Game Thread: Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins- 2008 Game 86 of 162. "Day 2 Of The Balester Era..."
Washington Nationals @ Florida Marlins
On The Hill...
"Opening Night" Odalis Perez (2-5, 3.87 ERA) has faced Florida once this season already, back on April 20th in Dolphin Stadium, throwing 6.0 innings of 5-hit, 1-run ball against the Marlins, with the one run unearned, 3 walks allowed, 7 K's, a 1.33 WHIP and a .208 BAA for the game. In his 10-year Major League career, Perez has pitched against the Fish 11 times, 8 as a starter, going (2-2) with a 3.55 ERA in 50.2 innings, over which the veteran lefty's allowed 51 hits, 20 ER's, 17 walks and 3 HR's for a career 1.34 WHIP and .268 BAA against the Marlins.
The one win Odalis earned in Miami Gardens, Florida in April, is one of only two wins Perez (2-3, 5.35 ERA) has collected in 7 starts away from DC this season. Of the 11 HR's Odalis has served up in '08, 7 have been hit on the road, and Perez has given up 23 ER, 20 walks and 52 hits in 38.2 innings for a 1.86 WHIP with opponents hitting .327 against "Opening Night" on tour.
Ricky Nolasco, the Marlins' 25-year old, 6'2'' third-year right-hander out of Corona, California, leads the Marlins in wins so far this season, posting an (8-4) record and a 4.05 ERA in 95.2 innings pitched in '08. 6.0 of those innings came against DC back on May 9th, when Nolasco (and the Marlins) beat the Nationals 7-3, with Nolasco allowing 4 hits and 1 of the earned runs, with 2 walks and 6 K's. In 5 starts and 7 appearances in his career, Nolasco's (4-1) with a 3.77 ERA against DC, having been hit 24 times for 12 ER's in 28.2 innings.
Nolasco's win over the Nationals earlier this season was on the road in Washington, and in fact, 5 of Nolasco's 8 wins (5-2, 4.37 ERA in 10 starts) this season came outside of Miami...But at home in Dolphin Stadium, Nolasco's posted a (3-2) record and 3.50 ERA in 5 starts and 7 appearances, with 6 HR's launched and 17 runs (14 earned) scored against him in 36.0 IP, where he's walked only 7, for a (1.17 WHIP) while striking out 26, and holding visiting teams to a .257 BAA.
Nationals' #'s Against Ricky Nolasco...
Cristian Guzman - 1 for 4, .250 AVG.
Paul Lo Duca - 5 for 9, .556 AVG, 2 RBI's.
Felipe Lopez - 1 for 11, .091 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI.
Pete Orr - 2 for 7, .286 AVG, 1 3B.
The "If They Were Playing" List...
Lastings Milledge - 2 for 3, .667 AVG.
Ryan Zimmerman - 2 for 14, .143 AVG, 1 2B, 1 RBI.
Nick Johnson - 3 for 12, .250 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI.
Early Returns On The Nationals' New Kids...
Before Collin Balester (1-0, 1.80 ERA) appeared in and earned the win in the first start of his MLB career, MLB.com's Bill Ladson quoted, in an article entitled, "Balester getting accustomed to Nats", DC Skipper Manny Acta, who broke down expectations for the 22-year old in his debut and for as long as he remains on the big league roster, telling Mr. Ladson:
"'He has one of the best fastballs in our system,' Acta said. 'That being said, control is going to be a key for him. In the past, he has shown that he can throw the ball over the plate. Except that here, it's not only throw it over the plate, it's sometimes on the edges of the plate.'"
As for 24-year old Roger Bernadina, MLB.com's Bill Ladson also talks to Mr. Acta in an article entitled, "Bernadina learning as he goes in bigs", where Acta provides an early analysis of Bernadina's performance (and shows his own excitement for watching these players "arrive" in the Majors):
"'He looked good [in his first game],' Nationals manager Manny Acta said. 'He got the first hit out of the way, and he looked good in the outfield. Got a bunt down, tried to steal a bag. It's out of the way, and he understands this is baseball. 'He's going to have to make some adjustments when people adjust to him, but he's getting an opportunity. He's playing his dream out.'"
Memo: To All MLB Pitchers Who Don't Read Federalbaseball.com - STOP HANGING PITCHES TO ELIJAH DUKES!
Last night Dukes was 3 for 5 with 1 HR, and 3 RBI's. Monday, Dukes was 1 for 4 in the first of three in Florida, so with a little of the old "addition", Duke is, for now, 4 for 9 with 2 HR's and 4 RBI's two games into the series. Dukes' June was the best month (outside of HR's) of his (admittedly nascent) two-year Major League career, as DUKES!! finished the month batting .292 in 27 games and 106 at bats, scoring 14 runs on 31 hits, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR's, and 15 RBI's, with 16 walks and 5 stolen bases.
