilio Bonifacio's sacrifice fly to center field.

Tavarez then entered and on his first pitch to Hanley Remirez, the likely all-star shortstop clubbed a double to left field. Tavarez then issued three consecutive walks on just 14 pitches, and the Fish had their insurance run.

The Nats got two runners on in the ninth, but they died on the base paths when Josh Willingham flied out to center with two outs.

Olsen looked like a different pitcher than the one that left for the disabled list in early May with a 7.24 ERA. It was just his second start all season that he had as many strikeouts as innings pitched (7), and he did not walk a batter.

What's more, the velocity on his fastball was a tick above 89 MPH, up from his pre-injury average speed of 87.5 MPH, and he hit 91 on occasion as well. He also threw the fastball more, throwing the heater on two-thirds of his 94 pitches, 66 of which went for strikes.

The Nats got their runs on a Ryan Zimmerman solo shot (13) and an infield RBI by Wil Nieves.

THE TAKEAWAY: Well, who was that out on the mound last night for the Nats? Cause that sure didn't look like the Scott Olsen that got pushed around all April. Maybe the tendinitis in his pitching shoulder had been troubling him all along and he didn't want to voice that to his new team.

Either way, he was economical, effective and in control. He only had one inning where he had any trouble at all-- the second, where he gave up extra base hits to Brett Carroll and Bonifacio, which led to two runs.

THE GOOD: Scott Olsen. 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K, 0 BB.

THE BAD: Willie Harris. 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the leadoff spot, and he took a funny route on Bonifacio's triple.

THE UGLY: Julian Tavarez. He lost all command in a spot where he just need to hold the game at one run. He wasn't even close on some of those pitches, and he was lucky to get out of the inning just giving up the single insurance run.

NEXT GAME: Tonight at 7:05 p.m. against these same Marlins, the team that the Nationals are now 0-7 against this season. How is that even possible? Florida is an even .500 (39-39), yet are 7-0 against the Nats. Hardly seems possible.

Craig Stammen (1-3, 5.49 ERA, 20 K, 10 BB in 39.1 IP) takes the hill against fellow rookie Sean West (3-2, 3.38 ERA, 24 K, 18 BB in 40.0 IP).

Posted by Cheryl Nichols, Contributor and Photographer for Nats News Network

The International League announced that Garrett Mock has been named the Pitcher of the Week for the period from June 22-28 making him the first Syracuse player to be so honored in 2009.

Mock was optioned from the Nationals earlier this season after 13 relief appearances, however, is showing that he is truly a starter and does not belong in the bullpen. Since returning to Syracuse on May 20, Mock has posted a 2.16 ERA in six starts. The right-hander won a pair of starts this week by posting a 0.60 ERA in a League-best 15.0 innings pitched.

Garrett had his first complete game on June 22.

Mock will keep things interesting if he continues to pitch well and may be back in Washington before we know it.

First, a correction to yesterday's GB&U. I typed too fast without confirming information I already knew to be true. Scott Olsen is scheduled to start tonight in Florida, not Craig Stammen. Stammen did retain his spot in the rotation, but it was pushed back a couple of days to allow Olsen to pitch on his regularly scheduled day.

Olsen, 25, the most experienced starter on the Nationals roster with 109 career games started, returns from the disabled list, where he has been recovering from shoulder tendinitis. He was put on the 15-day DL on May 17.

He went 1-0 with a 4.60 ERA in four total starts with Class-A Potomac and Triple-A Syracuse during a rehabilitation assignment.

Stammen indeed stays in the starting rotation, with Shairon Martis sent down to Syracuse. Martis (5-3, 5.25) has struggled throwing strikes in his most recent games, and the team hopes that some refinement in the minors returns him to the pitcher that they saw in spring training. In his last eight stats, he's walked 22 and struck out just 13.

He has more walks than strikeouts on the season (34 Ks, 39 BBs), and while he may never generate big K totals, he needs to concentrate on not allowing so many base runners by free passes.

Stammen will start Tuesday night against Florida. The 25-year old right hander is 1-3 with a 5.49 ERA in seven starts in Washington. His stay in the bullpen lasted just one day.

-----

On Sunday, the Nationals announces that they traded OF Ryan Langerhans to Seattle for INF Mike Morse, in a swap of organizational depth. With Lastings Milledge close to returning full-time from the broken finger that has sidelined him the past five weeks, the team needed to clear some playing space in Triple-A Syracuse.

Morse, 27, is a .300 (90-for-300) career hitter with 18 doubles, three home runs and 37 RBI in 107 big league games with Seattle from 2005-08.

With Tacoma of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League this season, Morse was batting .312 (81-for-260) with 14 doubles and 10 home runs in 66 games. His 52 RBIs ranked 10th in the PCL.

Langerhans, 29, hit .212 (58-for-273) with 11 doubles, four triples, nine home runs and 34 RBI in 176 games with the Nationals spanning two (2007-08) seasons. In 242 plate appearances with Syracuse this season, he hit .278/.371/.488 with nine homers and 40 RBIs.

-----

Speaking (round-aboutly) of Milledge, apparently there was some fire to the smoke signals over the weekend that the Pirates were interested in taking him off the Nationals hands. Specifically, the rumor was the Nationals offered Milledge for Nyjer Morgan, and the Pirates replied and had the temerity to ask the Nats to throw in one of the young starters as well.

This would be a very bad mistake.

Morgan is a 29-year old spare part. Yes, he currently has 18 stolen bases, but he ALSO leads the NL in caught stealing with 10. He is slugging .350 in 274 plate appearances this season.

He has three home runs in 610 career plate appearances, with a lifetime OBP of .348. He's a good fielder, but not great despite his obvious speed. And -- he's a left fielder, not a centerfielder.

Whatever you think of Milledge and his attitude and performance thus far in his major league career, he is already a much better player than Morgan ever was or will be, and trading a 24-year old with the skill and talent of Lastings Milledge for a spare part just because your current outfielders can't catch a cold is a very, very bad idea.

An idea so bad, you'd think it was Jim Bowden's idea.

