THE RESULT:  The Philadelphia Phillies, having clinched the N.L. East title two days ago, started a lineup Wednesday night that was reminiscent of an away Spring Training game.  The only regular starters in the lineup were shortstop Jimmy Rollins and centerfielder Shane Victorino.

No Chase Utley.  No Ryan Howard.  No Jayson Werth.

No matter.

The Phillies backups hammered Washington Nationals starter Ross Detwiler for four home runs and seven runs total in 4 2/3 innings.  Detwiler (L, 1-3, 4.25) gave up seven hits and walked two, striking out just two.  He left balls up and out over the plate, and he was punished early (back-to-back soslo shots in the second) and often (part-time outfielder Ben Francisco hit two homers).

And the Nats hitters were shut down by Joe Blanton (W, 9-6, 4.74).  Blanton, who is second among qualifiers in most hits allowed per nine innings, went seven strong, allowing just three hits and three walks, striking out six.

For the three-game series, the Nationals mustered just eight base hits.

Their record sits at 68-91 with three games to play against the New York Mets.

The highlight of the game for the home crowd was generated by themselves, giving slugging first baseman Adam Dunn a standing ovation before his final at bat of the game, possibly his last in a Nats uniform in Nationals Park. 

Barring any last-minute contract agreement, Dunn will file for free agency after the season, and several sources have said they don't expect the Nationals to meet Dunn's requirements for a contract for next year.

The significant of Dunn's at bat music for that final trip, "Turn the Page" by Metallica, was not lost on the legions of fans that paid tribute to Dunn, hoping that the team hasn't turned the page on the idea of re-signing their cleanup hitter.

THE GOOD:  Once again, the bullpen.  Miguel Batista, Collin Balester, Joel Peralta and Doug Slaten combined for 4 1/3 innings of one-hit scoreless relief.

THE BAD:  Adam Dunn.  On what could very well be his last appearance in a Nationals uniform at Nats Park, he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.  He even fessed up after the game of pressing, mainly because of the cheers -- and the standing ovation he received before his last at bat. 

"That's the first time in a long time I've had that feeling of, I wouldn't call it nerves, but I'd call them jitters," said Dunn.  "I tried to hit every ball as far as I possibly could."

THE UGLY:  Detwiler.  He's been good in limited opportunity late in the season, but tonight he didn't have the velocity or location to beat Philly's "spring training" lineup.  It was a pretty disconcerting start heading into a very important off-season for him.

The former first-round pick, Detwiler is danger of being relegated to "bust" status, his career derailed by injury and ineffectiveness.  What should make him dangerous, his funky delivery, also causes his hip problems, and he just didn't show his pre-surgery velocity or movement.  Hopefully a full off-season will allow the hip to fully heal and strengthen so that he gets that zip back in spring training.

THE STATS:  8 Ks, 3 BBs, 0-for-6 with RISP, 5 LOB, 0 GIDP, 0 Es

NEXT GAME: Off-day Thursday.  Friday the Nats start their final series of the season with the New York Mets.  Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 5.76) takes on Pat Misch (0-4, 4.66) at 7:10 pm from Citi Field.

THE RESULT:  It became a constant refrain, whether or not Adam Dunn was actually at bat Tuesday night or not.  Between innings.  On a put out at first base.  On random occasions.  But especially when the Nationals potential free agent first baseman came to bat.

"Sign Adam Dunn!"

The chants were never louder than in the ninth inning, when he came to the plate to lead off in a 1-1 tie.

"Sign Adam Dunn!" 

And on a 2-0 pitch from veteran right-handed reliever Jose Contreras, Dunn delivered.  He sent his 38th home run of the season half-way up the second deck above the out-of-town scoreboard in right center field, a majestic blast that had "no doubt" written all over it.

"Sign Adam Dunn!"

So the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1, before 19,117 thanks to a player that may make his final appearance as National at home tomorrow night.  Fans got to see a walk-off on "Mr. Walk Off" T-shirt Tuesday, even though it wasn't birthday boy Ryan Zimmerman.

The Nats have a lot of big decisions over the winter, but the biggest one is what to do with Dunn.  The team gets an exclusive window to negotiate with him once he files for free agency, but they've essentially had that luxury all season long. 

And ever since a season ticket holder luncheon before spring training, when the question was raised publicly, Dunn has been open about his desire to return to the Nationals.  And the team has professed their admiration for the big slugger. 

But at this point, he's going to free agency, and he'll get offers, and it'll be up to the Nats to decide whether or not to reach or exceed those offers.

And no amount of chants or cheers, or feel-good home runs, will affect those negotiations.

The win lifts the Nats record to 68-90 with four games remaining.

THE GOOD:  Jason Marquis continued his strong finish to the 2010 season.  In his last start, he went six innings and allowed seven hits and one walk, striking out seven.  His only blemish was Raul Ibanez' home run, the 249th homer Ibanez has hit against the Nats in the last four years.

Tyler Clippard struck out two in two scoreless innings and Drew Storen got the win (4-4), striking out two in the ninth inning.

THE BAD:  Lots of 0-fers, so I won't even bother.

THE UGLY:  0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

THE STATS:  9 Ks, 3 BBs, 0-for-7 with RISP, 5 LOB, 1 GIDP.

NEXT GAME:  Wednesday, the final game of the season at Nats Park.  Ross Detwiler (1-2, 2.52) makes his final start of the season against Joe Blanton (8-6, 4.94) at 7:05 pm.

As a follow up to the debacle last night at Nationals Park, I wanted to offer a quick few comments on the difference between the Washington Nationals and another franchise, this time a local one:  The Washington Capitals.

There was a time when folks weren't so enthused with Ted Leonsis and the Washington Capitals.  When Ted first took over, he took the easy way out, chasing free agents and throwing money around like that would solve all the problems the franchise had. 

Many of these problems were the same facing the Nationals today:  underwhelming performance on the field, poor attendance, disenfranchised fans and worse, arenas filled with opposing team's fans.  I remember well the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, when the building was easily 75 percent Detroit Red Wings fans.  Now, that wasn't on Ted's watch, but it was emblematic of the troubles the Caps would continue to have.

Routinely through the 90's and early 2000's, games against Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Boston and even Buffalo at Verizon Center were filled with rowdy out-of-towners and transplants living in D.C., cheering on the visitors with more gusto than any front-running Phillies fan could even imagine.

But Leonsis finally got the message and in 2004 the team shed the veteran players that were bloating their payroll and playing sluggishly.  And just as important, he went to the fans and told them what his plan was for on the ice, and promised them that several years were going to be rough, but that eventually the young players and draft picks they acquired from trading off Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Sergei Gonchar and Peter Bondra would lead the Capitals to a Stanley Cup of their own.

He did another thing that might have been even more critical to the success of the franchise:  he listened to his most loyal customers, the season ticket holders.  He gave them his e-mail address.  He held "town hall" meetings.  He sent out questionnaires and surveys.  He said he would be transparent in the operation of his team.