The Marlins' Fans' Perspective, Check out the SBN's Marlins' blog:
It's a 12:10 pm EST start early this afternoon for the rubber match of the three game series between the Nationals and Marlins, so there should be plenty of dolphin-blue and orange empty seats in Dolphin Stadium as Odalis Perez and Ricky Nolasco square off on the hill. It is Florida though, so there's a 60% chance of rain according to the latest forecast...
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Comments
To all MLB pitchers who DO read federalbaseball.com: KEEP HANGING PITCHES TO ELIJAH DUKES!
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 11:34 AM EDT 0 recs
Lineup
Bernadina – 8
Harris – 7
Dukes – 9
Boone – 5
Belliard – 4
Flores – 2
LoDuca – 3
Lopez – 6
Perez – 1
Yeah, I know. There’s just so much… wrong… Anyhow, let’s see how the boys do against the Mighty Marlins with the second, uh, third, uh… fourth? side out there… I’m not sure we can survive giving GUUUUUUZ a day off…
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:17 PM EDT 0 recs
Both sides down in order, scoreless after one.
“Opening Night” through the Marlin’s leadoffs on 7 pitches with a K. Nats make Nolasco throw 12. What other team has the outfield batting 1-2-3?
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:23 PM EDT 0 recs
Belliard doubles down the line, just out of the reach of Cody Ross...
...almost catches up to Aaron Boone (HBP) on his way to 3rd. Now, WWJD?
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:28 PM EDT 0 recs
my iPhone has a bad attitude so far.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 12:28 PM EDT 0 recs
Ooh Swinging K for Flores. How bout the backup catcher?
What will Lo Duca do?
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 12:31 PM EDT
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Flores is seeing a steady diet of breaking balls these days...
...looks like the scouting reports are finally catch up to him.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:32 PM EDT
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0 recs
Our Tracking System Has You Traveling West in Millburn...
—-Time to Upgrade…
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 12:30 PM EDT 0 recs
Stop tracking me! Wait how are you tracking me? I'm scared!
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 12:33 PM EDT
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Lo Duca Rules!!!! RBI single to center. 1-0 DC
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 12:34 PM EDT 0 recs
2-0 DC.
Now maybe we only have to eat half his salary to get someone to take him…
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:34 PM EDT
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PLoD grounds one throw the infield for 2 RBIs!
Takes second on the throw home, 2-0 Nats!
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:34 PM EDT 0 recs
PLoD to 3rd on FLop's groundout.
Help yourself out, here, Odalis!
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:35 PM EDT 0 recs
Wow, prior to that at-bat, OP had the highest AVG on today's starting lineup...
Man, we’re having some troubles this year, aren’t we?
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:37 PM EDT
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0 recs
Perez still has a good at bat, Nolasco up to 40 pitches after 2.
Now Perez to face the middle of the order, who have a combined 3,425 RBI so far this season.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:40 PM EDT
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Is that all?
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 12:46 PM EDT
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Seemed like they had more.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 12:46 PM EDT
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Perez only up to 15 after two...
14 for strikes!
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:48 PM EDT
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"LoDuca 'Looking' like a FirstBaseman.." -Florida Announce Team
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 12:42 PM EDT 0 recs
Does this get us up to only having to eat 40% of his salary?
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:43 PM EDT
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Don't worry, LoDuca has it!
Manages to field a sharp ground and flip to Perez for out#2.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:43 PM EDT 0 recs
WeeWILLIE...WeeWILLIE...WeeWILLIE !!!
—-Way to make it look hard !!!
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 12:43 PM EDT 0 recs
HARRIS!!! with yet another spectacular diving catch!
I’d be even more excited if I could see the damn thing, but the description sounded like it was a really good play.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:44 PM EDT 0 recs
Lo Duca's looking like trade bait to me...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 12:45 PM EDT 0 recs
Hanley boots one, Guzman woulda had it!!!
Paid for by the Guz AS Campaign.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 12:48 PM EDT 0 recs
Is Guz taking today off for fundraising?
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 12:51 PM EDT
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Yes he's campaigning.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 1:02 PM EDT
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Nolasco seems to be settling in..
..shakes off Hanley’s error and Ks Boone to end the inning. That’s 4 Ks on the game so far.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:52 PM EDT 0 recs
Perez has retired 9 in a row...
On only 23 pitches. 2-0 Nats through 3. Let’s see if he can do it again on the second trip through the order. In the meantime: MOAR RUNZ PLZ, KTHX.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 12:58 PM EDT 0 recs
9 up, 9 down for "Opening Night" Odalis.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:01 PM EDT 0 recs
What happened to Lo Duca never K'ing?
That abilities probly hanging out with his arm in the old age home.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:03 PM EDT 0 recs
PLoD K'd Looking...need the backwardsK-key.
—-Ducking on those last two looping curves, hang your head. Tobacco-Free-Florida-Adds…ANNOYING…..
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 1:04 PM EDT 0 recs
PLoD Ks on three pitches to end the Nats' half.
