Cleveland -- Fausto Carmona dominated the Washington Nationals, allowing just three hits and no walks, and rookie catcher Carlos Santana went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Nats 7-1 before 19,484 at Progressive Field.
The loss drops the Nationals to 30-33 on the season.
The Nationals had nothing going in this one against Carmona. The right-hander went the distance, striking out seven and allowing just three base runners, one of which was Ryan Zimmerman's eighth inning solo home run, his 13th of the season.
Carmona (5-5) faced only 28 batters, one over the minimum. He twice induced double plays immediately after yielding a single.
"He threw 22 of 28 first-pitch strikes," Indians manager Manny Acta told reporters after the game. "He had a great changeup. It was a terrific performance."
"I don't want to show any disrespect for anyone else, but I don't know that anyone has pitched a better game against us this year," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. "Nothing comes to mind, really."
Carmona didn't exactly have to face the '27 Yankees out there today though.
Riggleman had .163 hitting Willie Harris at designated hitter, in the sixth spot in the order. He predictably went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
For the third time in his last four starts, Adam Kennedy committed a first inning error that led to a run. Today, it pretty much sealed the Nats' fate.
Nats starter J.D. Martin (0-2) could have pitched better, but all things considered, it wasn't an awful performance, despite giving up seven runs--six earned-- in 7 2/3 innings. He didn't walk a batter, and threw 72 of his 113 pitches for strikes.
Nats starter J.D. Martin (0-2) could have pitched better, but all things considered, it wasn't an awful performance, despite giving up seven runs--six earned-- in 7 2/3 innings. He didn't walk a batter, and threw 72 of his 113 pitches for strikes.
But he did give up nine hits, including Santana's first MLB career home run, and three to first baseman Russell Branyan, who deposited Martin's last pitch into the Indians bullpen in center field.
At least with the heat and humidity, the pitchers both worked quickly and the contest was over in 2:03.
Washington will try to avoid the sweep Sunday, sending Stephen Strasburg (1-0) to the hill for his second major league start. He'll face David Huff (2-7).
NATS NOTES: The Nationals had three hits, no walks and struck out seven times. They left no one on base.
Dave, has anyone gotten a clear answer from Riggleman on what is the infatuation with Willie Harris, Adam Kennedy and Nyjer Morgan? I'd love to see the team try a week with Bernadina in CF and Morse in RF. Playing it that way for a couple of weeks may give Morgan a chance to clear his head and become a valuable 4th OF.
Although I'm not a big Guzman fan, he's clearly the better option at 2b right now. Getting Kennedy and Harris was the excuse for the weekend, but since they got playing time and stunk out the joint hopefully that's been settled for now.
JCC
JCC, Riggleman relies heavily on his veterans, and as such we shouldn't be surprised these guys are going to get at bats. it's tough seeing .165 hitting Willie Harris trotted out at DH in the No. 6 spot, but until Riggs trusts Morse a little more, that's what we're going to get.
you gotta find at bats for these guys (Harris, Kennedy) somewhere.
as for Morgan, the team made their bed. he's going to start in CF come hell or high water this season.