And what fans told him was that they would stick around through the tough times, but things had to improve at the arena.  They game-day experience had to be better.  They needed to feel part of something -- not visitors in their home arena.

Ted has delivered on the game-day experience in spades. He heard the fans' voices to bring back the Red, White and Blue uniforms, but made it even better, using a simple color to form the basis of his marketing.  "Rock the Red" and "Red is Caps Hockey" are more than slogans at Verizon Center.  It's a way for fans to identify themselves with the team and organization.

From changing the music and entertainment during the game to blocking out-of-town area codes trying to buy tickets, Leonsis has made Verizon Center a destination for Caps fans.

Tonight, for a pre-season game, Verizon Center will be packed to the rafters with crazy Caps fans Rockin' the Red.  The team sold 5,000 tickets two weeks ago at their practice facility to a rookie scrimmage with the Flyers rookies, and I counted exactly three Flyers fans in the group, and they were there with Capitals fans (oh, mixed marriages).

And forget about getting tickets to a regular season or playoff game, without paying through the nose to a few re-sellers that might have a handful of tickets.

Opposing players now count Verizon Center as one of the most difficult places to play in the league, in the ranks of storied franchises like Montreal and Toronto. 

And the hockey side of it is living up to the billing as well, staffed by competent, hard-working executives.

Despite last season's disappointment in the first round of the playoffs, the Caps are poised to contend for the Stanley Cup not just this year and next, but for the foreseeable future.  It's not just one draft they are counting on, or one player, but several years now of drafting, evaluating talent, and supplementing via trade and free agency.

Proof of that?  Both of the Caps minor league affiliates went to the playoffs last season and their top farm club, the Hershey Bears, won their league title for the second season in a row.  The system is stacked.

It's proof that if you put a quality product into the market and value your customers like they are partners in your business, you can build a large, dedicated fan base that not only buys your product, but will promote it within the market until it becomes a self-promoting community in and of itself.

Mark Lerner sits on the board of Leonsis' sports management group, Monumental Sports and Entertainment.  Nats fans can only hope that Mr. Lerner someday learns a thing or two from his business partner about Product, Customer Service and Transparency.

"That's the reason you want to come to a team like this. They know how to do it," -- Phillies starter Roy Halladay

"Kind of embarrassing when everyone in the stadium is clapping against you and you're at home," Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond.

Phillies fans -- as far as the eye can see -- revel in division title at Nationals Park.
(Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Monday night at Nationals Park, the differences between  the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies were on full display.  It was a brutal, thorough and complete embarrassment; from the result on the field down to the omni-present Phillies fans chanting and taunting the few Nats fans in attendance.

The Phillies operate under one simple credo:  Win. 

They have all-stars at almost every position.  They signed a Cy Young Award winner to head their staff, then traded for another perennial all-star pitcher at the trade deadline.  They have homegrown superstars at first, second and shortstop (when healthy).

When the Phillies lose a player to age, injury, or free agency, the organization simply fills the gap, utilizing resources (both monetary and personnel) efficiently.

And they have a loud and dedicated (if boorish and obnoxious) fan base that fills road stadiums and generally acts as if they own the place.

The Nationals, losers for the 90th time this season, continue to send lower-round draft picks and castoffs from other organizations out in front of sparse and polite crowds, as long as the weather's nice and the Redskins aren't playing.

What homegrown players they do have generally are still too young to be considered fully-functioning major leaguers.  And they certainly don't have enough of them yet.

And the organization, despite claims of attempts at being players in high-rent free agent sweepstakes (Teixeira, Chapman), have for the most part peddled in reclamation projects and dumpster diving, hoping to polish coal into diamonds -- to expected results.

Yes, the dichotomy was certainly on display once again Monday night, as several thousand Phillies fans packed the lower bowl of Nats Park to laud their heros, as Roy Halladay threw a two-hit complete game shut out, and Philadelphia clinched a fourth consecutive N.L. East title, winning 8-0 before a soggy, pro-Philly crowd of 14,309.

The only other statistic to cite to prove the utter domination the Phillies hold over the Nationals: the Nats are 20-50 against Philadelphia the last four years.

With chants of "Let's Go Phillies!", "This Is Our House!", and finally, "We're Not Leaving!" after the players retreated to their clubhouse to celebrate with the customary champagne showers, Phillies fans left in no uncertain terms that their invasion of opening day, while more impressive in total numbers, was no fluke, and could be repeated seemingly at will.

At least the Phillies players were classy enough to stay in the clubhouse and not dignify the rabble with a curtain call in their opponent's stadium.

Nats Park ushers and security had their hands full trying to escort their "guests" from the seating bowl, reveling in another division championship.  The fact that they secured their title on enemy soil seemed to further embolden them.

But at least Phillies fans were there, which is more than can be said for their counterparts.

It's trite to say that the Phillies have what the Nats want.  But then, it's hard to say exactly what the Nats want.  Sure, the players and coaches and General Manager want a championship of their own to celebrate.  But is the ownership really willing to do what it takes to provide the necessary talent to make that goal a reality?

They profess to have the desire to bring winning baseball to Washington, but do these powerful business-people really understand what it takes to be successful in this new business they've taken on?

Their arranged marriage partner, team President Stan Kasten, is running off after the bare minimum commitment he made to the Lerner family and to Major League Baseball.  He's not retiring, just resigning from his position with the Nationals.  Kasten has bigger fish to fry now.

They've squandered all but shreds of the original goodwill this organization enjoyed when it first moved here in 2005, when a season ticket base of 22,000-plus filled dingy, dark and depressing R.F.K. Stadium, simply because baseball was back in D.C.

Now, in a brand new stadium, the Nats can draw 22,000 only when facing a favorable opponent -- and the weather is nice.  They are literally giving tickets away -- offering four seasons tickets for the price of two -- for any new full-season ticket package for 2011.

Does the organization have any idea how disenfrachised the core fan base feels right now?  The Lerner family is local, so one has to assume a civic pride.  Anyone that calls D.C. home -- and not just the place they're currently living -- had to feel embarrassed and neglected by the franchise they so heavily have invested in Monday night..

The problem?  The majority of that fan base was at home watching on TV -- if at all -- tuned out and turned off by almost 300 losses the past three season, while thousands of Phillies fans celebrated another division title in the ballpark paid for by taxpayers of the District of Columbia.

THE RESULT:  The Atlanta Braves came into D.C. this weekend looking to solidify their chances of making the playoffs, hoping to take advantage of a last-place team.  What they got was two losses out of three games to a young team learning to play, a serious dent in their plans for post-season play.

One of those young players, 25-year old shortstop Ian Desmond, hit a clutch two-out single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning, leading the Washington Nationals to a 4-2 win, before 21,625 at "Jersey Off Their Backs" Day at Nationals Park.

The Nats not only took the series, they also won the season's series with Atlanta, 10 games to eight.  If Atlanta fails to qualify for post-season play, they need to look no further than a losing record against the Nats this season.

