ZIMMERMANN'S FIRST CAREER COMPLETE GAME GOES FOR NAUGHT

As the shadows crept across the outfield grass at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, it became tougher and tougher for both teams to bat against the elite level starters their opposition sent out to face them.  Fortunately for the Los Angeles Angels, they caught a break in the fourth inning.  Unfortunately for Jordan Zimmermann and the Washington Nationals, a simple mistake broke them.

Gold Glove third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's throwing error on a slow roller advanced Bobby Abreu to third base with no outs, which allowed him to score on a double play grounder by the next batter.  That was the sole run in the Angels' 1-0 victory, sweeping the Nats in Davey Johnson's first three games as the Nationals skipper.

The story of this game was the two starting pitchers, Zimmermann and the Angels' Dan Haren, who matched each other pitch-for-pitch in the mid-afternoon sun and shadows.  Zimmermann (5-7, 2.85) allowed the single, unearned run on four hits and one walk, striking out four in the eight-inning complete game effort.  Zimmermann threw just 93 pitches in his eight innings, 60 for strikes.  The Nats ever-impressing righty recorded 10 ground outs versus six fly balls.

Haren was equally impressive.  He went 7 1/3 innings, giving up just two hits -- a Brian Bixler bunt single in the fourth and Pudge Rodriguez' single to center in the eighth.  Haren struck out three of his first four batters, and recorded six for the game, allowing one walk.

Zimmerman's (the third baseman) bad throw was certainly one he wished he had back.  With Abreu on first, Vernon Wells hit a slow roller that Zim had to come in on.  It was a tough play at second regardless, and once he looks at the reply Zim will probably say he should have just gone to first with it.  But his throw was into the runner, and it looked like Danny Espinosa either short-armed the catch, or maybe lost it temporarily coming out of the stands.  Either way, I'm sure both players will take responsibility for the miscue.

Though the Nats fell because of a defensive breakdown, they also benefited from a pair of terrific plays in the outfield.  Both Bixler, who played right field to give Jayson Werth at least part of a day off, and Roger Bernadina in center gunned down Angels trying to take an extra base at second.

So the Davey Era has gotten off to something of a slow start.  It's not like this team was going to continue to win 13 out of every 15 games.  But four losses in their last five games now certainly gives one pause and lowers their record to 40-41. 

After an off-day tomorrow, the Nationals return home to start an 11-game homestand, featuring the improving Pittsburgh Pirates (40-39), struggling Chicago Cubs (32-48) and disappointing Colorado Rockies (39-40), who expected to contend this season.  It should be a good test for these Nationals coming into the All-Star break.

__________________________________________________

THE GOOD:  Zimmermann.  Though his innings limit for the season rapidly approaches, the 25-year old is showing just how dominant he can be.

THE BAD:  Jayson Werth, who pinch-hit for Alex Cora lat in the game, struck out looking in his only at bat.  He's struck out 13 times in his last six games.

THE UGLY:  Matt Stairs, at DH and hitting cleanup, went 0-for-4 with two Ks, lowering his average to .132.

THE STATS:  Three hits, one walk, eight strikeouts.  0-for-6 with RISP, five LOB, zero GIDP.  E: Zimmerman (5).

NEXT GAME:  Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 from Nationals Park.  Tom Gorzelanny (2-6, 4.18) faces Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.77).

NATS NOTES:  Jerry Hairston left the game after getting hit in the right wrist area with a Haren fastball.  The team described the injury as a "contusion" and listed him day-to-day.

The Nationals signed free agent LHP J.C.Romero, formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies and assigned him to AAA-Syracuse.  Romero is a lefty-killer and after getting a few appearances at Syracuse to re-build his arm strength could join the Nats to give them a second lefty out of the bullpen.  Romero was part of the Phillies World Series winner.

Earlier today I appeared on 106.7 The Fan with LaVar Arrington and Bill Rohland to talk Washington Nationals. Click below to listen to the segment.  It was a lot of fun and thanks to LaVar, Bill and The Fan for having me on.

In my piece for MASNSports.com this morning, I rained on everyone's parade that now expects the Washington Nationals to continue to win at a 13 out of 15 pace the rest of the season.  I kinda kept my mouth shut once the winning streak really got rolling, but now that the Nats have lost three of four and folks are actually starting to complain about the fact that Davey Johnson hasn't won a game as manager yet (in two games!), I thought a dose of reality might help keep things in perspective.

NatsTown, there are a lot of good things to look forward to with this team.  It's young and talented up the middle in the infield, has some really good arms in the bullpen, has a potential No. 2 type starter recovering from Tommy John surgery, several high-ceiling prospects not too far away from the Major Leagues, and the game's best third baseman when healthy.  That is certainly a lot to like.

But the roster, as it's constructed right now, is not of competing quality.  There's exactly one starting pitcher on this roster that will be part of the Nats first legitimate contending team.  They have one-third of a competitive starting outfield (that is, if the right fielder can find himself), and they are depending too much on a rookie second baseman and 29-year old slugger that is getting his first opportunity to play full-time.

The Nats were on a hot streak, one so pronounced that folks got a little too excited about what was going on.  So let's keep things in perspective.  It's good that there are things to be optimistic about, but let's keep that optimism grounded in reality.

All-Star voting ends Friday this week and the rosters announced Sunday, so an annual tradition of publishing my all-star ballot will continue.  Also, one of the requirements to be eligible for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance is to participate in several different votes during the season, and the all-stars is one of those occasions, as is the post-season awards voting, Hall of Fame votings, etc.

Here are my ballots for each team:

National League

1B: Prince Fielder, MIL.  Better numbers than Pujols this year regardless of the injury.

2B: Rickie Weeks, MIL.  As tempting as it would be to select Danny Espinosa...

3B: Chase Headley, SD.  Best of a real weak class on the ballot.  Too bad Zim was hurt for so long.

SS: Jose Reyes, NYM.  He's making himself a lot of money heading into free agency.

C:   Brain McCann, ATL.  This spot isn't even close.

OF: Matt Kemp, LAD.  Dude's the best player in the league this season.

OF: Ryan Braun, MIL.  Another four-tool hitter.

OF: Lance Berkman, STL.  Resurrected his career in St. Louis.

American League

1B:  Adrian Gonzalez, BOS.  What's not to like about .360/.415/.611?

2B:  Robinson Cano, NYY.  Not MVP numbers like some predicted, but still the class of the group.

3B:  Alex Rodriguez, NYY.  Now I just feel dirty.

SS:  Jhonny Peralta, CLE.  Leads in average, homers and RBIs of anyone on the ballot.

C:   Alex Avila, DET.  A young, up-and-coming hitting star.

DH: David Ortiz, BOS.  Another monster year after folks thought he was washed up.

OF: Jose Bautista, TOR:  He just keeps mashing home runs.

OF: Curtis Granderson, NYY: His lefty swing plays perfect in new Yankee Stadium.

OF: Adam Jones, BAL.  Great well-rounded game, the offense complimenting his stellar defense.

So these are the players on the actual ballot that I'd vote for.  That's an entirely separate issue from how I think the two teams will ultimately will look.  For instance, there's no voting for pitchers, which has always struck me as strange. 

Anyway, below is my take on how these team will eventually be filled out, taking into consideration the rules that each team will be comprised of 33 players and one from each team in both leagues (the 34th spot is another fan vote).  For the starters, I will assume that the players that held the voting lead the last time totals were announced will hold onto that spot and be elected to the game.

NL Starters (8): Pujols (1B), Weeks (2B), Polanco (3B), Tulowitzki (SS), Braun (OF), Berkman (OF), Holliday (OF), McCann (C).