"That might be the longest ball I've seen hit here." --Jim Palmer, June 28, 2009

THE RESULTS: John Lannan and Adam Dunn both did their jobs as the Washington Nationals salvaged the final game of their series with their geographic rival, the Baltimore Orioles, 5-3, before 25,068, the smallest crowd of the weekend "Battle of the Beltways" series.

Lannan (W, 5-5, 3.45) was sharp in his seven and one-third innings, only running into trouble in the eighth inning, when two inherited runners scored after he left the game.

The totals were less impressive than the performance due to the two late runs: 7.1 IP, three earned runs, six hits, three walks and two strikeouts.

Joe Beimel finished the eighth, but gave up a sacrifice and RBI single to Aubrey Huff, who was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double by Elijah Dukes. Mike MacDougal pitched a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.

With the win, Washington's record stands at 22-51-1*.

Adam Dunn supplied the fireworks today, hitting a mammoth two-run home run out onto Eutaw Street, the 50th such shot in Camden Yards' 18-year history. The ball cleared the flag court, and hit the warehouse on one bounce.

Willie Harris continued his hot streak, going 3-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season, all from the leadoff spot. Josh Willingham and Anderson Hernandez also had three hits apiece.

THE TAKEAWAY: Lannan has turned into the Nationals' stopper. He got sharper as the game went on until he ran out of gas in the eighth. He benefited by a double-play in the second inning, the only real trouble he had until the end.

The left-hander went 3-0 in June with a 2.19 ERA.

THE GOOD: Willie Harris. In his last eight games, Harris is 9-for-31 (.290/.371/.613) with two home runs and five RBIs. He's giving the team good defense in center field and a spark at the top of the lineup.

THE BAD: Nick Johnson. 0-for-5 hitting out of the three-spot. He still looks pretty uncomfortable on the bad wheel.

THE UGLY: Wil Nieves. 0-for-4, four left on base. Josh Bard has been on fire lately and fairly well taken over most of the at bats at catcher, and Nieves looks like he's really struggling at the plate right now.

NEXT GAME: Thankfully, back to National League play Monday night. The Nats travel to Florida for a three-game set with the Marlins. Craig Stammen (yes, Craig Stammen. see below), takes on Ricky Nolsaco (4-6, 6.42) at 7:10 pm.

NOTES: The Nats have reactivated LHP Scott Olsen and sent RHP Shairon Martis to Triple-A Syracuse. Martis started the season off 5-0, but has lost his last three decisions, and in eight starts since May 19 has an ERA of 6.34 with 13 Ks and 22 BBS in 44 innings pitched.

The team considered sending Stammen to the pen and DFA'ing either Jesus Colome or Joel Hanrahan, but Martis has options and his particularly poor start Saturday probably changed the minds of some in the organization.

"To not like Michael Jackson is un-American." --Ryan Zimmerman, as told to Nationals Journal.

THE RESULT: The Baltimore Orioles busted out for an eight-run sixth inning against three different Washington Nationals relievers, and cruised to an 11-1 win before a bi-partisan crowd of 45,024, in a game that could not have been labelled a Thriller.

Starter Ross Detwiler (L, 0-4, 5.24) and relievers Joel Hanrahan and Ron Villone were the authors of the "snowman", with Hanrahan particularly ineffective. The deposed closer was Bad again, and managed one out against three hits an a walk, with all the base runners scoring.

Hanrahan now has an ERA of 7.71 for the season, and in his last three appearances has surrendered eight earned runs over two and one-third innings.

Not to be outdone, Villone turned in an atypical performance, giving up two hits and a walk, with two earned runs, in his two-thirds of an inning.

Detwiler was not sharp at all under the Friday night lights. He allowed five earned runs on nine hits and two walks, striking out three. All the base runners he put on were Dangerous, but the one thing that kept him in the game was the two double-plays turned behind him.

Asked to assess his performance, Detwiler said: "Terrible. I left the ball up all game. That's why they had nine hits and were hitting it hard all night."

But the pitching was not the only thing missing against the Nationals' geographic rivals.

Washington managed just seven hits and three walks, and the worst fielding team in the league committed two more errors, by Cristian Guzman (misplayed grounder) and Josh Willingham, who took a strange approach to a ball that banged Off the Wall in left field.

THE TAKEAWAY: Well, the battle for who remains on the roster when Scott Olsen is activated on Monday just got a little more interesting. All along, I think the team planned to send Craig Stammen back to Triple-A when Olsen returned, but Detwiler was especially erratic last night. One could say the decision now is less than Black or White.

He couldn't get on top of his sinking fastball all night, which allowed the ball to stay up in the zone, and essentially turned into batting practice. He did manage nine ground ball outs (compared to one fly ball out), but if he's not getting his true sinking action, the grounders are going to hit harder and stand a better chance of getting thought the porous Nationals infield.

And what about Hanrahan? He's out of options, so they can't just send him down to the minors. He would have to be designated for assignment and then pass through waivers, something that probably would not happen.

THE GOOD: Josh Bard. It's another multi-hit game for The Bard, as he went 2-for-3 with the Nats' lone RBI. He's hitting over .400 for June and has his season average up to .386.

THE BAD: Anderson Hernandez. 0-for-4, with four runners left on base.

THE UGLY: Hanrahan. Manager Manny Acta just can't trust him in any sort of competitive ball game right now, which is only Human Nature.

NEXT GAME: Tonight in Balmer. Oh, to be in Charm City on a Sattidee night. Shairon Martis (5-2, 5.13) faces O's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie (5-7, 5.09). The score has a chance to look like a Ravens score, something like 10-7?

NOTES: R.I.P. King of Pop.

Thankfully, the Washington Nationals play their final interleague series of the season, travelling a full 45 minutes up the road to take on their geographic rivals, the Baltimore Orioles.

It's a matchup of two or the worst records in baseball, as the last place O's come limping home after getting swept by the Florida Marlins in Miami.

So, go sit out on your stoop and crack open a can of Batty Boh, and listen to the radio, wishing it were still Jon Miller or Chuck Thompson on the call.