With six games remaining, the Nats record sits at 67-89.  It's only numbers, but I think if you talked to anyone involved in the organization, they'd love to hit that 70-win plateau, just as quickly as they would also say they want to raise that bar higher.

Desmond was having a rough day, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, but after two different Braves relievers walked the bases loaded, he drilled a single back through the box to drive in Willie Harris and Danny Espinosa without a throw.

It was that type of day for the Braves, as all four of the Nats runs came after the batter reached via base on balls.

Nats starter Livan Hernandez gave a typical outing for him in his renaissance 2010 season.  He threw six strong innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out three.  He allowed a solo homer to Rick Ankiel in the fifth, and back-to-back doubles that ended his day in the seventh to Melky Cabrera and Ankiel.

Livo did not get the win, however.  That distinction went to Sean Burnett (1-7), who continues to mow down opposing batters.  He threw two perfect innings, striking out three in the process.  And Drew Storen got back on track, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his fifth save of the season.  Storen threw 10 of his 13 pitches for strikes, displaying a wicked slider to left-handed batters.

Burnett has not been scored upon in his last 12 appearances, striking out 13 in 11 2/3 innings.

Washington got out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first two innings.  Nyjer Morgan (1-for-2, 2 BBs) drew a one-out walk, took second on Adam Dunn's walk, and scored on Michael Morse's base hit in the first inning against Braves starter Brandon Beachy.  In the next inning, Ivan Rodriguez lead off with a walk, moved up on singles by Alberto Gonzalez and Danny Espinosa (2-for-3, BB), and scored on Morgan's base hit.

Unfortunately, the Nats could get no more in the second, as the frame ended with Desmond flying out to short center field, and Gonzalez getting nailed at the plate on a great throw by Ankiel.

With the Phillies losing Sunday as well, the Braves magic number to be eliminated from the division race is still one game, and they trail San Francisco by a half-game in the wild card standings.

With a good chance of rain Monday, I think Nats fans wouldn't mind seeing the home game with the Phils rained out and the Braves lose their game with Florida, so the Phillies don't get to publicly celebrate their division title in Nats Park.

THE GOOD:  Sean Burnett.  He's been outstanding, and threw another two dominating innings today.

THE BAD:  Adam Dunn.  He went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, and committed a throwing error, cleanly fielding a grounder, but then throwing into the back of the runner going to second.  Instead of a double-play, it set up second and third with one out in the fourth.  Livo wriggled out of the jam, getting the next two batters to pop up.

THE UGLY:  The Nats struck out 14 times, nine in the first five innings to Beachy, making the second start in his major league career. 

THE STATS:  14 Ks, 7 BBs, 4-for-10 with RISP, 8 LOB, 0 GIDP, 1 E (Dunn-throw)

NEXT GAME: The Nats start a three-game set with Philadelphia at 7:05 from Nats Park.  John Lannan (8-7, 4.58) hosts Roy Halladay (20-10, 2.53).

Pre-game thoughts, BULLET-POINT STYLE!

• Manager Jim Riggleman made some interesting obsevations in his pre-game press conference this morning.  He said that Scott Olsen was done, that trying to warm up the other day he just had too many "aches and pains" in his shoulder, and that "this bullpen situation just isn't working for Scott."  He said Olsen needs a good 15 minutes or so to get warmed up, and he just doesn't have that luxury in the pen.  I would be shocked at this point if the Nats tender him after the season.
  
  
• On Michael Morse, Riggleman said he likes the way Morse has been succesful in the opportunities he's been given, but they've been careful in managing his at bats, protecting him against some of the harder throwing starters in the league.  He said "it's not [a question about] physical strength, it's bat speed."  Morse's long swing makes him susceptible against harder throwers, but he'll get his opportunities against Halladay and Oswalt this week, two real tough right-handers.
  
  
• On Danny Espinosa leading off:  "I think he could hit in a lot of places in the lineup."  Riggs went on to say that "On base percentage is key for that leadoff spot," and that between Espinosa, Desmond, Morgan and Bernadina the team has to find someone who will OBP .350 in that leadoff spot.  Riggs said he prefers Morgan in the no. 2 spot, but did not indicate specifically why he prefers that.

There will be plenty of time for introspection once the season is over, but there are some significant issues the team faces this off-season, and a lot of it depends on the player they think Nyjer Morgan is. 

Is he an "everyday" center fielder and lead-off hitter?  Or will they see his limitations against left-handed pitching and get him a right-handed platoon partner?  Does he hit leadoff, or at the bottom of the order?

I don't think it was coincidental that the Nats had their season-high winning streak with Espinosa and Desmond hitting 1-2 while Morgan was out.  While neither are "traditional" lead-off hitters, they both -- despite their lack of Major League experience -- have better on-base skills on Morgan, who relies almost solely on his speed.

As for Morse, he could be a late bloomer (a la Jayson Werth) who magically turns into a 20-homer guy, but I think more likely the Nats would prefer to keep managing his opportunities to maximize his production.  Morse and Bernadina have both shown this season that put in the right situations, they can help this team.  The Nats could do a lot worse than running Bernadina and Morse in a platoon out in right field next season.

Of course all this debate takes a backseat to the Adam Dunn situation at first, the biggest question mark heading into the off-season.

THE RESULT:  Derek Lowe and his relievers were good.  Yunesky Maya ran out of gas.  That's about it.

Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox became the fourth manager in Major League history to reach 2,500 wins, as his squad shut out the Washington Nationals 5-0, before 23,824 sun-drenched fans at Nationals Park.



Braves Manager Bobby Cox recorded his 2,500th win in his illustrious career. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

For five innings, this was a nail-biter, with the Braves holding a 1-0 lead, courtesy of some shaky infield defense by the Nats.  But Nats starter Maya ran out of gas in the sixth, giving up four runs, including shortstop Alex Gonzalez' three-run home run, his 23rd of the season.  It would be Maya's last pitch, his 92nd of the day in the heat and extreme sun.

Maya pitched very well the first five innings, including registering two 1-2-3 innings.  He seemed in control and poised to record his first quality start in the big leagues.

Yunesky Maya ran out of gas in the sixth inning, running his record to 0-3. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

But in the sixth, things fell apart.  He walked leadoff hitter Martin Prado and uncorked a wild pitch, and Derrek Lee's double brought home Prado.  Nate McLouth scratched out an infield single, then Gonzalez took the first pitch he saw to the left field bleachers.

The sun contributed to the Braves first run of the game in a big way.  After Derek Lowe lofted a double to left over the playing-in Roger Berndina, Jason Heyward skied a pop-up to the left side of the infield.  Shortstop Ian Desmond lost the ball in the high sky and all hands were safe.  Two batters later -- with two outs -- Brian McCann hit a grounder to the left side against a pronounced shift.