NL Reserves (12): Montero-C (ARI), Fielder-1B (MIL), Votto-1B (CIN), Sanchez-1B (FLA), Espinosa-2B (WAS), Headley-3B (SD), Reyes-SS (NYM), Castro-SS (CHC), Kemp-OF (LAD), J.Upton-OF (ARI), McCutchen-OF (PIT), Bourn-OF (HOU)

NL Pitchers (13): Halladay (PHI), Hamels (PHI), Kershaw (LAD), C.Lee (PHI), Kennedy (ARI), Chacin (COL), Jurrjens (ATL), Lincecum (SF). B.Wilson (SF), Hanrahan (PIT), Putz (ARI), Kimbrell (ATL), Venters (ATL)

The tough choices here were Sanchez at first base instead of Michael Morse from the Nats.  Went with Espinosa as the choice in a weaker field of second baseman.  I know there are a lot of Diamondbacks on the roster, but they all qualify and it's in their park.

AL Starters (9): Gonzalez-1B (BOS), Cano-2B (NYY), A. Rodriguez-3B (NYY), Jeter-SS (NYY), Bautista-OF (TOR), Granderson-OF (NYY), Hamilton-OF (TEX).

AL Reserves (11):  Avila-C (DET), Konerko-1B (CWS), M.Cabrera-1B (DET), Pedroia-2B (BOS), Peralta-3B (DET), A.Cabrera-SS (CLE), A.Jones-OF (BAL), M.Cabrera-OF (KC), N.Cruz-OF (TEX), Quentin-OF (CWS), Span-OF (MIN)

AL Pitchers (13):  Verlander (DET), J. Weaver (LAA), Sabathia (NYY), Shields (TB), F.Hernandez (SEA), Humber (CWS), Lester (BOS), Price (TB), Wilson (TEX), League (SEA), Rivera (NYY), C.Perez (CLE), Ziegler (OAK)

This was more difficult.  Oakland and Minnesota didn't have any traditional all-star caliber players this season, so I took Ziegler, a terrific bullpen guy form Oakland, and Span, a speedy outfielder the AL can use for pinch-running possibilities.

Feel free to shred me in the comments.

by Tyler Radecki, Staff Writer

Syracuse Chiefs, AAA International League

4-3 for the week, 31-43 overall

Pitching Report:

Ross Detwiler: He improved his record to 6-6 Sunday with a five-inning, one earned run start against Rochester.  Detwiler gave up four hits, walked two and struck out four in the outing.  Monday he gave up two eraned runs in 6 2/3 inning, allowing just three hits -- though he walked four -- and struck out three.  He has a 2.61 ERA in June, rebounding well after struggling much of the month of May.  Opponents are hitting just .200 off Detwiler in June, and he given more than two earned runs in a start just once in his last five outings.

Brad Meyers: He was solid on Saturday, striking out three and giving up two runs over six innings. He’s been a little more hittable this month (.314 average against), but he’s striking out nearly a batter an inning and has just five walks in AAA.

Tom Milone: Another strong start from Milone, this time striking out seven in six innings of work with three runs against. His strikeout rate is impressive considering he doesn’t possess a big fastball, and he’s been consistent all year long. Definitely liking what I’m seeing from Milone.

Yunesky Maya: He gave up one run in three innings of a start that was postponed because of rain. He’s given up seven runs in eight innings since his return to AAA.

Josh Wilkie: A tough week for Wilkie – he gave up six earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings. He’s been much more hittable in June (8.71 ERA), so hopefully he can turn it around soon.

Hitting Report –

Steve Lombardozzi: Called up to AAA this week, Lombardozzi seems to have had no problems adjusting to the next level, hitting .458/.458/.542 in five games so far. USA Today mentioned him as well, noting that he looks like “a perfect No. 2 hitting in someone’s – ideally Washington’s – lineup in the near future.”

Chris Marrero: His batting eye has definitely improved, as his OBP is up to .360 on the year after four walks in his last ten games. He also had four RBI this week, raising his total to 38 on the year. His line of .292/.360/.430 isn’t bad at all – oh, and he has just two errors this year.

Matt Antonelli: He’s in the middle of a nine-game hitting streak, and his average in Syracuse is a cool .325 in 120 at-bats. His discipline is good (16 walks to 18 strikeouts) and he’s also slugging .483. He can play short, second and third, and I’d bet he’s called up if one of the position players in Washington finds themselves on the DL.

Jesus Flores: He had six hits in 12 at-bats this week, hitting one home run and driving in eight RBIs. He’s not walking, but seeing him hit for some power and driving in runs is a welcome sight.

Corey Brown: He’s starting to turn it around a little bit, hitting .270/.372/.649 over his last ten games with two doubles, four home runs and seven RBIs. He had a big night Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with two walks, a home run and two RBIs. His average on the year is still just .212, but the past week or so may be a sign of things to come.

Harrisburg Senators, AA Eastern League

4-2 for the week, 43-31 overall

Pitching Report:

Brad Peacock: Another week, another solid start from Peacock, this time throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings with five hits, one walk and six strikeouts. He has a ridiculous 114 strikeouts in 87 innings this year, and would be in AAA, I believe, if the rotation in Syracuse wasn’t already full.

Shairon Martis: The 24-year-old pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings on Sunday, giving up just three hits with 10 strikeouts. His ERA in AA Harrisburg is 2.95, and he’s 3-1 with a 2.10 ERA in June. He’s starting to strike out hitters, too: he has eight or more strikeouts in three of his last four starts. He’s worth watching as he tries to battle back to the majors.

Hitting Report:

Derek Norris: He was just 2-for-10 this week, dropping his average to .217 on the season. He still gets on base (three walks this week), and his OPS is a very solid .837 despite the low average. If he could just hit .250 without sacrificing walks or power, he’d be a monster.

Tyler Moore: He’s struggling right now, hitting just .194 in his last ten games. He did have two homers this week (to bring his total to 14), so it’s good to see the power is still there.

Potomac Nationals, High-A Carolina League

1-3 for the week, 30-43 overall

Pitching Report:

Josh Smoker: He pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings this week with two hits and four strikeouts.

Cameron Selik: He gave up five runs in five innings Sunday, but just one of them was earned. His ERA on the year is a solid 3.45, but he has just 26 strikeouts in 47 innings.

Hitting Report:

Eury Perez: His average continues to fall (.278 now) as he’s hitting just .200 in his last ten games. Since he doesn’t draw walks or hit for much power, his average is crucial, and he needs to get it back up close to .300. A .245 overall average in June won’t cut it.

Destin Hood: Hood returned from the DL, but is just 2-for-12 with two walks since his return.

Jeff Kobernus: Kobernus is hitting .400 in his last ten games but came down to earth, going 5-for-18 (.277) this week (an 0-for-4 Sunday hurt him). Still, he’s hitting well in June overall (.294/.302/.447) and his speed is a great tool.

Hagerstown Suns, Low-A South Atlantic League

2-2 for the week, 42-32 overall

Pitching Report:

According to the Hagerstown Suns official team website, Chien-Ming Wang will start for the Suns tonight in his first rehab assignment.

Robbie Ray: Ray had his first bad start of his career Sunday, giving up six runs (five earned) in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking two. I’d bet it is just a bump in the road for Ray, who has been very impressive so far.

Taylor Jordan: Jordan was great in his start Friday, tossing seven innings of two-run ball with five hits, two walks and eight strikeouts. He’s getting a ton of groundouts and has been consistent all season long.

Sammy Solis: He had a so-so start this week, giving up four runs in seven innings. His June ERA is still at 3.64, and he’s struck out 27 in 29 innings this month.

Christopher Manno: He had just one inning of work this week, but it was a scoreless one. ERA on the year down to 1.09.