Nothing says phony interleague drama like two last place teams squaring off.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (21-49, 5th in NL East--16 games back; one-game winning streak)

Guzman - SS
Johnson - 1B
Zimmerman - 3B (.148 last seven games)
Dunn - DH
Willingham - LF
Dukes - RF
Bard - C (.471 with 4 RBIs last seven games)
Harris - CF
Hernandez - 2B

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (32-40, 5th in AL East--12 games back; three-game losing streak)

Roberts - 2B (.348 with HR and 5 RBIs last seven games)
Jones - CF
Markakis - RF
Huff - 1B
Reimold - LF
Scott - DH (.143 last seven games)
Mora - 3B
Wieters - C
Andino - SS

STARTING PITCHERS

WAS: Ross Detwiler (39.2 IP, 0-3, 4.76 ERA, 26 Ks, 15 BBs)
BAL: Brad Bergesen (77.2 IP, 4-2, 3.94 ERA, 35 Ks, 17 BBs)

WEATHER

Hot and steamy. Game time: 86F. Last out: 80F. Chance of passing thunderstorm.

"We jumped on Smoltzie pretty good and Jordan went out there and kept getting the first guy out." --Willie Harris, June 25, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Washington Nationals hung four runs on certain Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz in the first inning, and cruised to a 9-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox before 41,985 at Nationals Park.

Nats starter Jordan Zimmermann (W, 3-3, 4.65) was fairly dominant, giving up just one earned run on five hits and one walk, and he struck out six Sox hitters along the way.

Smoltz, making his first start of the year and first appearance for the A.L. East leading Red Sox, gave up five earned on seven hits, one walk and one hit batter, and struck out five. The veteran right-hander was making his first start in over a year after surgery for a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder.

"Most of the time when the line score is the way it is, I'm going to be very disappointed, but I really can't at this point," Smoltz said. "I lost a little rhythm there in the first inning ... but very encouraged with how good I can be and the way I felt and the stamina and everything going forward."

Washington's first inning rally was spurred by the middle of the order and completed by the bottom.

With one out, Nick Johnson was hit on the left shin and awarded first base. Ryan Zimmerman doubled down the left field line on the next pitch, and Adam Dunn followed with a walk with first base open.

Josh Willingham delivered with a base hit to left that scored Johnson, and catcher Josh Bard singled in Zimmerman. After Willie Harris struck out, Anderson Hernandez contributed a clutch liner to left, plating Dunn and Willingham. Just like that, the Nats batted around in the first inning.

The Nationals (21-49-1) added a single run in the third, two in the sixth and two in the seventh, the final two coming on Harris' third home run of the season.

THE TAKEAWAY: The Nats certainly took advantage of a pitcher making essentially a rehab start in the big leagues. Smoltz threw strikes last night, but was hardly the pitcher that dominated the National League for so long. If he can regain some of what made him such a great pitcher, Boston will be awfully tough to beat down the stretch.

The bottom of the order really came through, as Willingham, Bard, Harris and Hernandez combined for nine of the Nats 11 hits. Once again, getting regular playing time Willie Harris is proving to be a pretty valuable player for the Nationals.

THE GOOD: Jordan Zimmermann. He completely shut down one of the best hitting teams in the major leagues. He threw 77 of his 109 pitches for strikes, and got nine ground ball outs to go with his six Ks. That's great production.

THE BAD: Ryan Zimmerman. He continues to struggle mightily at the plate, going 1-for-5 and three left on base. He was tremendous in the field though, making several highlight reel plays.

THE UGLY: Nick Johnson's shin. He did not come out to play defense after scoring in the first inning, and TV replays showed a big goose egg on his shin as he was standing at third. The team has him listed day-to-day with a "shin contusion", but that knot looked more like a small planet.

How fast he can recover and get back in the lineup will go a long way in determining if he's going to be a valuable trading commodity as we approach the non-waiver trade deadline.

NEXT GAME: Tonight in Baltimore against the O's, hon. Ross Detwiler (0-3, 4.76) goes against fellow rookie Brad Bergeson (4-2, 3.94) at 7:05 p.m. at Camden Yards.

NOTES: Tyler Clippard make his 2009 debut in relief of Zimmermann. He threw two innings and gave up a two-run home run to Rocco Baldelli in the seventh inning. He gave up three hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter.

Thankfully, tonight is the finale of a three-game interleague series with the Boston Red Sox. Really, they should just be called "America's Red Sox", because every city in the major leagues has a strong, vibrant, and educated Red Sox fan base.

Every team in baseball should get a series with the Sox every year, just so their long-suffering fans (they haven't won the series 2007, don't you know) are able to get a glimpse of the greatness that is Red Sox baseball.

An extra added bonus tonight: Boston pitches John Smoltz, part of the model that Stan Kasten and the rest of the front office uses in constructing the first great Nationals team. Who is Smoltzie on this Nats team then? Zimmermann, maybe? Surprise! That's who's pitching for the Nats tonight! It's Old Smoltz v. New Smoltz.

Man, I'll be glad when interleague play is over and I can get on with my life.

BOSTON RED SOX (44-27, 1st in AL East; four-game winning streak)

Pedroia – 2B
Drew – RF
Bay – LF
Ortiz – 1B
Lowell – 3B
Varitek – C
Ellsbury – CF
Green – SS
Smoltz – P

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (20-49, 5th in NL East--17 games back; three-game losing streak)

Guzman – SS
Johnson – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – LF
Willingham – RF
Bard – C
Harris – CF
Hernandez – 2B
Zimmermann – P

STARTING PITCHERS

WAS: Jordan Zimmermann (62.2 IP, 2-3, 5.03 ERA, 63 Ks, 19 BBs)

BOS: John Smoltz (season debut)

WEATHER

Partly cloudy, warm. Slightest chance of a pop-up t-storm. Game time: 88F. Last out: 80F.

"That was a pretty big mental mistake. I have to be able to shake that pitch off and throw what I wanted to throw." --Craig Stammen, June 24, 2009.

THE RESULT: David Ortiz, as he's done so many times in the past, hit a three-run home run to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Washington Nationals, 6-4, in the second of a three-game series, before 41,530. It was the second straight night for a record crowd at Nationals Park.

