Gameday Thread: Nationals vs Marlins, Game 1 (W)

[Kenz aFan]

Game Time: 1:05 PM


Jason Vargas, LHP (5-2, 4.15))
Over his last two starts, Vargas has given up 13 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings and his ERA has risen from 2.43 to 4.15. The rookie is 1-1 over that span, coming off a seven-run, five-inning performance against the Cardinals. Vargas got into trouble when he repeatedly left pitches up in the zone.


Livan Hernandez, RHP (14-6, 3.86)
Hernandez will face the Marlins for the fifth time this season. He is 1-1 with a 6.39 ERA against them. In his last start, Hernandez pitched 7 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on 10 hits against the Braves. He struck out three and walked four. Washington needed Hernandez to go as deep in the game as he did, because most of the relievers have been overworked or injured.

Starting Lineups:

Code: [Select]

  Flaorida               Washington
1. Juan Pierre, CF        Brad Wilkerson, 1B
2. Luis Castillo, 2B      Marlon Byrd, LF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B     Jose Guillen, RF
4. Carlos Delgado, 1B     Preston Wilson, CF
5. Juan Encarnacion, RF   Vinny Castilla, 3B
6. Jeff Conine, LF        Deivi Cruz, 2B
7. Paul Lo Duca, C        Gary Bennett, C
8. Damion Easley, SS      Cristian Guzman, SS
9. Jason Vargas, P        Livan Hernandez, P

[Ryan Zimmerman]

Again, no Zimmerman.

Good ol' Frank. :x

[Vladman1327]

Um...yay Guillen!

[Ryan Zimmerman]

Bases are loaded for Cruz....

[Ryan Zimmerman]

He popped out

Let's score more then one run...damn.

[Vladman1327]

Typical Nationals.  AMAZING rally, only to be killed.

[Ryan Zimmerman]

Sheesh, bases loaded, one out...no runs.

At least, it's 1-0.

[Vladman1327]

It's alright.  Livan's perfect through 1.  If he keeps this going, we only need 1 run. :p

[Vladman1327]

Wow....Guzman got out, but LIVAN got a hit?  Embarassing.

I've heard that Livan is very athletic and I know he's a great fielder.  Maybe he can play SS on his offdays?

3-2, 2 outs.  He'll get a head start running.  What do you think the odds are that he scores from first on a double?

[Ryan Zimmerman]

Sheesh, that fly out by Wilky was close to a homerun.

[esoteric]

I very much do not like this lineup.  Cruz and Guzman should be interchangeable.  Don't play both!  Put Short at 2nd and keep GUUUZ on the bench.  

Or in the Anacostia.

[Vladman1327]

Or how about Zimm at short and Cruz/Short at 2nd?

[esoteric]

Or how about Zimm at short and Cruz/Short at 2nd?

Zimm should stick with 3B, his natural position.  I wouldn't mind at all seeing a Short/Cruz/Zimm infield.

[Vladman1327]

I agree with you, completely.  I just don't think Robinson will like benching Castilla.  (I would love it)

[esoteric]

Good job, Livo.  Typical high-pitch no-action inning for the Rubber Armed Man.

[esoteric]

NOW LET'S ADD TO THE FRIGGIN' LEAD.

[Vladman1327]

I like Livan.

[esoteric]

1-2-3. Livan's rolling.  That strikeout against Cabrera was particularly nice.

RUNSUPPORTRUNSUPPORTRUNSUPPORTRUNSUPPOR TRUNSUPPORT

[Vladman1327]

I vote that we bunt and pinch hit with Zimmerman/Short.

[Ryan Zimmerman]

guys, off topic..and I know it's not the moment.

What would you guys do to improve the team for next year?

You all know our offence is terrible? We can't/won't perform for a long time with this kind of offence! Isn't Matsui becoming a free agent next year? I'd add better veterans as well.

[Vladman1327]

Well, if we get really rich owners who care about the team, maybe they can release Castilla and Guzman.  Then we can play Zimm everyday.  Maybe we can sign another short stop for LESS money.  Or we can keep Cruz.

The main thing we need to do is...FIND A GOOD GM.

Oh, and get rid of Preston Wilson.  Our outfield could be Sledge - Wilky/Church - Guillen.

[esoteric]

Gerry Hunsicker ought to be our next GM.

[Vladman1327]

If we had gotten Encarnacion, Livo would still have a no-no.


Then again, I was very much against the trade, so I shouldn't talk.

[esoteric]

Livo's going into the 6th with a 1-0 shutout.  But I have no reason to think it can last.

WE HAVE TO GET HIM SOME RUN SUPPORT!  C'MON YOU NERF-BAT NATS!

[esoteric]

Okay, Livan cruises through the 6th into the 7th.  Might we get him a run or two here?  Anything?  May I offer a libation and sacrifice to the Baseball Gods?