Nats shortstop Ian Desmond lost an infield pop-up in the sun, leading to a Braves run. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

Alberto Gonzalez made the pick-up falling to his knees, but in the exaggerated shift, Desmond could not get to second base quickly enough to make the force on Heyward.  Gonzalez tried to get the slow-footed McCann at first, throwing from his knees, but the strong-armed Gonzalez made a bad throw and the ball got past first baseman Adam Dunn, allowing Lowe to score.

Heyward tried to follow Lowe to home plate, but Maya backed the play up well, and threw in plenty of time to nab him at the plate.

Wilson Ramos holds onto the ball despite Jason Heyward's attempt to barrel over the catcher. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

Maya fell to 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA, with 10 walks and eight strikeouts in four starts.  The four-run sixth continues a trend of opposing teams having one good inning against the Cuban-born right-hander. 

Lowe, the veteran righty, went five innings on the hot day, giving up five hits and one walk, striking out four.  The Nats managed just one hit in four innings against four Braves relievers.

It would have helped Maya, perhaps, if his team's hitters would have shown up for this one.  Washington actually got some runners on base, but as was the case when the team went through it offensive struggles in August and early September, the bats were non-existent with runners on base, going 0-for-10 in such situations.

THE GOOD:  Alberto Gonzalez went 2-for-4.  Craig Stammen, Joe Bisenius and Collin Balester combined for 3 2/3 scoreless relief innings with seven strikeouts.

THE BAD:  Nyjer Morgan, making his return from his eight-game suspension, was inserted right back into the leadoff spot, and promptly went 1-for-5, including going 0-for-2 against left-handed relievers.

THE UGLY:  The Nos. three through six hitters combined to go 0-for-13. Yuck.

THE STATS:  9 Ks, 5 BBs, 0-for-10 with RISP, 12 LOB, 1 GIDP, 1 E (Gonzalez, throw)

NEXT GAME:  Sunday matinee at 1:35 pm.  Livan Hernandez (10-12, 3.75) hosts Brandon Beachy (0-1, 2.08).

NATS NOTES:  The Nationals will make some sort of tribute to retiring Braves manager Bobby Cox in a pre-game ceremony at 1:15 pm Sunday.

Ryan Zimmerman missed his third straight game with a rib cage strain, and before the game Manager Jim Riggleman indicated that it's a possibility that Zimmerman could miss the remainder of the season.

"You've got to treat it like its our playoffs." -- Adam Dunn, on beating the suddenly struggling Braves

THE RESULT:  The chants started after the first home run, just a few in the upper deck behind home plate.  After the second homer, they grew louder and spread to different parts of the park.

The cheers came to a cresendo after the two-run single in the sixth.

"It's really good to feel wanted. Who doesn't want that feeling?" the hulking first baseman told reporters after the game.

Nationals Park fans, maybe for the first time ever, were actually letting anyone that would listen know how they felt about the slugger who becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen who was listening.

Regardless, Adam Dunn drove in five runs tonight for the Washington Nationals, leading his last-place team over the Atlanta Braves 8-3, who now find themselves struggling to hold onto a playoff spot in the National League, before a raucous Friday night crowd of 22,515.

The win marks four in a row for the Nats, the first time this season they've been able to muster that long a winning streak.

The season record stands at 66-88 with eight games left, and you know the team -- and organization -- would love to reach the 70 win mark.  After four wins in a row, that goal actually looks attainable.

The loss also marks four in a row for the Braves.  They started play six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and a half-game behind San Diego for the wildcard and are slumping at the least opportune time of the season.

Dunn hit both his home runs (36, 37) off Tim Hudson (L, 16-9, 2.80), who usually owns the Nationals.  But the veteran righty struggled tonight, walking six and allowing six earned runs on seven hits, striking out just three.  He took a liner off his shin early in the game, but pitched through whatever discomfort he might have had.

On the other hand, Jordan Zimmermann had what Manager Jim Riggleman described as his "best start of the season", throwing five innings and giving up just one earned run (a solo homer by All-Star Omar Infante), three hits, one walk, one hit batter and struck out five.  Zimmermann earned the win (1-2), his first victory since June 29, 2009.

Willie Harris hit an inside-the-park home run in the seventh inning off reliever Kyle Farnsworth.  He drove a ball to the wall in straight center, and Nate McLouth slammed into the wall trying to chase it down.  McLouth lost the ball for a moment, and third base coach Pat Listach waived Harris around third.  The relay throw was a bit up the line, and Harris slid into home head first, beating the play.

It was his 10th home run of the season.

But the night belonged to Adam Dunn -- and the vocal section of the crowd chanting their desire for the front office to get him under contract.  Neither side really has a strong incentive to work out a deal until he files for free agency. 

Unless. of course, the team wants to show some goodwill to their fan base, especially considering the uncertainty going forward with Stan Kasten no longer advising the ownership.

THE GOOD:  In addition to Dunn and Zimmermann, props must be given to Tyler Clippard.  He went two innings, against the heart of the Braves order, and did not allow a hit or walk, striking out four of the six batters he faced.

THE BAD:  Joel Peralta was nowhere near as sharp as he was the other night, allowing two earned runs on two hits in one-third of an inning.

THE UGLY:  Dunn giveth and Dunn taketh away.  A routine ground ball with runners on ate him up at first base, allowing a run to score in the Braves two-run eighth.  But the damage was already done.

THE STATS:  7 Ks, 7 BBs, 2-for-9 with RISP, 0 LOB, 0 GIDP, 2 Errors (Dunn, Zimmermann)

NEXT GAME:  Quick turnaround: Saturday at 1:05 pm.  Yunesky Maya (0-2, 6.32) takes on Derek Lowe (14-12, 4.18).

NATS NOTES:  Ryan Zimmerman sat out his second straight game with a rib cage strain.  Riggleman said the team will be very cautious with the gold gove third baseman, fearful of him aggrevating the injury and missing the rest of the season.

Riggleman said he expects to have CF Nyjer Morgan back in the starting lineup Saturday. Morgan's eight-game suspension ended Friday.

I know that it's usually customary to thank your readership when the season is actually over, and I'll do it again at that time too, I'm sure.  But since this is the last weekend homestand I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You, to every single person that has read Nats News Network and Off the Field this season.

Despite all the losses, and the long hours Cheryl and I put into this, we've had a lot of fun experiencing baseball from "the inside" this season and being able to bring it to you.

Whatever happens in the future, we've both gained a tremendous amount of experience as credentialed internet writers and photographers this season and we wanted to thank you for being interested enough in what we had to say, to look at our photos, to debate us in the topic of the day, and just for clicking our link.

There's an awful lot of places you can get your Washington Nationals news, photos, commentary, opinion, analysis and debate.  We're humbled and grateful that you keep us on your list.

So, Thank You.

If you're in the park this weekend, please let us know, either by leaving a comment, email or tweeting us (@NatsNewsNetwork or @cnichols14) so we can come by and say thanks in person.  It would be great to put a face on the nicknames, aliases and anonymouses throughout the season and shake your hands for visiting our site.