Hitting Report:

Bryce Harper: He wasn’t promoted to Potomac or Harrisburg and sat out the Home Run Derby because of a thumb injury, but he says he’s fine and other than a down week (2-for-12 with a double), all indications are that he’s continuing to dominate low-A. He’s hitting .322/.421/.569 and it may be that the team still wants him to improve his defense in RF before promoting him. We’ll see – he has three errors so far this year.

David Freitas: Hitting .305 in his last ten games, capped off by a 2-for-4, two RBI day on Sunday. He had five RBI this week, bringing his total to 51 (six more than Harper). Freitas is a very real prospect at catcher, and he’s due a promotion sometime soon.

Blake Kelso: Harper called Kelso the team’s best player this week, citing his high average (.321) and plate discipline (27 walks to 31 strikeouts). He’s hitting just .250 in his last ten and he has 12 errors on the season, but he’s a good hitter at shortstop.

________________________________________________

Pitcher to Watch: Ross Detwiler. He’s bounced back from a terrible May to post strong numbers in June so far, and he has definitely worked himself back into the discussion for call-ups should a starter get injured in Washington.

Hitter to Watch: Steve Lombardozzi. Called up to Syracuse, he’s already hitting well there (though it’s been less than a week). He doesn’t have any outstanding tools, but he has great discipline and can hit for average. It’s early to talk about him as a call-up, but if he keeps his hitting up, he may force himself into the picture.

The Washington Nationals made it official just before today's game with the Chicago White Sox, naming Davey Johnson manager of the Nats "for the remainder of the 2011 season," per a team press release.  In addition, Johnson also agreed to a three-year consulting contract that will have him remain with the Nationals after this season and allow him to participate in the hiring of his successor.

“We could have absolutely no better choice to lead the Nationals at this time than Davey Johnson,” GM Mike Rizzo said. “He knows the game, he knows our players, he knows our fans, he knows the Washington, DC area, and he knows exactly what we need to be doing to build the Nationals into a contender.”

It's fascinating to me that Johnson, who has publicly stated on multiple occasions that his time in the dugout was over, had agreed to take on the job of guiding this ballclub for just a couple months before turning it over to someone else, if that is indeed the case.

Johnson, 68, has served as a Special Advisor in the Nats organization since 2009, and it's obvious his input has been vital to Rizzo and the rest of the organization.  His experience as a World Series winner as a player and manager will be invaluable to a Nats team that is outperforming anyone's wildest expectations due to their ridiculous hot streak of the past two weeks.

I just have to wonder this:  What's in it for Davey?  Why did he agree to take on the task of guiding this team for the next three months, apparently just to go back to a consulting position at the end of that short tenure.  Why would he interrupt his retirement to go back on the field for such a limited engagement?

It would be one thing completely if the original rumors of a contract through 2012 with a mutual option for 2013 was what happened.  It would be easier to understand Johnson's willingness to get involved with an up and coming team for the next two or three years, try to make a playoff run one last time in his storied career. 

But unless today's press release doesn't tell the whole story, Johnson essentially agreed to be the team's interim manager for the rest of this season only, and it hardly seems likely, despite the team's recent streak, that this team is built for a playoff shot this season.

It will be fascinating to hear from Johnson, finally, when he has his first press conference as skipper of the Washington Nationals, presumably before Monday's game in Anaheim.

Davey Johnson expected to be named Nationals manager. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

The Washington Nationals plan to hire 68-year old Davey Johnson as manager of the club, according to multiple sources.  The announcement could come as soon as today and Johnson is expected to take control of the team for the start of the series with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.  Johnson has been serving the Nationals as a Special Assistant to the General Manager since 2009.

According to reports, Johnson will sign a contract the runs through 2012, with a club option for 2013.

This is an interesting and exciting move for the Nationals, in the wake of Jim Riggleman's resignation and somewhat bizarre media tour.  GM Mike Rizzo has long been thought to want a veteran, experienced, winning Major League manager once this team was ready to compete and contend, and he really couldn't have a better choice than Johnson, who fills all those qualifications and has the benefit of familiarity with the organization and the players in the system.

It's also an interesting decision for Johnson, who told a group of fans and media at this year's Nats Fest that he believed his days in the dugout were done.  Johnson hasn't managed since 2000 with the Dodgers, and it'll be real interesting to hear from him, once he's available, why he made the decision to return to field duty.

Johnson won a World Series as manager of the New York Mets in 1986 and won A.L. Manager of the Year in 1997 with the Baltimore Orioles.  He's also served as skipper of the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 14 years as a Major League Manager.

As a player, Johnson played with five clubs, most notably for the Orioles and Atlanta Braves.  He was a four-time all-star second baseman and won the gold glove at that position three times and played in four World Series with the O's.  His best year as a player came in 1973 with the Braves when he tied the record for most home runs by a second baseman, with 42.  He hit 43 total that year, with one pinch-hit home run.

Johnson has a history as a manager of taking teams to "the next level", assuming command of a young and coming team and taking them to the playoffs.  In his 14-year managerial career, Johnson has finished lower than second in his division just twice, his first year with the Reds in 1993 and his first year with the Dodgers in 1999.  He has led five division champions and won more than 90 games six times in his career.

Johnson also has a history of not getting along with his bosses.  The Mets dismissed him in 1990 after growing tired of his easygoing managerial style, despite being the Mets all-time winningest manager, a distinction he still holds.  A disagreement over a personal matter with Marge Schott in Cincinnati led to his dismissal there, and a highly publicized spat with Peter Angelos of the Orioles, over a Johnson-mandated suspension of Roberto Alomar, led to his resignation in 1997 on the same day he was named Manager of the Year.

Since 2000, the last time Johnson skippered a Major League team, he has managed the Netherlands national team and the U.S. Olympic and World Baseball Classic teams.  He has served the Nats in an advisory position since 2009.

Join us at 4:00 pm on PrimeSportsNetwork.com for a special edition of "Nats News Weekly" LIVE internet radio, as we discuss Jim Riggleman's resignation, possible replacements, and how the Nationals move forward from this fiasco.

MLB.com beat writer Bill Ladson will join us in the discussion.  You can too, by calling 877-244-0585 with your comments or questions.

Should be a fun half hour.  Join us, won't you?

So, how was your afternoon?

If you're reading this blog, you know by now that Jim Riggleman resigned as manager of the Washington Nationals Thursday, following the team's 11th win in in its last 12 games, another stunning walk-off. 

The announcement came -- as all news does these days -- on Twitter.  MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats) -- who wasn't even at the park for the game -- tweeted the bizarre news as the rest of the Nats press corps were waiting for Riggleman in the Nationals Park media room for his post-game press conference.

One of the reporters saw Ladson's tweet and immediately everyone thought one of two things: Bill misplaced a hyphen and he meant re-signed, as in signed an extension of his contract, or someone hacked into Ladson's account and was playing a cruel joke.

THAT'S how big a surprise this was to those of us that cover this team on a daily basis.

But when GM Mike Rizzo came into the room with a "major announcement", everyone realized the gravity of the situation.  When Rizzo said the words, "Following the game, manager Jim Riggleman has resigned as manager of the Washington Nationals effective immediately," there were audible gasps that came from fans gathered in the President's Club to watch the press conference through the big windows down there that make the media room feel like a fish bowl sometimes.

Rizzo then went on in some length with his side of the proceedings, relating how Riggleman gave him an ultimatum to pick up his option for next year or he wouldn't get on the team bus to the airport for the road trip.  A half hour later from the clubhouse, Riggleman said it wasn't like that, that he simply wanted a meeting to discuss the possibility of the option, but that Rizzo declined the request, thus making the decision for him.