With two men on and two outs, Nationals starter Craig Stammen pounded Ortiz with fastballs to get to a 3-2 count. "Big Papi" was late on both fastballs he took cuts at. But on the deciding pitch, Stammen left an 83 MPH change-up over the heart of the plate, and Ortiz did not miss it, clobbering the pitch into the service tunnel in straight-away center field.

Catcher Wil Nieves set up low and away against the big slugger, even motioning with his glove with the palm down for Stammen (L, 1-3, 5.49) to keep the pitch down, but the 25-year old rookie could not keep the change-up down, and it turned into batting practice for Ortiz, who was mired in a prolonged slump at the start of the season.

"The whole game was based on that 3-2 pitch to David," manager Manny Acta said. "I think next time he'll know he has to go to his best pitch in that situation."

"I had good stuff, but I made a couple of mistakes with it," Stammen said. "It's very frustrating. They capitalized on the mistakes. I'm not really worried what team I'm facing. I've got to throw my pitches with what I've got today."

After Jason Varitek homered in the top of the sixth to make the score 6-1, the Nats tried to claw their way back into it. Josh Willingham hit a two-run single in the bottom of the inning, and Cristian Guzman scored Josh Bard with a triple in the seventh.

But Ryan Zimmerman's long fly ball to left center died at the wall, where Jacoby Ellsbury hauled in the Nats best chance to tie the game up in the late innings.

THE TAKEAWAY: You live and learn. Stammen and Nieves had to be on the same page on that pitch, and whether it was the pitch -- or location -- the decision cost the Nats the game. Stammen's a very bright guy, and you can be sure that he will learn from the experience.

The good part of the bullpen pitched very well last night. Ron Villone, Julian Tavarez, Joe Beimel and Mike MacDougal were all very strong, and the four combined for no hits, just one walk and three Ks in three and one-third innings. Shame the Nats bats couldn't make any magic in the eighth and ninth innings.

THE GOOD: Cristian Guzman. He went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. He now has had a multi-hit game in seven consecutive games, lifting his average to .337, second in the National League.

THE BAD: Nick Johnson. He went 0-for-4 with four runners left on base. Not a good night in the clean-up spot for Nick.

THE UGLY: Left with only Ronnie Belliard to pinch-hit in the eighth inning, Acta sent him up to face Hideki Okajima. Belliard fouled off five consecutive pitches before striking out with men on first and second.

NEXT GAME: Tonight at 7:05 p.m. for the finale with the Sox. John Smoltz makes his Boston debut after recovering from shoulder surgery. Jordan Zimmermann (2-3, 5.03) will face the future Hall-of-Famer.

NOTES: A broken bat from Elijah Dukes hit Red Sox shortstop Nick Green as the bat and ball arrived at the same time at the fielder. Green was not injured, but the potential for devastating injury was certainly present.

Adam Dunn was not in the starting lineup for the first time all season. He tweaked his wrist in a swing Tuesday night, and even had an MRI early Wednesday, but was cleared. He made a pinch-hitting appearance, and walked in front of Belliard's strikeout.

Boston hitting coach Dave Magadan was ejected by home plate umpire Bob Davidson in the top of the fourth inning after disputing a low-and-away strike to Kevin Youkilis. It was Magadan's fifth career ejection, his second as a coach.

LHP Scott Olsen pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, two runs, one walk and five strikeouts in a rehab assignment for Triple-A Syracuse against Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

Washington recalled RHP Tyler Clippard from Syracuse and designated RHP Kip Wells for assignment. Clippard was tremendously effective in relief this season, going 4-1 with one save and a .92 ERA this season. He had worked 19 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run at the time of his promotion. Wells was 0-2 with two saves and a 6.49 ERA in 23 relief appearances with the Nationals this season.

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Something struck me last night during the game. Not a bat or a ball, but a thought. And it resonated back to something Mike Rizzo kept saying over and over again on draft day, and something that Manny Acta has implied -- but has never outright said -- during the myriad press conferences, loss after agonizing loss.

Between getting perturbed at all the fans that usually wear Nats gear that were all decked out in their Red Sox finest last night, I watched the Nats and the Sox, not so much during play, because there the difference was obvious.

Boston plays with a "crispness", always attacking the ball, whether they are at bat or in the field or running the bases. The Nats are very reactionary, letting the play come to them. They have the game dictated to them instead of the other way around.

But beside the action on the field, there was the way both teams conducted their business; the difference between the two was remarkable. And it was quite noticeable in something as simple as tossing the ball around the infield after an out was made.

The Nats, as customary in baseball, toss the ball to the shortstop, who throws to the second baseman and then to the third baseman, who returns the ball to the pitcher. This practice is to allow the fielders that throw the most to keep their arms limber between plays.

But the way the Nats go about it, it's a lob, or a shuffle, or flip. There's no "crispness" to the exercise. Cristian Guzman lobbed the ball to Anderson Hernandez, who would shot-put the ball over to Ryan Zimmerman. And Zim would flip the ball back to the pitcher. They aren't practicing anything but a routine. It was mechanical and useless.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, were determined in the throws they made between outs. Nick Green would fire the ball to Dustin Pedroia. Pedroia would send a rocket to Mike Lowell. And Lowell purposefully delivered the ball to the pitcher. They were practicing throwing the ball as they would have been making a play.

Now, you might wonder what all this has to do with the implosion of the bullpen in the eighth inning. Nothing really. But that's simply a lack of talent. What I'm talking about is the difference between effort and intensity.

Back to Rizzo and Acta. Acta talks all the time about how his team works hard and expends energy and puts effort into their jobs. But there is a BIG difference between making effort and being intense. And for the most part, the Nats lack an intensity that the Red Sox obviously carry.

Sure, there are a couple of players that seem to have that intensity. Willie Harris prepared to field his position in center field during a intentional walk while others stood there, legs crossed, waiting for the at bat to finish.

But for the rest, where does blame lie? Was the intensity there at the beginning of the season before the losses started piling up? Do you fault the manager, who himself is very intense privately but remains stoic in public?