THE RESULT:  Tell the truth.  When you found out Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn weren't in the lineup, you kinda gave up on this one, didn't you?

That is, until Michael Morse launched his 13th home run of the season leading off the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at one.  But even then you still weren't totally convinced.

But then, in the sixth inning, the Washington Nationals scored four times with two outs, and you were back in, ready to follow the youngsters as they turn into a Major League team.  

And on the day Stan Kasten, president of the team, announced his resignation, the Nats cruised to their third straight victory over the Houston Astros, 7-2.  You, along with 14,633 paid attendance, rejoiced. 

At least about the victory.

The Nats record now stands at 65-88, and with nine games to go, you once again feel optimistic about this team finishing up on a hot streak, with visions of Danny Espinosa, Ian Desmond, and other Nats youngsters leading the way.

The kids hit home runs, played exceptional defense, and gave Ross Detwiler his first victory since in almost a whole calendar year.  His last victory was Sept. 28, 2009 against the New York Mets.

Roger Bernadina homered the opposite way in that fateful sixth off loser Nelson Figueroa (5-4, 3.81), and Morse added a two-RBI double in the frame.  Bernadina and Morse, as unlikey a 4-5 combo in the league, went a combined 4-for-6 with a walk, double, two home runs, five RBIs and three runs scored.

And Danny Espinosa homered for the second day in a row, giving the 23-year old second baseman his sixth home run and 11th extra-base hit in just 77 plate appearances.

Detwiler went six innings, throwing 79 pitches, 45 for strikes.  He did not get a strikeout, but induced three ground ball double plays.  He gave up two earned runs on seven hits and two walks.  The first run scored when the second batter of the game drove a double over the head of Justin Maxwell on a ball that Maxwell did not get a good read on and probably should have caught.

Craig Stammen, Drew Storen and Collin Balester all recorded a scoreless inning of relief.

The Nats have taken their lumps this year, on their way to a 90-loss season after consecutive 100-loss seasons.  But teams hardly ever make a 20 game leap in the standings.  If the Nats go 3-6 the rest of the way, they will have 10 more wins this season than last.  That's legit.

It's tough to be patient, but if you look around, some of the building blocks are here.  Some of Kasten's words today in his address to reporters stood out more than others: 

"I do know that this team finally has a terrific pipeline. You know the kids our system produced this season. You know the kids that they're about to produce the next season, the season after that, the season after and the season after that. Nothing good happens after that. We finally have that. We finally have a baseball operations front office that is as good as can be to produce that on an ongoing basis. Those are the two most important things on [the baseball operations] side."

THE GOOD:  Infield defense.  Man, how long have I been waiting to type those words?  All three of Espinosa, Desmond and Gonzalez had a tremendous day on defense, making diving stops, leaping catches, and laser throws to first.  It was a clinic, and a beautiful thing to watch.

THE BAD:  Justin Maxwell.  He was the only batter not to have a hit or score a run, and he hit inot a double play.  He did draw a walk though.  And he kinda misplayed that ball in center on the second batter of the game.

THE UGLY:  Astros pitcher Gustavo Chacin.  Chacin faced two batters, and gave up Espinosa's homer and a single by Adam Kennedy.  Tough night.

THE STATS:  6 Ks, 3 BBs, 2-for-8 with RISP, 4 LOB, 1 GIDP.

NEXT GAME:  Friday night against Atlanta at 7:05 pm.  Jordan Zimmermann (0-2, 6.75) faces Nats-killer Tim Hudson (16-8, 2.61).

With his college age son sitting beside him on the top ledge of the Washington Nationals dugout, curly W's adorning the wall, Nats President Stan Kasten confirmed to the media that he would be resigning, effective at the end of this season.

He said at the beginning of his statements that he would talk today about his experiences with the team, and how and why his resignation came about, but preferred not to discuss his future plans, or go into any details about where he sees the team today or the progress in the organization, outside of very broad ideas.

He promised that he would talk about those things in more detail when the season was over, but for now, he wanted to confirm the news of his resignation and then "get back to baseball."

"When I came here...in 2006, I made a commitment to stay for five years, through the end of the 2010 season.  About a year ago or so, I went to the family and told them I would not be staying beyond that five year commitment.  So what I'm here to tell you today is that I'll be leaving the Nats at the end of the season."

"Let me assure you:  This is just about me.  This has nothing to do with anybody else, or anything else, this is just about me.  What's good for me, for my family, and my own personal expectations, goals, aspirations.  Purely that, and nothing else."

"Leaving here is going to be hard.  But the decision to leave was not hard. It was just the right thing to do now."

He stressed several times that any rumors or reports that there was a rift with ownership regarding financial support for the organization were absolutely inaccurate.

"I have a great relationship with the Lerners. We had really good talks, but at the end this was clearly what I wanted to do.  They have been great.  Yes, I think they would have been really happy for me to stay, but this is the right thing."

Kasten expressed a strong feeling that he really felt ingrained in the community, and cited several prominent D.C. officials as friends.

"There's going to so much that I'm going to miss.  First of all, I love DC.  I truly do.  I love living here, I love working here.  The people that I have met here along the way have been exceptional."

"The fans have been so great to me, I interact with them every night, I walk the concourses as you know for every game. and I want to thank them for their generosity in offering advice and help -- especially when you're a guy running a team that loses as much as we have."

Kasten spoke a couple times about the idea of commitment.  "I made a commitment here, and it was really important to fulfill that commitment.  Commitments are important.  To me, I expect others to honor their commitment and I expect it of myself."

But now that he's fulfilled that commitment, "I'm mostly just excited about stuff that's going to happen in the future," though he declined several times to discuss any plans he may have for that future.

He declined to discuss whether he was relinquishing his ownership stake, but did mention that if he were to take another job in Major League Baseball it would be something that would have to be dealt with. 

He also declined to answer -- for now -- if he saw himself getting back into baseball after his exit from the Nationals.

Kasten referred questions about a replacement or strategy to the Lerner family.

When asked if things were harder than he thought they would be when he took his role with the Nats, he replied, "It's not easy, ever, to build a championship team.  You're competing against 29 other groups of really hard-working, smart, talented individuals.  That makes it hard.  But we put ourselves on a track, we continue on a real positive path, and the future is exceptionally bright."

"I feel that we accomplished some things that were real important to accomplish."

Asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment in his five-year tenure, he said, "Until we win it all we don't have any crowning achievements."  He then went on to point out the emerging minor league system, the strong front office staff, and Nationals Park as significant achievements under his watch.

On whether he thought D.C. was a "baseball town", Kasten was emphatic.  "No question about it." 

"We had 1.8 million people come to watch a team that's losing 95-105 games a year.  That's extraordinary support for a team that hasen't earned it yet.  When we get our job done, we're going to have great support."

The team distributed a statement from Managing Principal Owner Ted Lerner: 

"Stan Kasten will always be an important part of the history of the Washington Nationals. He was vital to ownership winning its bid from Major League Baseball and his agreement to serve as the team’s chief executive for the last five years has been critical to building the Washington Nationals franchise.