As in everything else in life, there are three side to every story: yours, mine and the truth.  We may never know the complete truth on how things went down leading up to Thursday's announcement, but we have a pretty good handle on the big picture.

What we know is this:  Rizzo had no reason to pick up the option or even discuss it.  Doing so would give away the only option he had in the managerial structure for next year's team.  2011 isn't about wins, despite the outrageous hot streak that have the Nats at 37-36 at play's end today.  It's about evaluation, of players -- both major and minor league -- and the managerial and coaching staff.  Picking up Riggleman's option was simply not something Rizzo needed or wanted to do.

We also know this: Riggleman is as "old-school" as it gets, and he's a man's man.  He comes from an era when a manager was the most respected man in the organization, even more than the general manager, and as such, still subscribes to the notion that a manager on a one-year deal can't command his clubhouse anymore.  In effect, he felt like he was a lame duck.   

"I made it very clear that, you know, I can't say no to this, but this is a bad contract for a manager," he said. "There's no option for Jim Riggleman. It's a one-year option that the club decides on. That's not a good way to do business. I made it very clear that I didn't like that. But you know I can't say no to it. So there I am. And two years later, I'm realizing: You know what? I was right. It's not a good way to do business."

In his exit interview from the clubhouse -- where according to several published reports he was not allowed to address the team on his way out -- Riggleman even stated that there were probably several players on the Nats that would not be sad to see him go.  You can read into that what you will.

Riggleman felt like the organization -- and Rizzo -- disrespected him by not even giving him a meeting to discuss the possibility of the option.  Rizzo felt like Riggleman committed the biggest baseball sin: walking out of an uncompleted job by putting personal gain ahead of team goals.

Both are right. 

Riggleman picked the absolute worst time to drop this bomb, when this team was playing its best all season.  Perhaps by continuing that great play, Riggleman could have actually forced Rizzo's hand by earning the job, or at least putting himself in a good position to secure a manger's job somewhere else after his contract expired.  But Rizzo was ham-handed in not even entertaining his manager, who has done nothing but do his job professionally through some of the worst baseball conditions possible, with respect and dignity.

I don't subscribe to Riggleman's managerial philosophy, but he's hard-working, decent, and a solid baseball man that had to put up with his share of knuckleheads on this team during his tenure.  The least he could have gotten in the end was a conversation.

One more thing I know:  this wouldn't have happened on Stan Kasten's watch, not the way it went down today and when the Nats finally had started to garner attention nationally for, get this, playing baseball, instead of for something stupid or dysfunctional.  Kasten certainly had his share of problems here, but at the first whiff of this this morning, Kasten would have had both men in a room and made sure that this wouldn't come to a head until the all-star break anyway, when a proper resignation/dismissal could be arranged.

As it is, it's just another embarrassing moment to the organization and its fans, who only want one thing: to cheer for a winning baseball team.

Going forward, John McLaren will manage the team over the weekend while Rizzo decides who will actually be the lame-duck manager for the rest of the season.  Several names are being thrown about, including Special Advisor Davey Johnson, third base coach Bo Porter, and exiled showman Bobby Valentine.  I have a hard time envisioning any of the three being serious candidates.

Johnson has gone on record saying his managing days are over.  I can't see him going on the road to finish this job out as he certainly would not be a long-term solution.  Bobby Valentine is a side-show act, perfect for his gig on TV.  But he'd be bigger than the message at manager again and I can't see Rizzo putting up with his personality.

As for Porter, he'd be the most likely candidate, now and for the future.  But by bringing on Porter, Rizzo would have his hands tied again.  Much  like the scenario could have played out for Riggleman, if Porter has success as the season progresses Rizzo would have to hire him long term, prohibiting Rizzo from going out on the market to procure the man he thinks will lead this team to its first playoff appearance over the next three years. 

Does Rizzo think Porter is that man?  I guess we'll see by Monday, the deadline Rizzo announced that he would have the interim manager's job sorted out.

No, there were no winners today at Nats Park, despite the final score of 1-0 that lingered on the high-definition scoreboard as they broadcast live Riggleman's impromptu press conference from the middle of the clubhouse.

Moments after the Washington Nationals stunning 1-0 walk-off win over the Seattle Mariners, NatsTown was stunned again:  Jim Riggleman resigned as manager, effective immediately.

The news (via MLB.com's Bill Ladson's tweet) came mere seconds before GM Mike Rizzo entered the main press conference room at Nats Park instead of Riggleman for the standard manager's press conference.

"Following the game, manager Jim Riggleman has resigned as manager of the Washington Nationals effective immediately," Rizzo explained. "Jim and I had a discussion before the game today and he told me of his displeasure of his contract situation and told me that if there wasn't something done about the contract he was going to resign after the game."

"We accepted his resignation."

Rizzo expressed the quick nature of the proceedings.  "As you can see, it's taken us a little by surprise.  We don't have immediate plans for a successor as manager.  By Monday, we will have an answer."

When asked about the mood of the organization about the sudden resignation, Rizzo said, "Very disappointing.  Disappointing to the players in the clubhouse, to the fan base of Washington, to the city of Washington, D.C., and personally, to myself.  But we will move on."

Riggleman was managing in the final year of his contract, with the team having an option to retain his services for next season.  According to Rizzo, Riggleman made the team an ultimatum to pick up that option or he would resign.

"We have discussed his option being picked up several times during the season," Rizzo said.  "I felt like the time wasn't right for me to pick up the option as of this time, and certainly today's conversation -- put to me in the way it was put to me -- you certainly can't make that decision in a knee-jerk reaction.  It's too big of a decision to be put into that position, and it was a decision I was -- [with ]Jim's timetable -- was prepared to make and I was not."

Asked if it really was that dire of an ultimatum, Rizzo responded: "Jim told me pre-game today that if we wouldn't pick up his option that he wouldn't get on the team bus today."

Rizzo explained that the reasons he did not acquiesce to Riggleman's demands had not changed since spring training; that this entire team is in an evaluative process with the young players and having not even reached the all-star break yet, he needed more time for the evaluative process.

The players were unaware that these discussions took place before the game, and Rizzo made the announcement to the players following the game.  Rizzo described the clubhouse mood as "somber" following the announcement.

Considering the way the Nationals have played in the last two weeks, winning 11 of their last 12 games, the timing of this decision by Riggleman is curious at best.  Rizzo actually said of Riggleman's decision that "It's not thinking of team first; it's thinking of personal goals first," something that Rizzo said "disappoints me most."

Riggleman addressed reporters from the Nats clubhouse, which was carried on MASNSports.com.

"I didn't feel like I should continue on with such a short leash, where every little hill and valley is life and death in the game," Riggleman said. "The game's not fun that way. I just wanted to have a conversation when we got to Chicago about it, and Mike said he's not ready to have that conversation. I respect his decision, and I said, 'Well, I've got to give it up, then. I'm obviously not the person you all want to go down the road with.' And I get that. That's OK. But I love it here, and I'll miss it."

Riggleman was asked about his original contract status and accepting the provision for the option.  "I made it very clear that, 'You know I can't say no to this, but this is a bad contract for a manager. There's no option for Jim Riggleman - it's a one-year option that the club decides on. That's not a good way to do business.' I made it very clear that I didn't like that, but you know I can't say no to it. So there I am, and two years later, I'm realizing, 'You know what? I was right. That's not a good way to do business.'"

"It's just the way the ballclub wants to do business. Maybe I'll never get [another] opportunity, but I'll never do it on a one-year deal again," Riggleman said.

This situation will now serve as a distraction for at least the next few days as the team travels to Chicago to start a three-game series with the White Sox, then to Anaheim to face the Los Angeles Angels the beginning of next week.