Should we fault the organization, for previously relying on "tools" more than "make-up"? How about the players themselves? Shouldn't being a big league player be about more than going through the motions?

And that's where it ties into Rizzo. The "acting" GM went out of his way during the draft to acquire players that he described as "character" guys, or guys with good "make-up". The whole point of the draft to him was to pick players that, all things being equal (and in some cases not quite equal), were of high character, at least in his judgment.

This implies that, in his opinion, the team does not have enough of those types of players.

So watch tonight the difference between the Nats and the Sox: not during play, but between play. Watch them warm-up between innings. Watch them in the on-deck circle. Watch batting practice, not for the tape-measure shots, but the intensity in the cage.

The difference is startling.

"It's something that we're used to, but this seemed like a little more than usual." --Boston shortstop Nick Green, June 23, 2009.

THE RESULT: In their first game in Washington, DC since 1971 -- when Ted Williams was managing the Senators -- the Boston Red Sox took advantage of several fielding errors and mistakes and pounded five relief pitchers for eight runs, defeating the "home team" Washington Nationals 11-3, before a Nationals Park record crowd of 41,517.

The box score shows a big, fat "6" in the column for the eighth inning for the Sox, but more important to the outcome was the single run they pushed across in the seventh.

Starter John Lannan, on a night where he labored but kept his team in the game, struck out J.D. Drew for the third time to lead off the frame. Then, Julian Tavarez entered and Kevin Youkilis hit a routine ground ball to Ryan Zimmerman, who promptly slung a throw into the first at first that Nick Johnson could not scoop, and Youkilis was safe on the error.

That play typified both fielder's erratic defensive play this season.

But the Nats weren't finished yet. The next batter, Jason Bay (4-for-6, HR, 3 RBI), singled through the hole between third and short, and with Adam Dunn lumbering to the ball in left, Youkilis, the hulking first baseman, took off for third.

Inexplicably, and compounding his lack of effort with a lapse in judgment, Dunn threw to third with no chance to get Youkilis, and Bay advanced to second on the ill-conceived throw.

Tavarez (L, 3-5, 3.77) intentionally walked Mike Lowell to set up a force, but Jason Varitek instead lofted a fly ball to medium left field, where Dunn made the catch but also made no effort to even attempt a throw to home to get Youkilis.

Just like that, the Nats surrendered the lead, for the final time of the night.

Sure, the bullpen -- especially Kip Wells and Jesus Colome -- added gasoline to the fire. But the real reason the Nats lost this game had already transpired.

Lannan went six and one-third innings, and allowed three earned runs on nine hits and two walks. He threw 109 pitches, 69 for strikes and, atypically, allowed 10 fly ball outs compared to five grounders.

THE TAKEAWAY: The actions of the late-inning pitchers may carry repercussions for the relievers that authored the unwatchable frame. After the game, manager Manny Acta did not mince words when asked to describe his faltering bullpen once again, "Somebody has to step up out of those three guys," Acta said, referring to Wells, Colome and Hanrahan. "Because I can't pitch the same four guys."

We could very well see the likes of Tyler Clippard, Saul Rivera, Jorge Sosa or even Marco Estrada very soon in a Nationals uniform.

THE GOOD: Ryan Zimmerman. He hit the ball hard, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Nice to see the contact again.

THE BAD: Adam Dunn's defense. His lackadaisical approach and lollipop throws to the infield are atrocious, and he even managed to cut in front of his center fielder last night to make a catch. It's painful to watch.

THE UGLY: Ladies and gentlemen, the Nationals Bullpen is back. Tavarez faced four batters and gave up a run on a hit, walk and sacrifice. Ron Villone surrendered a run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning. Kip Wells got one out and walked two batters. Both scored. Jesus Colome managed two outs and didn't walk anyone, but gave up four hits and three earned runs.

Not to be outdone, Joel Hanrahan pitched the ninth inning and gave up a run on two hits.

NEXT GAME: Tonight at 7:05 pm, for game two with Red Sox Nation. Craig Stammen (1-2, 4.76) takes one Jon Lester (5-6, 4.69).

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Wil Nieves*, Catcher for the Washington Nationals, will talk about the Nats’ recent win streak, his play behind the plate, and his experiences in the Nationals’ clubhouse. The event will be moderated by Nationals broadcaster Charlie Slowes and will include the opportunity to win tickets to upcoming games. The Q&A will be followed by an autograph signing for fans.

WHO: Washington Nationals Catcher Wil Nieves
WHAT: Question-and-answer session; autograph signing at ESPN Zone
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 12- 1 p.m.; Doors open at 11 a.m.
WHERE: ESPN Zone, 555 12th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

*PLEASE NOTE: Meet and greet was originally scheduled to be with Josh Willingham, however, most know that Josh just came off the bereavement list over the weekend after the tragic death of his younger brother Jon. Our thoughts are with Josh and his family during this difficult time.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols, Contributor and Photographer for Nats News Network

Pitcher Matt Chico, on the DL due to Tommy John surgery last July, was at Nats Park Tuesday watching the Red Sox v. Nats game from the dugout.

Chico will have a bullpen session on Wednesday and then heads to Double-A Harrisburg to continue his rehab assignment on Friday. He has already pitched three games in Single-A Hagerstown this month.

Manager Manny Acta hinted that Chico might one of the pitchers that will be called up in September with roster expansions and when they start to shut down the young pitchers.

Click here to read more about Matt Chico from a recent post.

Pink hats from all around the eastern seaboard will convene this evening at Nationals Park, there to see their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. Some of them can even name players not named Ortiz (quack) or Manny (oops, he's not there anymore).

Of course, Pe-droy-er plays second, I think he won some sort of award last year. And Youk plays first, I think. That's his name, right? Youk? Funny name.

And get this: The Boston Herald has officially predicted that the Nats will win two-of-three in the series according to their scouting report. Are they serious? That's just an outrageous statement designed to make an obviously more talented team out to be an underdog to drum up interest in a [crummy], out of division opponent.

Man, do I have the hate in me today, or what? You'd think after my award-winning appearance on internet radio yesterday and Acta-palooza Sunday night I'd be in a better mood.