Over his tenure he has positioned the Nationals to become one of the most exciting franchises in baseball and we thank him for all that he has accomplished.

We certainly respect his decision to pursue other interests at the end of the regular season, but will continue to call upon him for his vast knowledge of the game, the league and the franchise. He will remain a friend and valued partner of the team and ownership group."

The other day, Bill Ladson at MLB.com took a look at the Washington Nationals current roster and gave an educated guess as to which of those players would stay or go for 2011.  Since I've been working on a piece like that myself, I thought I'd roll it out there and offer my opinion for debate. 

ABSOLUTE KEEPERS

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B:  Get it out of the way.  The Face isn't going anywhere, but his contract does expire after 2013.

Ian Desmond, SS:  Sure, his error total leads the league.  But name me a true rookie shortstop who didn't have a high error total.  His range is unsurpassed.

Danny Espinosa, 2B:  He could start 2011 in Syracuse, but more likely he's shown enough with the bat in September to get a legitimate shot at starting at second next season.  He's a gold glove waiting to happen at second.

Alberto Gonzalez, UTL:  Defensively he can play anywhere in the infield, and he's hitting enough, especially against left-handers (.298/.328/.368), to pinch-hit as well.

Nyjer Morgan, CF:  Yes, he'll be back.  I'm sure of it.  And against RHPs, he's legit (lifetime .309/.360/.388).  But they have to get a platoon partner for him.  HAVE TO.

Roger Bernadina, OF:  Bernie has shown enough that in a platoon he can be a real valuable player, but he's overmatched if he has to play every day.  A Bernie/Morse duo in right the next two years until you-know-who is ready wouldn't be the worst thing.

Michael Morse, OF/1B:  Look, I love Morse as much as the next guy.  Well, maybe not that much.  But he's been most productive when picking the right spots to use him.  He lacks defensively, making a platoon situation best for him too.

Ivan Rodriguez, C:  He's been exactly who we thought he was:  decent average, sub-.300 OBP, good (but not great) defensively.  He'll need about 180 hits to reach 3000 at the end of the season, though.  Hard to see that happening next year.

Wilson Ramos, C:  Defensively, he's ready.  Good target, quick feet, strong arm.  Will probably never be more than a No. 8 hitter though, showing some pop, but low averages and OBP.  Hopefully he plays more than Pudge's backup did this season.

Livan Hernandez, RHSP:  His reward contract has already been granted, and will likely be the Opening Day starter, short of the Nats signing a major free agent pitcher which I do not expect them to do.  Livo fans, be careful what you wish for though.

Jason Marquis, RHSP:  Made six of seven quality starts since returning from DL.  He's under contract next season and will be in the rotation.  Hope he's good enough for the Nats can flip him at trade deadline like they did with Capps this year.

John Lannan, LHSP:  The "Luckiest Man in Baseball" is back to his old tricks, with one new one:  he's striking some guys out.  His K/9 and K/BB since coming off the DL both eclipse career highs.

Jordan Zimmermann. RHSP:  J-Zimm wowed everyone with his 9 K performance against the Marlins, but he's mostly struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery.  The velocity is there, but his control and command will still take time.  The recovery from TJ is 12-18 months, and he's still in recovery.  People have to remember that.

Tyler Clippard, RHRP, Sean Burnett, LHRP, Doug Slaten, LHRP:  Lumping all these guys together.  The bullpen is the reason the Nats will end up however many games better than last season, plain and simple.  These guys are the primary reasons why.

Drew Storen, RHRP:  Up until the last week or so, I would have said he's the anointed closer.  But every time Riggleman talks about Storen these days, it seems less likely he trusts Storen in that role.  Regardless, he's in the pen next year either saving or settting up.

PROBABLE KEEPERS

Yunesky Maya, RHSP:  The Nats will give him every opportunity to make the big league rotation next season.  He's got a tremendous curveball, and good slider and change-up, but his fastball is flat at 88-89 MPH and very hittable if he doesn't keep it down in the zone. 

Joe Bisenius, RHRP:  He came out of nowhere this year, pitching in three different levels of the minors.  But the fact the Nats put him on the 40-man to protect him says a lot.  97 MPH doesn't grow on trees.

Collin Balester, RHRP: You know what? Ballystar has been really good. In 15 innings he's struck out 22, a dramatic rise in K-rate over his career numbers. Relieving suits him, and his arsenal and personality scream "closer". I'm just sayin'. Also, he's just 24.

Craig Stammen, RHRP:  Stammen's been the good soldier this year, doing what's asked of him and being happy to do it.  I think the boat has sailed on him as a starter in the organization though, so if he can continue to be happy in the "Miguel Batista" swingman role, he can serve a very useful role in the pen.

BACK TO THE MINORS

Ross Detwiler, LHSP:  If the Nats sign a veteran starter, Detwiler will surely go back to Syracuse.  He's capable of good strikeout rates, but the same thing that makes him effective -- his funky delivery -- also causes his hip injuries.  He has to really impress in spring training to earn a job.

J.D. Martin, RHSP:  Martin has missed the second half of the season with a back injury, and he'll be organizational depth next season if he's retained.

Luis Atilano, RHSP:  Atilano is still young and was pressed into duty this year before he was ready before his elbow injury.  His ceiling is really limited though as a pitch-to-contact guy without a special pitch.

Garrett Mock, RHSP:  Mock got back on a mound in the minors after recovering from cervical spine surgery early in the season, going 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two starts.  He has some of the best stuff in the system, but a injury-ravaged season at age 27 kinda leaves him in the dust.

ON THE FENCE

Josh Willingham, LF:  The Hammer was having a very nice season until he made an awkward slide into second and tore the meniscus in his knee, requiring surgery.  He'll be due a significant raise through arbitration, so the team will need to decide what they want to do with him quickly.  But I think all involved saw what happened to the offense after he got hurt.

PROBABLY NOT

Justin Maxwell, OF:  His power/speed/defense combo is just so hard to ignore, but his contact-making ability at the big league level is exposed.  They might keep him in the system, or let him walk, but I don't see him making the club in spring training.

Miguel Batista, RHRP, Joel Peralta, RHRP:  Fungible relievers.  Batista has pitched three times since Sept. 3.  That should tell you something.  Peralta's career year (2.06 ERA) will get attention somewhere, if not here.

INJURED

Stephen Strasburg, RHSP:  Regardless if he's not taking anyone's calls but the doctor's right now, the Nats hope his recovery from TJ goes as smoothly as Zimmermann's did, and they can see him on a Major League mound next September.

Chien-Ming Wang, RHSP:  I don't think he'll ever throw a pitch in a Washington Nationals uniform, despite his attendance at the Florida Instructional league right now.