On a day when the organization, players, coaches and fans should be celebrating an 8-1 homestand and breaking the elusive .500 mark to embark on the road trip with a winning record, this will definitely go down as one of the most bizarre days in the history of this franchise.

Nats celebrate their tenth win in their last 11 games. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

Considering the way the Washington Nationals won Tuesday night with two outs in the ninth inning -- capping a five-run comeback -- no one at Nationals Park last night could have been confident until the final out was recorded. 

But when Drew Storen punched out Chone Figgins looking for the last out of the game -- recording his 18th save in 20 chances -- the crowd erupted as they did Tuesday, secure in the knowledge that with a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners, the home team would have an even .500 record at the latest point in a season since they finished the inaugural 2005 season at 81-81.

As recently as 10 days ago this scenario could only be seen in a dream.  At that point, after a 7-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, the Nats record sat at 27-36, nine game under the break-even mark, staring at three more games in baseball's version of Death Valley, Petco Park.  But the Nats found a way to win three consecutive games there, scoring just two runs in each of the three games.

Since then, all they've done is win another seven out of eight games, vaulting their place in the standings from last in the N.L. East to outright possession of third place in the division.  The 11-game run is nothing short of remarkable.

With all these wins coming at home, the Nationals now have the third-best home record in the entire N.L. at 21-13.

In last night's win, they borrowed the script from those three wins against the Padres.  The Nats got terrific starting pitching from John Lannan -- who went 5 2/3 innings and gave up one run on three hits and no walks, shut-down relief pitching from four different relievers, and just enough offense, benefiting from two unearned runs off Mariners hard-luck starter Erik Bedard, who was excellent in his own right, allowing just three hits and striking out 10 in his six innings of work.

Danny Espinosa and Jerry Hariston drove in the Nats runs, but the how really doesn't matter much anymore.  Because just every night save one for the last 11 games the Nats have found a way to win.  It's been a different method with different heroes on each occasion, but the result is the same:  Another Curly W in the books.

_________________________________________________

THE GOOD:  Lannan was sublime, and the four relievers were just as good, allowing just two hits and no walks with five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings.  Just five guys doing their jobs.

THE BAD:  Desmond went 0-for-3 in the two-slot, lowering his average to .231.

THE UGLY:  Desmond's throwing error was a serious lack of judgment and one I'm sure he'd like to have back.  There was a long fly to the track in left with a runner on first, and Ichiro went more than half-way to see if the ball would be caught.  Hairston got the ball in quickly, making Ichiro bid a hasty retreat.  Desmond inexplicably wheeled and fired to first, with no chance of a play.  Morse could not field the bad throw and the ball ended up in the camera well, allowing Ichiro to take third on the play. 

Fortunately, the next batter sent a shot to third that Zimmerman scooped up expertly and ran down Ichiro near home plate to avoid another run.

THE STATS:  Five hits, two walks, 10 strikeouts. 2-for-5 with RISP, six LOB, no GIDP.  E: Zimmerman (3), Desmond (9).

NEXT GAME:  Thursday at 1:05 pm against the Mariners at Nationals Park.  Jason Marquis (7-2, 3.86) faces Michael Pineda (7-4, 2.64).



Jerry Hairston beats out infield hit in Nats 2-1 win over Seattle. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

For eight innings, Seattle Mariners starter Doug Fister dominated the Washington Nationals, limiting the hottest team in baseball to just one run on three hits. 

When manager Eric Wedge took him out after the eighth inning to bring in closer Brandon League (20-of-23 in save opportunities in 2011) in a 5-1 ballgame, the task appeared overwhelming.

After Ryan Zimmerman hit into his third double play of the game three batters later, the Nats had one half of one percent chance to win the game.

But then Jerry Hairston bounced one up the middle that scored Jayson Werth, who reached on an error by first baseman Justin Smoak and took third on Zimmerman's DP.  Next, Michael Morse slammed a ball off League's leg, which allowed Morse to reach on an infield single and sent League to the showers when he was in too much pain to continue pitching.

Wedge summoned reliever David Pauley, who entered with an ERA for the season of 1.12 -- with no home runs allowed -- in 40 1/3 innings.

Pauley threw one pitch to Danny Espinosa: a 90-MPH sinker that the rookie second baseman pushed through the right side to score Hairston from second.

Then... well, just watch it again.

In less than 10 minutes, the Nats went from dropping two in a row and raising doubts about the nature of the recently concluded eight-game winning streak to beating the Mariners 6-5, continuing the happy vibes all over NatsTown. 

The four-run comeback was the largest ninth-inning deficit erased by this team since the move in 2005 and makes the Nats 14-6 in their last 20 games, a period that has seen their overall record go from seven games below .500 to just one, and from last place in the N.L. East to sole possession of third, with the New York Mets loss to Oakland last night.

Momentum in baseball is a funny thing.  It's unquantifiable, not found on any stat sheet.  This Nationals team has lots of problems on the roster, as dispassionate logic and statistical analysis tells us.  But right now, the team believes in themselves, the fans are having fun at the ballpark, and the wins keep rolling in.  Even the most hardened cynics have to hold their tongues right now.  The Nats are on a roll.

______________________________________________________



THE GOOD:  Ramos' home run was a no-doubt-about-it shot, which landed several rows higher than the Red Porch restaurant seats, almost to the glass windows.  It was, truly, a majestic shot.

 

THE BAD:  Livan Hernandez.  Unfortunately, the reason for the comeback, other than Fister stifling the Nats hitters, was Bad Livo.  He only went four innings, allowing five runs -- four earned -- on 10 hits and a walk.

 

THE UGLY:  It's almost too much to bring up in such a stunning win, but Jayson Werth took a play off in the fifth that ended up costing the Nats a run, so it needs to be mentioned.  Brendan Ryan hit a soft single to right that Werth took his time getting too, and Ryan broke for second.  In a hurry to pick up the ball, Werth dropped it -- for his fifth error of the season -- and Ryan went into second without a throw. The next batter, Adam Kennedy, single to drive in the Mariners fifth -- and last -- run of the game, giving them a 5-0 lead at the time.

 

THE STATS:  Seven hits, two walks, three strikeouts.  4-for-6 with RISP, two LOB, three GIDP.  E: Werth (5).

 

NEXT GAME:  Wednesday at 7:05 against the Mariners at Nats Park.  John Lannan (4-5, 3.52) faces Erik Bedard (4-4, 3.16).

 

HARPER WATCH: Bryce Harper did not participate in the South Atlantic League All-Star Home Run Derby due to his sore thumb.  But he did play in the game, going 0-for-2 with a run scoring groundout, as his Northern Division team lost to the Southern Division All-Stars 6-3.

Pudge didn't play, but did celebrate the 20th anniversary of his Major League debut. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

Perhaps the biggest story of the night, Jayson Werth shaved. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

Michael Morse made a nice play from his knees to retire Justin Smoak at second. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

by Tyler Radecki, Staff Writer

Syracuse Chiefs, AAA International League (27-40)

Pitching Report:

Ross Detwiler: A disastrous May seems to be behind him, as he has a 2.79 ERA in three starts. This week, he gave up three runs in seven innings (seven hits, one walk, five strikeouts). Hopefully he’s put May (8.70 ERA) behind him completely and he’ll be back to normal production.

Brad Meyers: He bounced back from his last start to go seven strong innings Thursday, giving up two runs while striking out four. He’s had some bumps in the road (a couple of five-plus ER starts), but overall, he still seems to be developing into a nice prospect.

Tom Milone: He gave up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings on Friday night, but also had six strikeouts. It is a little troubling to see that he’s given up four runs in three of his last five starts, but he’s rebounded after each “bad” start.