BOSTON RED SOX (42-27, 1st in AL East; two-game winning streak)

Pedroia – 2B
Drew – RF
Youkilis – 1B (4-for-21 in last seven games)
Bay – LF
Lowell – 3B
Varitek – C
Ellsbury – CF
Green – SS (6-for-17 in last seven games)
Penny – P

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (20-47, 5th in NL East--16 games back; one-game losing streak)

Guzman – SS (12-for-29 in last seven games)
Johnson – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – LF
Willingham – RF
Bard – C
Harris – CF
Hernandez – 2B (3-for-15 in last seven games)
Lannan – P

STARTING PITCHERS

BOS: Brad Penny (71.0 IP, 6-2, 4.94 ERA, 47 Ks, 24 BBs)

WAS: John Lannan (85.1 IP, 4-5, 3.38 ERA, 42 Ks, 32 BBs)

WEATHER

One of the nicest nights of the year to to to a baseball game. Too bad you can't get a ticket since all the Red Sox fans have bought them all up. Game time 80F. Last out 75F.

Yesterday afternoon I was invited to appear on the program "Nats Weekly", hosted by Greg Depalma, on Prime Sports Network. We talked about all sorts of things Nats related. Below is the link to the site and the mp3.

I'm on from 47:55 until 1:13:00, but Greg also spoke with Phil Wood, Anthony Masterson from the P-Nats and Ed Chigliak from Federal Baseball, so it's all worth listening to if you can't get enough Nats coverage.

Prime Sports Network:

Look for Monday, June 22 "Nats Weekly"

mp3 link

Please enjoy, and would love to hear any feedback you might have in the comments section.

Garrett Mock returned to the rotation in Syracuse and tonight pitched a three-hit shutout in the Chiefs' 3-0 victory over the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park.

"I'll be a starter, a reliever or a pine-tar boy," the 26-year-old right-hander said Monday, moments after throwing his first complete game.

Photo 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLYIN' WILLIE!

Thanks for playing so hard and keeping us gasping

at your flying catches and walk-off home runs!

Photo 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Nationals Inquisition

Nationals Pride

FJB

Federal Baseball

Nats 320

Miss Chatter

We've Got Heart

I share with you the links at the top of this post. This was just some of the excellent work as a result of Blogger's Day at Nationals Park on Saturday. And while Nats News Network will provide a slideshow of the sights of the day a little later, I think it's important to discuss the process, effect, and potential outcome of the day in addition to the fine work displayed by my internet writer colleagues.

There are all kinds of blogs. In this space, we try to concentrate on giving you the news and offer some opinion on what happened and why. Soon, we'll be rolling out a spin-off, Nats News Network: Off the Field, which will concentrate on the public and community relations aspect of the team, plus the human interest side of the players.

In the Natosphere, there are stat-driven blogs, fan blogs and photography blogs. There are blogs that center on the female perspective, blogs dedicated to individual players, and blogs dedicated to mascots. There are blogs affiliated with national networks of bloggers, and single-person outlets. Some try to be funny, others try to be ironic. Some of us post multiple times a day, and some that post once a month.

Be you sycophant or cynic, the thing everyone in the Natosphere shares is a passion for the Washington Nationals.

We all add to the discourse and consumption of the Washington Nationals, just like the professional publications do. There are two things that separate bloggers from "the press": editorial process and access. The editorial process has long been a primary concern of Major League Baseball and it's Advanced Media department (MLBAM), which governs its electronically published content.

The access issue is a two-fold concern: Teams are concerned about security and papers are concerned about exclusivity.

But the newspaper industry has significantly changed how it covers sports, and baseball specifically. Because of the six-month season, travel expenses are outrageous and news outlets simply cannot afford to have multiple writers on a beat. Papers are limited to the number of columnists they can employ as well, so "value added" content suffers just as the daily exposure does.

In addition, most papers also now require their beat reporters to maintain their own blogs in addition to writing game stories and the occasional research piece. While the folks at the Post and the Times do a mostly excellent job covering the team, they need to tailor their work to a very broad audience. Their work must make sense to the neophyte as well as the sophisticate. It's a tough job.

Internet writers write about what they are interested in, and how they feel about it. It's the great thing about writing a blog...you are you own editor. That is also a tough job, especially since most bloggers are also fans. We want the team to win; not because it makes a better story, but because it makes us feel better writing it.

But because we are fans, it does not mean our opinions are any less valid than the professional writers. Since we do not have to cater our writing to any specific audience, we can be as detailed and in-depth as we like, on any topic that we like.

As I have related to many of the other internet writers that attended on Saturday, I think it was a great experience for those of us that attended, but it was an even greater experience for those that hosted. I was left with the impression that the team was surprised, maybe amazed, that there are so many diverse and talented independent outlets covering the Washington Nationals.

Eventually, the people that are going to be providing the bulk of coverage and dialogue about their product are going to be independent electronic sources, and the team seems genuinely interested in getting out front and developing a strategy for integrating these independent electronic sources into how they conduct business.

It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Many other sports already invite and credential bloggers and internet writers into their press boxes and locker rooms (myself included), and baseball will have to eventually follow suit.

As for giving independent bloggers that type of access, if there is an application process and code of conduct, and a particular outlet is willing to meet and adhere to those qualifications as those in traditional media are required to, then bloggers should be given that type of access if they so choose, to be able to better cover the team.

The Nationals hope to have another event for bloggers later this season, so hopefully those that did not participate Saturday will have that opportunity in the near future.

I think the goal for all parties involved should be the same: improving the quality and quantity of coverage of the team, and developing a strategic method for promoting and distributing that information.

Saturday was a big step in that direction.

Remember this: an educated consumer is a better customer.

"Three bad games -- out of how many? I think that's what's going on. It happens to everybody." --Ryan Zimmerman, June 21, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Toronto Blue Jays got four runs in the first inning, one in the second and one in the third and never looked back, defeating the Washington Nationals 9-4 on Father's Day, halting the Nats' season-high winning streak at four games.