Jesus Flores, C:  Flores is scheduled to play in the instructional league as well, after missing more than a year with his injured right shoulder.  The mis-diagnosis and bungling of his rehab last year derailed what could have been a real promising career.  What a shame.  The guy's only 25 though, so the Nats don't want to write him off yet.

NOT RETURNING

Willie Harris, UTL:  There are cheaper, younger, more talented guys around -- in the system and out -- to take Willie's place.  Give the guy credit, he's still popping a few homers here and there, and he'll probably find work somewhere next season, but it won't be in DC.

Adam Kennedy, 2B:  Did what was asked of him, but he's clearly not happy riding the pine in September while Espinosa gets training time.  Completely replaceable skill set.  Nats could pick up his option, but again, they can also find someone cheaper to fill the role of insurance should they feel Espi isn't ready.

Kevin Mench, PH:  Let's be honest, he was pretty fortunate to be drawing a MLB paycheck the last six weeks.  He's had 23 at bats since Aug. 7.

Wil Nieves, C:  I hope the Nats keep him in the system.  He's a tireless worker with a great attitude and the nicest guy I've ever met in the Major Leagues.  His limitations as a ball player have been detailed elsewhere ad nauseum, so I won't repeat them.  He'd make a great coach someday.

Scott Olsen, LHSP:  This.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Adam Dunn, 1B:  I have no idea.  Neither side really has much incentive to get a deal done before Dunn can file for free agency, unless the team is looking for goodwill with a certain portion of the fanbase. 

Frankly, I think he files and he'll have to decide between getting a four-year deal to be a DH, or a three-year deal here for less money to continue to play 1B, because I don't think there's another NL team that will make him a legitimate offer.

WHAT I WOULD DO

Here's the fun part.  Bring Hammer back.  Find platoon partner for Morgan in CF (maybe this guy).  Let Bernie/Morse have RF.  Don't cave into Dunn's camp and take him back on the team's terms (2-3 years) or invest the money you would have spent on younger, more athletic players (maybe him, him, or him) or a veteran pitcher.

Let the rest ride.  The team as constructed above is already 5-8 games better than this year.  Save the rest of your bullets for 2012 when Strasburg is back.  The 2012 free agent class is loaded with talent, Rizzo can fill the holes then.

THE RESULT:  In his short Major League career thus far, Danny Espinosa has developed a flare for the dramatic.

Tonight, before an announced 12,213 at steamy Nats Park, the 23-year old second baseman hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh, leading the Washington Nationals over the Houston Astros 4-3.

The win is the second straight for the Nats over Houston.  Washington came into the series having lost 10 of its last 12 games.

Espinosa added a triple to his 2-for-4 night (with two runs and two RBIs) and Michael Morse slammed a long home run to straight-away center field.  Ten of Espinosa's 16 hits this season have gone for extra bases, including four doubles, one triple and five home runs.

It was a tight game all night, a testament to the two starting pitchers -- Jason Marquis for the Nats and Wandy Rodriguez for the 'Stros.

Marquis had a little bit of a strange evening, as he seems pre-occupied on the mound with anything but pitching.  He noticably squirmed on the hill several times, and had a couple lengthy conversations with catcher Ivan Rodriguez throughout the appearance. 

Despite the quirks, he was effective, limiting the Astros to two earned runs on seven hits, one walk and one hit batter, who -- of course -- scored one of the Houston runs.  He struck out just two batters, which has been consistent in his mini-renaissance since his return from injury.

Rodriguez was almost as good, but Espinosa's triple -- which was awkwardly played by center fielder Jason Bourgeois -- turned into a run when Ian Desmond's infield single was enough to plate Espinosa in the third.  Then, leading off the fourth, Morse took the first pitch of the inning deep to center, where the ball disappeared into the crevasse between the wall and the stands for his 12th homer of the year, just to the left of the batter's eye.

Espinosa's homer heroics were preceded by Justin Maxwell tough at bat against Rodriguez for a walk after fouling two balls off, and a sacrifice by pinch-hitter Alberto Gonzalez.  

After the sacrifice, Houston Manager Brad Mills called upon reliever Jeff Fulchino, and Espinosa greeted the big right-hander rudely, smacking his second pitch into the first row of seats above the out-of-town scoreboard in right center field.

Tyler Clippard, who allowed an inherited runner to score in the top of the inning, got the vulture win, running his record to 11-6.  For the second night in a row, manager Jim Riggleman made an interesting decision with the bullpen.  Joel Peralta was flat-out dealing, having gone 1 1/3 innings of hitless, walkless relief, striking out three of the four batters he faced.

But as he did last night with Drew Storen, Riggleman did not allow Peralta to finish the ninth, again preferring to have Sean Burnett face Geoff Blum.  Blum won the battle tonight, hitting a clean single up the middle.  Instead of getting a right-hander to face the next two righty hitters, Riggleman left Burnett in to finish up, and he did without incident, earning his third save.

It might have gotten the job done, but it was certainly unorthodox.

THE GOOD:  Espinosa.  The more Major League pitches he sees, the quicker he's going to be a very valuable member of this team.

THE BAD:  A night after getting two hits, Roger Bernadina went righ back into his slump, going 0-for-4 with a K.  He looks lost.  He is dramatically overstriding in his swing, and moving his back foot all over the place.

THE UGLY:  Adam Dunn was hit with a pitch in his right elbow in an at bat in the fifth.  He stayed in the game for two more innings before coming out of the game.  He told reporters after the game it was "the worst pain I've ever hand in baseball."  He is day-to-day, but aren't we all.

THE STATS:  7 Ks, 2 BBs, 2-for-4 with RISP, 6 LOB, 0 GIDP.

NEXT GAME:  Thursday v. Houston at 4:35 pm.  Ross Detwiler (0-2, 2.37) takes the hill against Nelson Figueroa (3-2, 3.54).

"We're just trying to get outs." -- Jim Riggleman, on lifting Drew Storen in the ninth.

THE RESULT:  This story should be about how the Washington Nationals came from behind with a seven-run eighth inning to defeat the Houston Astros 8-4.  Or if could he about how John Lannan persevered to pitch seven strong innings after giving up three in the first inning. 

It could even be about how Ivan Rodriguez got a little bit redemption in a lousy season, slugging a massive two-run homer to take a lead the Nats wouldn't relinquish.

But it's not.

It's about how the manager of the Washington Nationals, Jim Riggleman, pulled the rug out from underneath his rookie reliever and future closer, Drew Storen.

Storen, granted, had a bit of a tough time of it in the ninth inning, brought into a five-run game.  He got the first out of the inning on a strikeout of Jason Michaels, who hit a two-run homer against Lannan in the first inning.

The second batter of the inning, Chris Johnson, lofted a 1-1 pitch to the bullpen in left center field, cutting the lead to 8-4.  Storen got shortstop Tommy Manzella to ground back to him, making a nice grab on the comebacker to get the second out of the inning.

Storen then lost catcher Jason Castro on a 3-2 pitch after two foul balls.