Yunesky Maya: In his first start since returning to Syracuse, Maya gave up six runs on ten hits in five innings on Sunday. It’s worth keeping an eye on Maya and how he adjusts after his struggles in D.C.

Josh Wilkie: After a tough week last week, Wilkie rebounded by pitching three scoreless innings this week with no hits or walks and five strikeouts. He now has 34 strikeouts in 31 innings and his ERA is 2.32.

Collin Balester: He got called up to the majors this week.

Hitting Report:

Chris Marrero: Michael Morse is playing fantastic first base in Washington, but you have to love what Marrero is doing in Syracuse, as his overall line is up to .287/.345/.431 with 14 doubles, eight home runs and 34 RBI. It’s not the greatest line, but it’s solid and he’s hitting .325 in his last ten games. He also has just two errors on the year, so his all-around game is developing nicely.

Matt Antonelli: He came back down to earth this week, hitting .237 in his last ten games – though he has a .341 OBP during that time. I’d say he’s worked himself into the discussion of potential call-ups should another position player go down.

Jesus Flores: His average has dropped every month so far, from .256 in April to .244 in May and .217 so far in June. He doesn’t draw any walks, so he needs to raise that average up.

Corey Brown: Brown had a huge day on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with a walk, two home runs and three RBI. He went 6-for-18 (.333) last week, raising his average to .216 on the season. Let’s hope he builds off this week and gets into a groove and works his way back into a potential call-up in September.

Harrisburg Senators, AA Eastern League (39-29)

Pitching Report:

Brad Peacock: He continues to dominate AA, pitching seven innings with four hits, three runs (one home run), one walk and seven strikeouts this week. He picked up the win to improve his record to 8-2, and his ERA is 2.46. The most impressive stat is his strikeout to walk ratio, which is 108:17 (in 80 1/3 innings).

Hitting Report:

Steve Lombardozzi: He had six multi-hit games in his last ten games (.357 average during that span) and has brought his average up to .309. He’s still drawing walks (four this week) and has three extra-base hits in the last week as well. He also has 16 SB on the year and has been caught just three times. He had a slow start but is now hitting .365 in June.

Derek Norris: Baseball Prospectus had a discussion about catching prospects and included Norris. They wrote that he has “room to improve” but projects to be a good starter in the majors provided he can continue to hit for power and draw walks at the rate he is now. His contact is still not great (.138 average the last ten games) but he makes up for it with his OBP and SLG.

Tyler Moore: After a strong May, Moore has slumped, hitting just .243 in June and .158 in his last ten games. He turned it around this week a little bit, going 6-for-24 (.250) with four extra-base hits. He’s still driving in runs as well (five RBIs this week).

Potomac Nationals, High-A Carolina League (29-40)

Pitching Report:

Daniel Rosenbaum: He gave up four runs (three earned) in 5 2/3 innings in his start this week. He’s had five strikeouts or more in four straight starts, and his June ERA is 1.66 (with just three walks in 21 innings).

Josh Smoker: He had two innings this week, giving up one walk and one hit with three strikeouts. His transition to a reliever has been smooth other than a rocky start to June, but he seems to have bounced back.

Cameron Selik: He had a great start this week, giving up four hits and one run in seven innings on Tuesday. In three June starts, he’s got a 0.86 ERA.

Hitting Report:

Eury Perez: Perez had a solid week, racking up six hits in 21 at-bats (.285) with three RBI. He hasn’t drawn a walk in the last ten games, but is hitting .324 in his last ten games. He has 19 stolen bases on the year (one this week), but has been caught stealing eight times total – a number that is far too high.

Destin Hood: After being named Potomac’s only All-Star, Hood found himself on the disabled list with a knee injury. Hood apparently just needs some rest, so hopefully he’ll be back soon. He was having a great year so far, hitting .276/.374/.476 with five home runs and 37 RBI.

Jeff Kobernus: Kobernus will replace Hood on the All-Star team. He’s hitting just .266 on the year, but he’s hitting .405 in his last ten games (11 hits this week) and .299 overall in the month of June. He had five stolen bases this week to bring his total to 28 on the year, an impressive total that leads the Carolina League.

Hagerstown Suns, Low-A South Atlantic League (40-30)

Pitching Report:

Robbie Ray: Ray wasn’t his sharpest this week, but his start was still solid as he pitched five innings of one-run ball. He gave up seven hits and a walk, but also had four strikeouts. Ray has been extremely good in Hagerstown, giving up three runs in just one start on the year (and either zero or one in every other start).

Taylor Jordan: He started two games this week, giving up three runs in five innings on Monday and two earned runs in six innings on Saturday. He is now 7-3 on the year with a 2.86 ERA.

A.J. Cole: Cole has been pretty consistent this year, and his last start was June 11 (5 IP, 2 ER, 9 K).

Sammy Solis: Solis got the start on Sunday, giving up three hits, two walks and two runs in four innings. He’s pitched well in Hagerstown so far (3.62 ERA, 29 K in 27 innings), so he may be close to a promotion too, even if Sunday’s start wasn’t his best.

Christopher Manno: Manno gave up two runs in an inning Sunday and he’s been struggling in June (5.40 ERA), but he still has just a 1.13 ERA and 50 K in 32 IP on the year.

Hitting Report:

Bryce Harper: He didn’t play on Sunday and got some other time off this week, but that’s just in preparation for the SAL All-Star game this week. In his three games this week, he had three hits in ten at-bats with two runs batted in and two walks. I wonder if we’ll see Harper get a promotion after the All-Star game because his line on the year is remarkable: .330/.429/.586 with 14 doubles, 14 HR, 45 RBI and 13 SB.

David Freitas: He had four multi-hit games this week and is riding an eight-game six streak that has raised his average to .317 on the year. He’s got a line of .459/.512/.703 in his last ten games and definitely deserves his All-Star berth. Other than Harper, he’s the best offensive player on the year.

Blake Kelso: Kelso has been fantastic in his own right, hitting .330 this season. He has 26 walks to 29 strikeouts and while he doesn’t hit for a ton of power, his average and batting eye makes up for it. The biggest problem: 12 errors on the season.

__________________________________________________

Pitcher to Watch: Tom Milone, Syracuse. In my opinion, he’s next in line for a call-up should a starting pitcher get injured. He’s been the most consistent pitcher in Syracuse, has an incredible strikeout to walk ratio and has a minor league resume that tells me this isn’t just a hot start to the year. Does he have the best stuff? No, but he doesn’t walk anyone and finds ways get tons of strikeouts. I’m a believer.

Hitter to Watch: Jeff Kobernus, Potomac. The 2009 second-round pick has hit .405 in his last ten games and will represent Potomac in the Carolina League All-Star game, mainly because of his league-leading 28 stolen bases.

Danny Espinosa can't come down with Ryan Zimmerman's throw. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)



There were a few constants for the Washington Nationals during their eight-game winning streak.  They were the beneficiary of good starting pitching.  They played almost flawless defense.  And there was a growing belief that they were in every game, something that might have lacked earlier in the season.

In today's 7-4 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, before a packed house on Father's Day, none of things happened.

The Nationals, in their first attempt to reach .500 since May 18, played as lackluster a game as they have in weeks.  They committed three errors and made several other miscues that led to a sloppy defensive game.  The poor defensive effort led to a general feeling of listlessness that -- other than a three run outburst in the fourth and fifth innings -- carried over to the offense.  And the Orioles, one of the worst hitting teams in the American League, scored in six of nine innings to contribute to the feeling of malaise on the day.