Unfortunately, the Nats never got close enough to let Ryan Zimmerman try to play hero on yet another Father's Day, but considering Zimm's 0-for-5 day with two strikeouts and six left on base, maybe he himself was a big part of why the Nate were never in this ballgame.

Zimmerman completed this series against the Blue Jays 0-for-15 with six strikeouts. Since his average peaked on May 16 at .364, Zimmerman has hit .214 over his next 31 games to his present .293.

To make matters worse, the Jays scored all but one of their runs with two outs today, and all but two runs having two outs with no men on base.

"You've got to be able to smell the blood in the water when you've got two outs with nobody on," Acta said, "and finish up the hitters and get out of there."

Starter Shairon Martis (L, 5-2, 5.13) struggled through five innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits and two walks, striking out just one.

THE TAKEAWAY: The Nats took two series in a row from AL East teams, and continue interleague play with the Boston Red Sox this week. The team is showing signs of life, but today's game was all too familiar from early on.

THE GOOD: Josh Bard. He went 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. He really hit the ball hard every time up.

THE BAD: Joel Hanrahan. One inning, three earned runs on three hits and a walk. Yuck.

THE UGLY: Zimm. He's gotta find a way out of this slump. As good as he was for a month and a half, he's been every bit as bad for a full month now.

NEXT GAME: Off Monday, then a three-game set with Boston. The park will be full of chowda heads and bean eaters. Try to keep a level head and just repeat this mantra: "They're paying for Strasburg's signing bonus."

NOTES: Despite MLB's transaction page processing a move recalling Tyler Clippard, as widely reporter earlier today, the Nats did not in fact call Clippard up from Triple-A. Apparently, some sort of paperwork confusion happened and the league processed the move erroneously.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols, Contributor and Photographer for Nats News Network

Welcome back Tyler Clippard. Clippard had two starts for the Nationals in 2008 (1-1). Tyler moved from the rotation to the bullpen this year with good results in Triple-A Syracuse (37 2/3 IP, 4-1, 1 save, 0.96 ERA, 41 Ks, 15 BBs). The ERA is not a typo. Glad to see Clippard getting a well deserved shot with the big team again.

This transaction does not indicate who is moving, but most likely it will be Jesus Colome, who came out in the 11th inning of Saturday night's game with a strained right quadriceps muscle. After game he was listed as day-to-day.

Yesterday, the Nationals reinstated Josh Willingham from the bereavement list and optioned Corey Patterson to Syracuse. Patterson's bat did not help much (2-for-15), however, his defense and speed (2 SBs) were welcomed.

Photo 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols, Contributor and Photographer for Nats News Network

MLB celebrates Father's Day today. No blue bats, however, at every game played this Blue Sunday, players, managers, coaches, trainers, umpires and groundskeepers will don blue wristbands and ribbon uniform decals, all clubs will use a special blue dugout lineup card.

"Major League Baseball is pleased to support the efforts of the Prostate Cancer Foundation through the Home Run Challenge to help generate increased awareness for prostate cancer and the urgent need to find a cure," said Commissioner Bud Selig. "Prostate cancer has affected many members of the Major League Baseball family, and we hope to draw attention to this disease as we reach out to our players, fans and communities to support the search for a cure."

The Home Run Challenge, the keynote of this ongoing effort with one Major Leaguer representing each club, will come to its conclusion for another year on Sunday as well. Now in its 13th year, the Challenge enables fans to make monetary donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at http://www.pcf.org/ for each home run hit during MLB games from June 11-21, including all games played on Father's Day. Major League Baseball Charities has committed $50,000 to PCF as part of the "Home Run Challenge" program.

Nationals representatives in the Home Run Challenge are Nick Johnson and Ryan Zimmerman.

Bill Ladson did a nice story about Nationals acting General Manager Mike Rizzo following in his father Phil's footsteps.

Kristen Hudak spoke to Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman's biggest fans (their proud fathers).

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

How about a double header on Father's Day? Start off with the Blue Jays v. Nats at 1:35 p.m. at Nats Park and then head to Big Train in Bethesda for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Manny Acta, along with Phil Wood, Jim Hartley, and the ImpACTA Kids' Foundation will be special guests for "Nationals Night" at Big Train, and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a one-of-a-kind Big Train Manny Acta bobblehead courtesy of game-night sponsor, Turn-Key Moving Solutions!

Ticket Information:

Regular
Adults: $7
Kids (6-12): $3

Standing Room Only
Adults: $4
Kids (6-12): $2

Free Admission
Kids 5 & under

Tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis at Povich Field.

NOTE: Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

GAME TIME 1:35 PM. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (37-33, two-game losting streak)

Scutaro - SS
Hill - 2B
Wells - CF
Rolen - 3B
Lind - LF
Rios - RF
Overbay - 1B
Barajas - C
Romero - P

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (20-46, four-game winning streak)

Guzman - SS
Johnson - 1B
Zimmerman - 3B
Dunn - LF
Kearns - RF
Gonzalez - 2B
Harris - CF
Bard - C
Martis - P

STARTING PITCHERS

WAS: Shairon Martis (75.2 IP, 5-1, 4.76 ERA, 29 Ks, 34 BBs)
TOR: Ricky Romero (50.2 IP, 3-3, 3.73 ERA, 41 Ks, 16 BBs)

WEATHER

Partly cloudy, chance of passing shower or t-storm. Game time 80F, final out82F. Chance of rain 20%.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

"In my heart, I'm an everyday player, but on my contract, I'm a utility guy," --Willie Harris, June 20, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Nationals beat the Blue Jays 5-3 in twelve innings with a two-run walk off homer by Willie Harris. The Nats are officially on a winning streak. Saturday night's victory produced several records a well. A season leading four straight wins, second straight extra innings win, tied amount of innings at twelve and Nick Johnson tied a franchise record, held by Rusty Staub, of reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances.

THE TAKEAWAY: Despite starter Ross Detwiler's strong start, he missed out on first big league win. Detwiler went a career high 7 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits. The bullpen only gave up one run out of five relivers.

