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Washington Nationals And Tom Gorzelanny Win 2-0 Over San Francisco Giants In Two Hours And Two Minutes.

• Today's Top 5: 

5. Military Appreciation Night: Patriotic blues for the Nationals on Military Appreciation night in D.C. Dark blue red-brimmed curly-W cap on his head, white pants, single stripe on the leg, the stars and stripes curly-W logo on the front of his darker blue alternate jersey with its red and white piping, Tom Gorzelanny gives up leadoff double to Aaron Rowand on the very first pitch of the game. Jerry Hairston, Jr., in left tonight, plays it off the wall to hold Rowand at second, but Freddy Sanchez's sac bunt moves him to third. Gorzelanny, however, gets back-to-back groundouts to Brian Bixler at third, and he's through an eventful first in the nation's capital with a 0 on the board. Gorzelanny retires six-straight batters after the leadoff hit, Giants' lefty Madison Bumgarner retires six straight, no score after two. 

4. Bunting FAIL: Bumgarner's perfect through three. Tom Gorzelanny takes a nice cut but K's to end the third, then retires the Giants in order in the top of the fourth. Danny Espinosa grounds out to second, that's ten in-a-row from the San Francisco starter. Rick Ankiel battles, fouling pitches down both lines before flying to center on the ninth pitch he sees. Jayson Werth grounds out to Mike Fontenot at short. Twelve in a row. Wilson Ramos breaks up the potential perfect game in the fifth, when he doubles off the left field wall, 377 ft from home for the Nats' first hit of the game. Ian Desmond bunts him over to second. Michael Morse K's looking. That's two down. Jerry Hairston with a check-swing K. Punched out...

Star-divide

3. Dern Rowand: Aaron Rowand's not so lucky the third time around. After a double and a single in his first two AB's it's a backward's K to end Gorzelanny's sixth strong inning. The only two hits he's allowed have been to the Giants' center fielder. Brian Bixler flies out to center. Bumgarner gets help from shortstop Mike Fontenot, who robs Gorzelanny diving for a pop behind second. Danny Espinosa K's swinging through an 0-2 fastball upstairs. One hitter through six, and Gorzelanny has a 1-2-3 seventh. Groundout, groundout, fly to left. Posey, Burrell, Huff. Gorzelanny's got a two-hitter through seven.

2. VAMOS RAMOARSE!!!!: Wilson Ramos rips a two-out grounder to third and it somehow gets through Miguel Tejada's glove. Ruled a hit by the official scorer, but that's too generous. Ian Desmond lines over second and into center, that's a hit and Ramos is running. First-to-third™ and two down for Michael Morse and he rips the first pitch from Bumgarner back up the middle. Three-straight two-out hits, 1-0 Nats. Make that four, Jerry Hairston doubles to center, Desmond scores. 2-0 Nationals after seven. 

1. STOREN WARMING: Rick Ankiel dives for a line drive to center by Cody Ross. Nope. Can't come up with it, losing the ball as he rolls after diving. The Giants' first hit in 15 at bats brings Eli Whiteside and his .167/.219/.267 split vs LHP to the plate. Whiteside battles for six pitches before he's punched out on a called strike three. Gorzelanny's through 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 95 pitches, 62 strikes, 7 GO, 11 FO...The Nats go down in order in the eighth. Gorzelanny's not coming back for the ninth. Drew Storen on to end it. Line drive to short from Rowand. Desi pulls it down. 1-2 slider outside to Freddy Sanchez. Called strike three. Buster Posey works the count full...and walks. Tying run on. Pat Burrell. Ground ball to short, Ian Desmond fields and throws. Ballgame. Nats take three of four at home from the Giants. Pull even at 14-14 before they go out on the road. 

• Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...

Num Name - Comments
1 dc Roach - 152
2 Jorgath - 79
3 victor frankenstein - 49
4 MissB - 47
5 rachel216 - 41
6 d_c_guy - 32
7 Nationalpastime9 - 30
8 The Herndon Kid - 28
9 TJL - 26
10 FanSince05 - 25

 

• Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 28: Good pitching, good defense, adequate hitting":

20110502_giants_nationals_0_20110502201450_lbig__medium

via www.fangraphs.com

  • Still pleasantly surprising: Tom Gorzelanny (+50.4%) sprinkles 3 hits over 8 IP, giving up 0 ER, fanning 4, and walking none.
  • MOARSE CRUSH LEFTY: Mike Michael Morse (+10.8%) has Ks looking with a runner on 3rd and one out in the 5th (-8.4%), but he redeems himself with a go-ahead, two-out RBI single in the 7th (+20.3%).
  • ¡Vamos! Wilson Ramos (+8.1%) has yet another multi-hit game, going 2-3 with a double and scoring the winning run.
  • Steady: Drew Storen (+6.9%) walks one and strikes out one in a scoreless 9th to end it.