On top of all that, Tom Gorzelanny, making his first start since being activated from the 15-day Disabled List due to soreness in his left elbow, was completely ineffective.  The left-hander, who made only one rehab start in Triple-A Syracuse, was tuned up to for 10 hits and five runs (four earned) in 4 2/3 innings.  He walked just one, but struck out no one, after averaging 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings in his first nine starts this season.

The Orioles got their first run courtesy of Ryan Zimmerman's throwing error on a potential double play ball that should have cleared the bases.  His errant throw to second that should have forced Derrek Lee instead went into right field, and Lee ended up on third base.  The next batter, Zimmerman's University of Virginia teammate Mark Reynolds, tapped one up the third base line that Zimmerman fielded cleanly and usually would have made a throw on, but he ate it instead, filling the bases.

Zimmerman holds slow grounder instead of making throw to first. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

Gorzelanny got a double play ball from catcher Craig Tatum, but the error and then held ball allowed Lee to carry a run in on the twin-killing.  It was that kind of day for the Nats, with the Orioles pecking away every inning, scoring at least one run in each of the second through sixth innings.  A solo home run here. Back-to-back doubles there.  Run scoring grounders at the right times.

In addition to Zimmerman's bad throw, Jayson Werth fielded -- then dropped -- a ball hit by Nick Markakis, allowing the runner to advance.  A double play wiped out the Orioles scoring opportunity on that occasion.  Later in the game, Wilson Ramos threw into Nolan Reimold on a stolen base attempt, and the ball ended up in left field, allowing Reimold to advance.  Reimold scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly.

The fielding problems were, as manager Jim Riggleman described them, not of the garden variety for the most part.   "We made some errors that were kind of strange.  Jason [Werth] made a great effort on a ball in right field and then dropped it, so that ends up being an error.  The ball that Ramos threw into the runner a little bit, that ends up as one, but Zim made an error -- that's baseball.  By normal baseball action there we made one error, you know?  The other stuff is a little misleading."

The Nats had a chance to make some waves in the bottom of the fourth, trailing 3-0 at the time, with Gorzelanny obviously struggling.  Back-to-back doubles by Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa cut that lead to 3-2, and with two outs the Nats have the bases loaded against journeyman starter Chris Jakubauskas with the pitcher's spot up.  Riggleman allowed Gorzelanny to hit for himself and he bounced out to first base to end the inning.  Gorzelanny didn't make it through the next half-inning after giving up two runs in the frame.

Did Riggleman consider pinch-hitting for his struggling starter at that crucial point of the game?

"Well you know you can do that, but those starters go to hunt for you and if you don't give them a chance to get through five [innings] and do their thing, the repercussions of that are not favorable. [Gorzelanny] hadn't thrown many pitches so I thought the right thing to do was let him go out there and try to let him pitch the fifth.

The Nats have a day off on Monday to think about how close they were to the elusive .500 mark, before welcoming the Seattle Mariners for a three-game set starting Tuesday.  It will be interesting to see how the Nats respond this week after seeing their winning streak end, not by getting beaten necessarily, but by finding ways to lose Sunday to the Orioles.

____________________________________________________

THE GOOD:  Roger Bernadina went 3-for-4 with an RBI, raising his season average to .281.  Danny Espinosa homered and went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

THE BAD:  Gorzelanny.  The Nats didn't play well behind him, but he gave up a ton of hits and, most concerning, didn't strike anyone out.  Even in his previous poor starts he still rang up the Ks.

THE UGLY:  The defense.  On top of the errors, Werth had another ball elude his grasp, Bernadina misplayed a ball in center, and Ramos threw another ball into the runner trying to steal that stayed in the infield.  Maybe the wet grass after the shower that came through made the ball slick, but the Orioles didn't have any troubles picking the ball up today.

THE STATS:  Nine hits, one walk, nine strikeouts.  1-for-2 with RISP, five LOB. E:  Zimmerman (2), Werth (4), Ramos (3).

NEXT GAME:  Tuesday at 7:-5 pm against the Seattle Mariners.  Livan Hernandez (4-8, 3.77) hosts Doug Fister (3-8, 3.53).

Tom Gorzelanny struggled in his first start off the D.L. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

The Washington Nationals are officially the hottest team in baseball.

Behind another strong outing from emerging top-of-the-rotation starter Jordan Zimmermann, the Nats found just enough offense today to defeat their neighbors 45 miles to the north, the Baltimore Orioles, for the second straight game, extending their season-high winning streak to eight games, and pull within one game of the elusive .500 mark at 35-36.

This is the longest winning streak for the Nationals since August 2009 and has them residing alone in third place in the N.L. East, just five games out of the wild card spot depending on the results of later games.

Zimmermann, 25, gave up a solo home run to the Orioles emerging star center fielder Adam Jones in the top of the first, but would not be scored upon again until the seventh, when he finally ran out of gas on the hot, humid day in the Nation's Capital.  Zimmermann suffered from the same microscopic strike zone that all the pitchers did today from home plate umpire David Rackey, a Triple-A umpire called up to cover for Major League umpire vacations.

The final line for Zimmermann reads as many have since the first of May: 6 1/3 innings, two earned runs on eight hits and two walks with two strikeouts.  The win raises his personal record to 5-6, and lowers his ERA to 3.08 for the season.  Zimmermann has given up more than two earned runs in a start just once since May 1, and on that occasion he gave up three.

The offense came from the Nats No. 3 and 4 hitters: Ryan Zimmermann and Michael Morse.  Zim hit his first homer since returning from the disabled list, his second of the season, in the bottom of the first, while Morse hit a two-run shot -- his team leading 13th of the year -- in the sixth.  Ivan Rodriguez drove in the Nats fourth run with a double later in the inning after Morse's homer.

Both homers came off Baltimore starter Brian Matusz (L, 1-2), who went 5 1/3 innings and gave up four earned runs on six hits and three walks with five strikeouts.  Matusz left the game in the sixth with an apparent injury.  He's only recently returned from the D.L. with a strained ribcage muscle.

Henry Rodriguez pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief of Zimmermann to earn his second hold and Drew Storen threw a perfect ninth for his 17th save of the campaign.

In this eight-game streak, the Nats are finding different ways to win.  They've gotten dominant pitching performances, offensive fireworks, and terrific defensive plays.  Today, they got a good -- but not dominant -- start from Zimmermann and found just enough pop to hold off the pesky Orioles.  They've crept within one game of .500 and should the Nats win tomorrow, it will mark the latest in the season this organization has had an even record since ending the 2005 season at 81-81.

You gotta start someplace.

_________________________________________________

THE GOOD:  Ryan Zimmerman.  It's good to see him crush a ball.  He went 2-for-4 with two runs today, and has driven in a run in four of the five games he's played since his return.  Michael Morse.  He just continues to prove all the doubters wrong for now.  Another two hits, homer and two RBIs, and his average is up to .310.

THE BAD:  The two guys at the top of the lineup, Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond, combined to go 0-for-7 with a walk and two strikeouts.

THE UGLY:  Matusz' exit.  He was pitching fine, but all of the sudden 1B Derrik Lee stopped play and called for the Baltimore trainers.  They immediately pulled Matusz and he left the game, barely able to walk down the dugout steps under his own power. The O's announced he suffered from left hamstring cramps, but considering he's only been off the D.L. for three starts, it has to put a shiver down the backs of all in Birdland.

THE STATS:  Eight hits, three walks, six strikeouts.  1-for-6 with RISP, five LOB, one GIDP. No errors.

NEXT GAME:  Sunday at 1:35 against the Orioles at Nats Park.  Tom Gorzelanny (2-4, 4.25) comes off the D.L. to face Chris Jakubauskas (1-0, 5.09).