At that point, Riggleman came out and lifted the young reliever, though the man coming to the plate could not tie the game or bring the winning run to home plate.  With two outs in the bottom of the ninth in a four-run game with a man on first, Riggleman decided that instead of building confidence in a rookie that struggled his last time on the mound, he needed to bring in a lefty to make pinch-switch-hitter Geoff Blum bat right-handed.

Blum is a career .250/.311/.385 hitter over 12 MLB seasons.

Storen was visibly upset as he left the mound, and he stormed into the runway to the clubhouse.  He had every right to be upset.  And there are no quotes from him coming from the clubhouse after the game.

Burnett got a pop-up to end the game, and officially seal the Nats all-important 63rd win of the season, ensuring that even if they lose every single game remaining, they will not lose 100 games for the third consecutive year.

But at what cost?

The shattered confidence of one of the proclaimed cornerstones of this franchise?  A potentially damaged relationship between the groomed closer and his caretaker manager?

I asked Riggleman in the post-game press conference if something specific bothered him about Storen's performance that caused him to pull the reliever, despite the fact he could not have given up the lead to the next batter.  Riggleman easily could have said the walk bothered him enough to go get Storen.  And I would probably be writing about the comeback.

But that is not what he said.  This was: 

"We don't have any specific role for anybody, we're just trying to get outs and I felt like the best way to get that next out was to bring Burnett in.  Did I think Drew would get the next out?  Yeah.  But I was a little more confident that [Burnett] coming in fresh there to face a guy off the bench, but turn him around right-handed, was a little more to our liking."

So no specific roles in the bullpen.  But Riggleman felt it was a better matchup to bring a left-handed pitcher in to make a .250 career-hitting switch-hitter hit right-handed (his better side) rather than allow a rookie pitcher finish the job you're grooming him for -- when he couldn't give up the lead or bring the winning run up to the plate -- expressing a lack of confidence in him both by actions and by words.

Maybe I'm overreacting, in which case please feel free to tell me in the comments.

But sometimes process needs to play out.  Sometimes you have to let rookie pitchers work out of their own jams.  Sometimes you have to manage with the bigger picture in mind instead of acting like it's the seventh game of the World Series every night.

Or not.

THE GOOD:  Pudge Rodriguez.  His OBP for the season may still be under .300, but the two-run homer he hit to tie the game hit half-way up the foul pole in left field.  After the Nats left runners on in scoring position in each of the two previous innings, it was a much needed blast.

Lannan's deeds cannot go ignored either.  Roughed up for three runs in the first, it looked like a long night.  But Lannan settled down, retiring 12 straight at one point.  He went seven full, allowing just the three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out three.

THE BAD:  Danny Espinosa went 0-for-4, lowering his average to .212.  He did make several stellar plays at second base though throughout the evening.

THE UGLY:  I think I already covered that.

THE STATS:  9 Ks, 6 BBs, 5-for-13 with RISP, 9 LOB, 0 GIDP.

NEXT GAME:  Wednesday v. Houston at 7:05 pm.  Jason Marquis (2-9, 7.71) faces Wandy Rodriguez (11-12, 3.65).

NATS NOTES:  Announced attendance tonight was 11,893.  Actual attendance appeared to be much lower than that.

NATS PHOTOS:  Photo gallery on Off the Field.

In a published report this morning by Melissa Segura of SI.com, the Washington Nationals top instructor in the Domincan knew all about the trail of deceit following Carlos Alvarez, a heralded shortstop prospect who claimed to be Esmailyn Gonzalez, four years younger than his actual age.

Alvarez testified in June in a Dominican appeals court that Jose Baez, the Nats' Domincan academy coordinator under Jim Bowden and Jose Rijo, was fully aware of his true identity and age and that Rijo knew of the fraud as well.  The report does not say that Bowden himself knew of the deceit.

Baez is involved in a labor dispute with the Nationals for wrongful termination.  He won in a lower court, and the Nationals launched "an aggressive and costly appeal," according to the report.  Alvarez' testimony came during a hearing in the appeal process.

It's the first time that actual testimony has connected a Nationals employee to the fraud.

'We just didn't make some plays." -- Manager Jim Riggleman, on the fifth inning debacle.

THE RESULT:  One of the best things about baseball is that every night there's a different game, a chance to see something you've never seen, or at least haven't seen in a long time.

When was the last time you went to a baseball game and saw three errors by the same team in one inning?

Monday night, in front of the smallest home crowd in Washington Nationals history, the Nats committed three errors in a disasterous seven-run fifth inning, managed only six hits against a rookie starter that brought a 4.95 ERA into the game, and lost to another sub-.500 team, the Houston Astros, 8-2, before an announced 10,999.

In reality, there might have been two-thirds of that in attendance to witness a depressing, uninspired Nats squad slog their way to their fourth consecutive loss -- their tenth in 12 games -- and 88th loss of the season.

The fifth inning was a half-hour long nightmare for the Nats and their few fans that came out on a gorgeous almost-fall evening.  Willie Harris dropped a fly ball.  Adam Dunn fielded a grounder and led Livan Hernandez too much -- who was late getting over to cover the bag anyway.  Roger Bernadina kicked a ball in center allowing another run to cross the plate.

Yeah, it was that bad.

In addition to the miscues, Livan Hernandez didn't do himself any favors in the frame, first failing to get over on the play at first, then allowing home runs to Geoff Blum (his second of the season) and backup catcher Humberto Quintero (his sixth).

Livo's had better nights. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network).

"It was just a bad inning, a terrible inning," Washington manager Jim Riggleman said.

Yup.

The Nats best chance to get back in the game came in the seventh.  They loaded the bases with two out for clean-up hitter Adam Dunn.  Dunn struck out on three pitches.

The Nats did jump out on top quickly against Astros starter Bud Norris (W, 9-8, 4.85), scoring twice in the first.  Adam Kenendy walked and Ryan Zimmerman singled to right ahead of Dunn's double to the right field corner.

But that's where the offense ended.

THE GOOD:  Zimmerman went 2-for-4, and is scorching in September, hitting over .350 and OBPing over .425, though he does not have a homer in 17 games.

The bullpen threw another four shut out innings.  Tonight it was Craig Stammen, Collin Balester and Joe Bisenius.

THE BAD:  Danny Espinosa went 0-for-5 in the leadoff spot, with three strikeouts.  His average is down to .226 in 62 at bats.

THE UGLY:  Livo.  Granted, four of the seven runs in the fifth were unearned due to the errors.  But he was the pitcher who served up meatballs to two guys with a combined six homers on the season.  And it's hard to tell if Livo was crossed up when Dunn looked at the runner at third instead of first base the whole way, but he was late getting to the bag on the play.

THE STATS:  10 Ks, 4 BBs, 2-for-5 with RISP, 8 LOB, 0 GIDP.

NEXT GAME:  Tuesday at 7:05 pm v. Houston.  John Lannan (8-7, 4.61) against J.A. Happ (5-2, 3.63)