Nationals now 14-14

Comment 43 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I'll have you know I personally jinxed Bumgarner at the top of the 5th.

You’re welcome, NatsTown. My no-hitter jinxing of opposing pitchers is legendary in section 310. I promise to use my powers only for good, however.

"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.

by Doghouse on May 2, 2011 10:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Thanks, Doghouse!

I sure hope your powers are good and STRONG against the Phillies…and use them freely during that series!

"Baseball is a game played by the dexterous but only understood by the POIN-dexterous."
Professor Frink (from MoneyBart Episode )

by MissB on May 2, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

MOAR JINXESES!!

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on May 2, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, well,

I will still take credit for the all-important reversejinxing in the bottom of the seventh.
http://www.federalbaseball.com/2011/5/2/2149919/san-francisco-giants-at-washington-nationals-gamethread-28-of-162#66212097

You’re welcome.

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

MOAR Speed Baseball!

Gorzelanny really had it going tonight…something i would not have predicted when he signed with the team. What a bonus!

Still waiting for the bats to activate, but cobbling together a couple of hits worked this series anyway.

"Baseball is a game played by the dexterous but only understood by the POIN-dexterous."
Professor Frink (from MoneyBart Episode )

by MissB on May 2, 2011 10:21 PM EDT reply actions  

An hour and a half later...

I’m still going “HUH?!?! GORZELANNY?!?!?!?! BUH HUH WHA HOW?!?!?”

"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane

by Jorgath on May 2, 2011 10:27 PM EDT reply actions  

[Rizzo points to head]

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on May 2, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

i remember a week ago

“sure they’ve gone 5 innings every game, but they’ve also never gone more than 7!”
8 innings from livan
9 innings from jason
(6 2/3 and 6 from john and jordan)
8 innings from tom

good job, boys

by JordanH on May 2, 2011 11:47 PM EDT reply actions  

Apparently they took it as a challenge...Hmmm?

Riggleman always bunts with a runner on first, I challenge him to not bunt!! Take the challenge, Riggleman!!

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on May 2, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I challenge him to make a quintuple switch tomorrow

Swing for the fences Riggles

"I was a victim of a series of accidents. As are we all."
---Malachi Constant

by The Herndon Kid on May 3, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's all he's ever played for...

…the pitchers have finally caught on.

"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.

by Doghouse on May 3, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Nats starters now sport the 5th best ERA in the majors

behind the Braves and the Phillies (and the As and Angels).

by dc Roach on May 3, 2011 7:24 AM EDT reply actions  

And to the casual observer, Jordan Zimmermann is our #5 starter.

by dc Roach on May 3, 2011 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

MarkZuckerman:

During this 7-game homestand, #Nats starters had a 2.18 ERA. And only went 4-3. #nooffense

by dc Roach on May 3, 2011 7:53 AM EDT reply actions  

So..........

How good would this team be with Werth, a .285 60 steal lead off hitter, a .400 obp-40 homerun 1st basemen and a silver slugger/goldglove 3rd basemen?

by artistfork on May 3, 2011 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Don't need the stolen bases

I just want a leadoff hitter that gets on base.

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on May 3, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

That depends, what's the 1B's UZR/150?

"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.

by Doghouse on May 3, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

snort!

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Good question

But even if Nyjer Morgan were on the team, he’s on the DL right now – or were you thinking of someone else for the leadoff spot? If you’re projecting Dunner back into the lineup, then I’ll point out that he’s currently hitting .165/.305/.304 – he’s actually hitting worse than Adam LaRoche (.189/.305/.311) and even Dunn’s biggest fans (and I like the big guy) have to admit that the difference in defense between the two of them has been dramatic.

So, Dunn would fit right into this largely ineffective lineup, with bonuses for strikeouts and lousy defense. And of course Zimm won’t be back for six weeks. Good luck today, Ryan!

by d_c_guy on May 3, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Beat Me To It dc guy

and very well stated if I might add.

"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" - USAF Core Values

by sullyzz on May 3, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe Rizzo does know what he's doing.

I believe Carlos Pena is a Fountain of FAIL as well.

Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
Derek Norris is part of The Underground. Will you be?

by souldrummer on May 3, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

But I don't think anyone here believes

that when the season is done that Dunn will still be hitting worse than LaRoche. OK, maybe some people believe that, but they are just wrong.

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll take the loss in offensive production, with the improved defense and other overall attributes that we gain by having LaRoche. Speaking of which, how many major statistical offensive categories is Dunn truly better than LaRoche? HRs can be misleading and overvalued.

"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" - USAF Core Values

by sullyzz on May 3, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Walks, RBI, OBP, OPS, just about everything.

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on May 3, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

Not claiming that LaRoche is a better overall hitter......