By Anthony Amobi, Special to Nats News Network

WASHINGTON - The Washington Nationals are on quite the roll. After a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals this week, they played hosts to the struggling Baltimore Orioles on Friday night to start another interleague match-up of the "Battle of the Beltway."

They won their seventh straight game, an remarkable feat considering their struggles since the beginning of the season as they defeated the Orioles, 8-4.

Once again, Washington's offense came through as came through with hits when they needed and got some help from the bullpen.

The second largest home game of season attendance after Opening Day with a crowd of 35,562 - with a healthy mix of orange and black, sprinkled in with red - sat through a rain delay of under an hour before the game on Friday night. When things got started, it was one wacky game.

The Nationals (34-36), who have been getting very strong outings from their starting pitching, saw Jason Marquis push through his five-innings plus on the mound. He gave up 12 hits on the night; however, despite that note, he only gave up four runs. Marquis was constantly on a tight rope, but he managed to avoid allowing his team in go into a hole. He would not factor in the decision.

On the night, it seemed that the Orioles (31-36) - despite pounding 18 hits - handed the game to the Nationals. In a sense, they buried themselves with errors, an alarming pitching performance in the bottom of the sixth inning, and a confounding inability to push runners across home plate. The Nationals would take advantage of it.

With the score tied at four in the sixth inning, Baltimore reliever, Jeremy Accardo, walked Wilson Ramos to start the frame. He would then give up an RBI-double to Wilson Ramos that gave Washington a 5-4 lead.

Accardo would help the Nationals again as he walked reliever Sean Burnett - who was trying square up for a clear sacrifice bunt - on four pitches. The Nationals would take a 6-4 lead, as Jayson Werth plated in Hairston with a single. They would add another run in the frame as Ian Desmond's sacrifice drove in Werth.

Accardo (3-3) would take the loss.

Washington would sail to an easy victory from there as Burnett returned to the mound and did not allow Baltimore to do any damage. He would earn the win and the trio of Henry Rodriguez, Tyler Clippard and Ryan Mattheus, kept the Orioles off the scoreboard.

The Nationals took an 8-4 lead as Roger Bernadina hit his third homer of the season - a solo shot - off Oriole reliever Michael Gonzalez in the eighth inning.

Although the record shows that Washington won, they did not have a strong start to the game. Baltimore plated two runs in the fourth inning as Robert Andino had an RBI-single, and pitcher Zach Britton followed up with an RBI-double.

However, Baltimore's lead would be short lived as Washington scored four runs in the fifth inning. Wilson Ramos singled to start the frame, and then Marquis squared up for a bunt. Marquis' offering was fielded by Oriole third baseman Mark Reynolds; however, he threw the ball past first base. Ramos motored around the bases and scored; thereafter, Marquis would come home after a Bernadina groundout.

The Nationals added two more runs in the frame after back-to-back RBI-singles from Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman.

Washington allowed Baltimore to tie the game at four as Vladimir Guerrero plated in a run with an RBI-single and J.J. Hardy followed up with a sacrifice fly.

Reliever Todd Coffey - who came in for Marquis in the sixth inning - gave up the hits that allowed the Orioles to score their third and fourth runs of the game; however, Burnett (3-3) was brought in after that and closed out the frame.

Meanwhile, Baltimore starting starter, rookie Zach Britton, pitched well, as he went five innings and gave up four runs - only one earned. He got killed thanks to a huge error in the fifth inning.

For Washington, Jerry Hairston had a huge night, going 3-for-3, and Ian Desmond had two hits, plus drove in two runs.

Danny Espinosa celebrates walk-off three-run homer. (C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

A week ago, after the Washington Nationals lost to the San Diego Padres 7-3 to fall to 27-36, the Nats were on a pace to win 69 games.

Man, what a difference a week makes.

Despite normally-reliable relievers Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen giving up single runs apiece in the eighth and ninth innings to force extra innings, the Nationals walked-off with a 7-4 win over the reeling St. Louis Cardinals after Danny Espinosa deposited his 12th home run of the season into the Nats bullpen in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Ryan Zimmerman got the rally started with a single up the middle, and after Laynce Nix struck out swinging, reliever Fernando Salas hit Michael Morse with his next pitch.  Espinosa worked the count to two balls and one strike, and Salas laid one in to Espinosa, who made no doubt about it.  It capped a three-hit night for the rookie second baseman, and the homer was his eighth hitting left-handed this season.

The Nationals have now won six games in a row since dropping the first game of the four-game set with San Diego, raising their record to 33-36, a 77-win pace.  What's more, they finish the night in fourth place in the N.L. East as the Florida Marlins continue to spiral out of control, and are a mere 5 1/2 games out in the National League Wildcard race.

It's the first time Washington has won six in a row since they closed the season in 2009 with seven consecutive victories.

The Nats took a 4-2 lead into the late innings and turned things over, as they have in many wins this season, to Clippard and Storen.  But both gave up solo home runs -- Clippard to Albert Pujols and Storen to Yadier Molina -- to blow the lead and reduce John Lannan to a no-decision. 

Lannan was excellent once again.  He induced 14 ground ball outs and was the beneficiary of two double plays.  Lannan went seven innings, allowing two earned runs -- including Matt Holliday's seventh of the season in his first game back off the D.L. -- on six hits and two walks, striking out two.

Manager Jim Riggleman called on Sean Burnett to pitch the tenth, with Todd Coffey warming behind  him.  Burnett got lefty Colby Rasmus on a grounder to second, and Riggleman decided to leave the lefty in to face Pujols, Holliday and Lance Berkman.  Burnett got Pujols to pop up to right field for the second out, walked Holliday, and struck out Berkman looking to end the frame.

Last Thursday, the Nats were 3-5 on their 11-game road trip and staring at three more game in San Diego's Petco Park, a place where hitters go to die.  They won those three games by a combined score of 6-2, and after their best player re-joined the team on Tuesday, the offense has been popping and they swept the best hitting team in baseball.

Yup, it's been a remarkable winning streak.  Folks have gone from talking about another last-place finish to making a run at the wild card.  It's a long season, and we're not even at the All-Star break yet.  But it's fun to entertain the notion, even for just a little bit.

A week can make a lot of difference. 

____________________________________________________

THE GOOD:  Espinosa.  He's had five hits the last two games, and balls are starting to fall in for him a little bit.  He has 12 homers and 41 RBIs this season and with his stellar defense, has to start earning some consideration for rookie of the year.

THE BAD:  Clippard and Storen.  Hard to fault these two guys, they've been doing their job all season long.  I guess when your set-up and closer fail, it's best they fail in a game you come back and end up winning.

THE UGLY:  Matt Stairs.  Grounded to first in his only at bat,.  Hitting .122 (5-for-40) this season.

THE STATS:  10 hits, two walks, six strikeouts.  2-for-6 with RISP, seven LOB, zero GIDP.  E: Espinosa (5)

NEXT GAME:  Friday at 7:05 against the Baltimore Orioles at Nats Park.  Jason Marquis (7-2, 3.67) faces Zach Britton (6-4, 3.18).

NATS NOTES:  1B Adam LaRoche had successful surgery earlier in the day.  It was reported the doctors found and repaired a SLAP tear, a sizable tear of the labrum inside his left shoulder.  The Nationals maintain that LaRoche will be ready for spring training.  Several Nationals players have undergone the same procedure, including Cristian Guzman and Jesus Flores.

The Nationals franchise-best errorless streak came to an end.  Espinosa drew Michael Morse off first base trying to make a play on a slow roller.  The streak stopped at 13-plus games and 131 1/3 innings.

Jayson Werth and Roger Bernadina led off the game with back-to-back homers off Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse.  It's the first time two players started  the game with back-to-back homers since Brad Wilkerson and Jose Vidro did it for the Expos in June 2002.