Nationals @ Rays, Game 1

[Dave in Fairfax]

at

Game #1 of a 2-game series
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Game Location: The Trop
Game Time: 6:40 p.m. EDT
Weather: doesn't really matter

Another thread started a bit early to hopefully remind anyone visiting the forum over the course of the day that this is yet another game with an odd starting time.

Both teams are 5-5 in their last ten games, with two of the Nats wins also being Rays losses. The Rays "starter" Curtiss is a relief pitcher who has only ever opened one other game, and then only for 1 1/3 innings. As a reliever/opener, he is slightly over 1 K per inning. Aníbal's last start was a win over the Rays last week, giving up three runs in 5 innings on 4 hits and 2 walks with 6 Ks.

Washington Nationals

Starting pitcher: Aníbal Sánchez (RHP) - 2-4, 6.81

1. Adam Eaton (L) RF
2. Trea Turner (R) SS
3. Juan Soto (L) LF
4. Asdrúbal Cabrera (S) 1B
5. Kurt Suzuki (R) C
6. Eric Thames (L) DH
7. Carter Kieboom (R) 3B
8. Luis García (L) 2B
9. Victor Robles (R) CF


Tampa Bay Rays

Starting pitcher: John Curtiss (RHP) - 3-0, 1.53

1. Austin Meadows (L) LF
2. Brandon Lowe (L) 2B
3. Mike Brosseau (R) 3B
4. Yoshi Tsutsugo (L) DH
5. Manuel Margot (R) RF
6. Nate Lowe (L) 1B
7. Willy Adames (R) SS
8. Kevin Kiermaier (L) CF
9. Kevan Smith (R) C

[NatNasty]

You've been dogging it the last two games.  Time to get the

[Dave in Fairfax]

You've been dogging it the last two games.  Time to get the

I just play them one day at a time. I go up and try my best, just trying to do my part for the team.  I’m just happy to be here and hope to help the ballclub.

[Dave in Fairfax]

And the opener gets a 1-2-3 inning.

[Dave in Fairfax]

No 1-2-3, but no damage for Anibal.

[Dave in Fairfax]

1 1/3 innings of no-hit ball for the opener. Does that count as a notable achievement"?

[DCFan]

Some pretty feeble swings by García.

[Slateman]

Sanchez in 2020 form

[DCFan]

Oh I’m worried FP. I’m still waiting for the 5 tool player that we were promised.

[Dave in Fairfax]

Sanchez in 2020 form

Run support too.

[Dave in Fairfax]

So, what are the odds that there are more cardboard fans in the stands now than there are normal fans at a regular game at the Trop?

[DCFan]

So, what are the odds that there are more cardboard fans in the stands now than there are normal fans at a regular game at the Trop?

For a boring game like this one it’s perfectly understandable.

[Elvir Ovcina]

Kieboom temporarily winning his fight with the Mendoza line. First time in a while I can remember the Nats with a lineup where everyone's over .200. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Holy cow, almost a rally.

[NatNasty]

Blunder on the basepath.  Drink.

[DCFan]

Blunder on the basepath.  Drink.

My buddy, Kieboom.

[Dave in Fairfax]

Holy cow, almost a rally.

Almost, but not quite.

[DCFan]

My childhood buddy, Hondo. 

[NatNasty]

2 Balks in one game?  Haven't seen that in a while.

[Dave in Fairfax]

2 Balks in one game?  Haven't seen that in a while.

I'm thinking we still haven't. Two balk calls? Now that's a different story.

[DCFan]

Sanchez says freak it when the count went 2-0. Heads to the locker room instead of hanging around and watching his 3 runners score.

[Slateman]

Sanchez says freak it when the count went 2-0. Heads to the locker room instead of hanging around and watching his 3 runners score.

He's still there

[DCFan]

He's still there

He’s a glutten for punishment so he came back.

[NatNasty]

Just need 2 runs and then we're in slam range.

[DCFan]

Does Soto get past 3rd?