We’re back up to having to cover at least 50% of his salary. Nolasco working his breaking ball well, up to 5 Ks so far, and a more-reasonable 64 pitches for 4 innings.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:05 PM EDT 0 recs
Hanley doesn't like No-No's...
—-Broke up Garza’s the other night…..
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 1:06 PM EDT 0 recs
Colin Balester was the guest on the radio pre-game show
He said that for each of the first 4 innings yesterday the Marlins fans would yell, “Hey, Balester! Ya got a no-hitter going!” as he walked back to the dugout.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 1:08 PM EDT
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Stop trying to tempt fate...
I learned my lesson last night.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 1:09 PM EDT
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O-Dalis' change looks goof today, Lots'O'Sink, movement, and Low in the Zone...
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 1:11 PM EDT 0 recs
Perez finally leaves one up...
...and it’s a ground-ball single to give the Fish a two-out baserunner.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:13 PM EDT 0 recs
No-No-No-More...
—-Still pitching a heck of a game so far….GO-DALIS !!!
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 1:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Perez' pitch count nearly doubles in that inning!
To, uh, 44 after 4 innings… The Fish show a little more patience instead of rushing to ground out. Perez still picks up a K, his third. Still 2-0 Nats.
GO-DALIS! Heh, I like that.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:15 PM EDT 0 recs
Perez gives one a ride, but Ross isn't playing shallow, so he makes the catch.
Respect for Perez’ bat from the Marlins OF…
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:18 PM EDT 0 recs
Old Wes Helms doubles to start the 5th
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:22 PM EDT 0 recs
Hey! Watch the abbreviated language!! Tee-hee
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:25 PM EDT 0 recs
And Odalis is through five scoreless on 54 pitches
The bullpen might get an inning off today. 2-0 Nats. Let’s run up the run total! The Marlins like them some hittin’.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:27 PM EDT 0 recs
Marlins get a lucky break on a wild throw to first that hits Harris, who is called out..
..Manny has a frank exchange of views with the ump, and the game goes on.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:33 PM EDT 0 recs
Manny doesn't come out much...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on
Jul 2, 2008 1:38 PM EDT
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Good ? By Marlins' announcers:
How do you score a hit by throw in the running lane?
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:33 PM EDT 0 recs
Apparently, batter's interference...
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 1:36 PM EDT
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Runner's interference ?
-‘They’ teach you as a catcher to hit the runner in the back if he’s not in the lane.
by BravesBooster on
Jul 2, 2008 1:38 PM EDT
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Yeah, but he was in the lane... it was a bad throw.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on
Jul 2, 2008 1:39 PM EDT
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Nolasco picks up his 8th K as the Nats go down in order (thanks, Ump!)
Let’s see if he bats this inning.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:37 PM EDT 0 recs
Shouldn't Manny get his first ejection out of the way?
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:39 PM EDT 0 recs
Ramirez finally gets on the board with a one-out double down the line.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:39 PM EDT 0 recs
Here comes the daily rainstorm...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:42 PM EDT 0 recs
C'mon Odalis!! Make it official!!!
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:44 PM EDT 0 recs
Wow, the Marlins broadcasters... aren't very, uh, good.
Suddenly I’m appreciating Bob Carpenter…
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:46 PM EDT 0 recs
Scoring on runner in lane= put out to player to whom the throw was intended.
So that one was 2to3.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:48 PM EDT 0 recs
H...A...N...L...E...Y (drawn-out-taunt) !!!
—-or should we spell it: Hanl-E ?
by BravesBooster on Jul 2, 2008 1:52 PM EDT 0 recs
Thunder building and rain starting to fall... one on, one out..
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:57 PM EDT 0 recs
Get away day Rain Delay...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 1:58 PM EDT 0 recs
Game stopped for rain.
Apparently the largest, quickest ground crew in the game… What’s the rain looking like? Charlie and Dave are running out of metaphors for “a whole lotta rain”
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 1:59 PM EDT 0 recs
Wow, tarp blew off the field...
...grounds crew parking trucks around the edge of it, standing on it to hold it down… Sounds like a rain delay of biblical proportions!
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 2:11 PM EDT 0 recs
Oh, yeah! Gameday audio now a continuous loop of the Nationals theme.
It’s a challenge to see whether I go crazy before the rain delay ends…
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 2:12 PM EDT 0 recs
Word from the Nationals Radio Network Total Control Center!
Play will resume at 3:30.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 2:57 PM EDT 0 recs
3:30 restart acc. To XM.
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 3:04 PM EDT 0 recs
Manning looking to warm for a one-batter appearance?
Pitcher due to leadoff the 8th for Nats, Amezega the Out We Must Get.
When in doubt, blame PLoD
by Doghouse on Jul 2, 2008 3:27 PM EDT 0 recs
Gonna have to miss this unless they wait til 5 to start...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 3:29 PM EDT 0 recs
Play Ball...
Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...
by e chigliak on Jul 2, 2008 3:33 PM EDT 0 recs


