Message #211550

[2k6nats]

    Game Time: 1:05 pm    TV: MASN   Radio: WWWT 1500, 107.7 FM

Matt Chico 0-5, 6.68 ERA	Paul Maholm 2-2, 3.26 ERA
(2B) Felipe Lopez (SS) Cristian Guzman (3B) Ryan Zimmerman (1B) Nick Johnson (CF) Lastings Milledge (RF) Austin Kearns (LF) Wily Mo Pena (SC) Paul LoDuca (SP) Matt Chico	Nate McLouth (CF) Freddy Sanchez (2B) Jason Bay (LF) Ryan Doumit (SC) Xavier Nady (RF) Adam LaRoche (1B) Jose Bautista (3B) Chris Gomez (SS) Paul Maholm (SP)

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Just when the Nationals thought that Chico turned the corner after pitching
eight solid innings against the Braves on April 11, it's time for them to ask:
What's wrong with the promising young left-hander? Chico had his third
consecutive sub-par outing in the Nationals' 7-0 loss to the Cubs on Saturday.
He lasted four innings and gave up five runs on eight hits, falling to 0-5. In his
last three games, Chico has allowed 16 runs in 13 innings. Pitching coach Randy
St. Claire said that Chico is pressing on the mound. The reason St. Claire gave
was surprising, because Chico is a guy who has a reputation of having ice water
in his veins. Manager Manny Acta has often said he never knows how Chico is
feeling because he doesn't show his emotions.

Maholm tossed his third career complete game in a 5-1 win over the Phillies on
April 27. He was outstanding, giving up one run on two hits, walking four and
striking out two. In going the distance, he threw a total 99 pitches and was in
the zone with 56 for strikes.