Mike Rizzo explained to the bloggers that there are four key elements to have a successful team: defense, offense, starting pitching and bullpen. Don't look now, but it appears that the current Nationals are starting to figure out all four at the same time.

THE GOOD: Willie is more than a "utility" player. He was the hero of the night and did everything that could to help Nats get their twentieth win. Harris went 2-4 with 2 RBIs, 1 walk and 1 SB. For the third straight game, Willie Harris made another amazing catch, this time to rob an extra-base hit from Raul Chavez in the fifth. Harris also hit the winning two-run homer in the twelfth inning and spoke to Debbi Taylor from MASN after the game.

THE BAD: Elijah Dukes caught stealing at second base in the seventh.

THE UGLY: Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn each went 0-5 with two strike outs each. The duo left eight on base between them.

NOTES: Jesus Colome, who came out in the 11th with a strained right quadriceps muscle, is day-to-day. He said the injury was hurting him most of the way through his matchup with Adam Lind, and Acta said the Nationals will monitor him in the morning. "If we have to make a decision, we'll make one," Acta said.

NEXT GAME: Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park. Shairon Martis (5-1, 4.76) faces Ricky Romero (3-3, 3.73) at 1:35 p.m.

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

It's a beautiful 82F here at Nationals Park, as we're "live blogging" from the stadium as the Nationals host the Toronto Blue Jays.

Today, the Washington Nationals organization hosted members of the "Natosphere", internet writers and bloggers that cover the team. We'll have more in-depth coverage of the event tomorrow, but first, a word of thanks to the team for including Nats News Network in the festivities.

The team provided members of its public relations, media relations, minor league operations, players, manager Manny Acta, "acting" GM Mike Rizzo, and president Stan Kasten to explain their responsibilities and to answer questions.

Kasten quipped that he didn't know to be happy or fearful of the questions, but civility, humor and good-naturedness ruled the afternoon.

The Nationals and major league baseball are figuring out how to transition from a traditional press corps to a modern, mobile, electronic media corps.

It's a process that some sports, notably the National Hockey League and NASCAR, are a little further along in the development, but MLB is slowing coming to grasp the idea that it is inevitable...that as newspapers lay off more and more staff and are less viable by the day, the people that are going to be providing the bulk of coverage and dialogue about their product are going to be independent electronic sources.

For that reason alone, it makes business sense for all parties to figure out how we're going to treat each other before the situation is forced upon us.

Today was a big, important step in that direction, and the team should be congratulated for its efforts in reaching out to a dedicated, passionate fan base.

As well, the participating bloggers and internet writers should be heralded as well. This team has a wealth of diverse and intelligent people that follow and write about it, and the Natosphere in general was well represented today.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

"Despite the record, we go out every day and expect to win." --Adam Dunn, June 19, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Nationals won their third straight game which marked their first extra innings victory (now 1-8 in extra innings). It took eleven innings on a hot and humid night, but well worth it to the team and fans for sticking this one out.

THE TAKEAWAY: The Nats are on a winning streak! Starter Jordan Zimmermann went 5 2/3 strong innings, and the bullpen finished the final 5 1/3 frames without allowing a run. MacDougal was the only reliever left in the pen. Zimmermann also earned his first RBI of the season as he beat out a potential double-play grounder with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, and turned it into a run-scoring fielder's choice.

The team and fans seemed to appreciate this win more than any other win at home this year and mobbed Dunn after his walk off single.

THE GOOD: Willie Harris made another amazing catch to rob an extra-base hit from Vernon Wells in the ninth.

THE BAD: Fielding errors. F: Hernandez, A (6, fielding), Guzman, C (9, fielding), Dunn (8, fielding).

THE UGLY: Team LOB=16. Especially watching three guys strike out with the bases loaded, looking (Zimmerman, Dukes and Bard). Ryan Zimmerman was then called out looking at a 3-2 slider on the outside so it should have been a walk.

NOTES: It was beach night at the ballpark and the first 10,000 fans received a free beach towel. Screech and the Nat Pack really got into character. Adam Dunn spoke with MLB Tonight after the game.

NEXT GAME: Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park. Ross Detwiler (0-3, 5.23) faces Brett Cecil (2-1, 4.38) at 7:05 p.m.

OTHER: Former National Endy Chavez, now playing for the Seattle Mariners, was carted off the field tonight after collision with shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Fresh on the heels of a series victory over the Evil Empire, and rocking a two-game winning streak for the first time since early May, the Nats come home to start a six-game homestand against two more teams from the AL East.

This weekend, DC plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is currently third in the AL East, and had been slumping with the bats until their recently concluded series against Philadelphia.

The Blue Jays have at least 12 hits in each of their last three games and batted .333 in their three wins over the Phillies. Toronto had hit .205 during its previous four consecutive losses.

The Jays are led on offense by OF Adam Lind (.308, 14 HRs, 48 RBI) and 2B Aaron Hill (.308, 15 HRs, 47 RBI).

Their pitching has fairly decimated by injury, with five starting pitchers on the disabled list. The most recent to suffer that fate is perennial Cy Young candidate Roy Halladay, who pulled a groin muscle in his last start. He's been placed on the 15-day DL and will miss the series.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (37-31, 3rd in AL East--4 games back; three-game win streak)

Scutaro - SS
Hill - 2B
Wells - CF
Rolen - 3B (10-for-22 (.455) in last ten games)
Lind - LF
Rios - RF
Overbay - 1B
Barajas - C
Tallet - P

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (18-46, 5th in NL East--18 games back; two-game winning streak)

Guzman - SS
Johnson - 1B
Zimmerman - 3B
Dunn - LF (7-for-19 (.368) in last ten games)
Dukes - RF
Bard - C
Harris - CF
Hernandez - 2B
Zimmermann - P

STARTING PITCHERS

WAS: Jordan Zimmermann (57.0 IP, 2-3, 5.37 ERA, 60 Ks, 16 BBs)
TOR: Brian Tallet (77.2 IP, 4-4, 4.87 ERA, 58 Ks, 35 BBs)

WEATHER

Mild and muggy, chance of passing shower or t-storm. Game time 82F, final out 77F. Chance of rain 20%.