I’m not that blind from homerism. What you say is true….over the past three years, with each having about the same number of AB, Dunn leads in Walks, RBI, OBP, OPS, SLG, and Runs scored. However, LaRoche leads in batting average, hits, Doubles, Triples, average with Runners on, runners in scoring position, runners on with 2 out, and has lower strikeouts. Considering the totality, wouldn’t you agree that some of this stuff balances out? Dunn’s walk ratio heavily outweighs that of LaRoche, but it nearly balances out with the SO ratio. What I think is important, is that Dunn’s average is lower with runners on, than his overall average, whereas LaRoche has an increase in average when there are runners on. The big difference and exception, is with the bases loaded….where Dunn has a much higher average…..likely because opposing pitchers would rather risk pitching to him, than walking a run across the plate. So, I admit….Dunn is better with the wood; however, it is not so much of a lopsided improvement that I would want to give up the defense that LaRoche provides….and in my opinion, it is not as lopsided as some might think.

"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" - USAF Core Values

by sullyzz on May 3, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

According to BBR

Dunn has amassed a 315 run contribution above replacement level over 6160 plate appearances; essentially one additional run for every 20 plate appearances. In LaRoche’s career, he has contributed 99 runs above replacement in 3950 plate appearances; essentially one additional run every 40 plate appearances.

That’s a pretty stark difference.

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

All in all in, Dunn is probably worth a win or so more than LaRoche.

LaRoche is quite well-spoken. His video-board tribute to servicemen/women at the game last night impressed me (although that may have been due to its juxtaposition with Lannan’s extraordinarily wooden, deer-in-the-headlights cue-card reading).

"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.

by Doghouse on May 3, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't care about BA, walk ratio, or K's

the OBP is higher, that’s all that matters.

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on May 3, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

You can't cherry-pick on either side.

Overall, Dunn0r has a career 131 wRC+, and LaRoche has a 111. Having Dunn means you get 20% more offense out of 1B (which, as Rob keeps reminding us, is a batty position). So far this eason, ALR has a 77 wRC+, which AD is only 74. New Adam is giving us about 5% more than Old Adam would have, although both have been pretty consistent numbers season-to-season, making it a good bet that teh Donkeh ends up with moar offenz than LaR0ch3 come September.

"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.

by Doghouse on May 3, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dunn is history.
Time to move on my friend.

That being said I like having LaRoche’s glove out there every day more than I like seeing the 10-12 extra homers we might have seen from the Big Donkey and – speaking of history – (like Dunn) his bat is due to come alive…. and and and
he cost $45 million less.
Ya think the Nats might be able to put that dough to good use this coming off season?

by PerryMason on May 3, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Over the next two years

the difference is $9M. Not sure where you get $45M but it’s a wild over-estimate— Dunn will get paid another $30M in 2013-14, but the Nats will still need to pay SOMEONE to play first for them.

The difference has always been the total production from the player… and by various measures that difference was roughly worth 2.5 games in the standings; if they maintain that this year, it will be worth at least the $4M discrepancy in their salaries.

But let’s get back to your first statement: Dunn is gone. Yes, I know that. Perhaps I haven’t made clear enough why I keep bringing him up, which is the basic notion demonstrated time and time again that a good first baseman has as his primary tool a dangerous bat. I don’t particularly care who plays first for the Nats as long as they have a dangerous bat. Even guys with just moderately dangerous bats can easily overcome any weakness they may exhibit on the defensive side. Adam LaRoche does not fit that bill. Anytime you mention a first baseman and the first thing you talk about is his defensive skill — you are not talking about a good first baseman.

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

I thought Dunn got 60K from the Sox and LaRoche 15K from the Nats… hence the 45K figure.
So I stand corrected and if you think the 4K constitutes a wild over-estimate to you so be it.
I’ll take you at your word on the 2.5 games difference Dunn will make in standings at the end of the year and in the mean time I will continue to enjoyed watching LaRoche play first like a pro. I will also look forward to seeing what the Nats do with that 30K in 2013-14 and we can compare notes then to see if having him around is still making a 2.5 games difference in the standings.

by PerryMason on May 3, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

If I were in charge

I’d invest it all into Pujols.

Sadly though, I’m not in charge.

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fun fact from the game.

Two hours two minutes was the fastest game to be played in the Majors this season.

Founder, President, Treasurer, and only known resident of Radford University's Natstown colony.

by Radtown on May 3, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Another cool bit...

Jerry Hairston Jr. is the top play on sports center. Pretty cool to see him up there, and it helps that he had that RBI double too!

Founder, President, Treasurer, and only known resident of Radford University's Natstown colony.

by Radtown on May 3, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dead horse

If you look at these two pages:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larocad01-field.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnad01-field.shtml

esp. at last year’s “Advanced Fielding — 1B”, you can almost not tell these guys apart.
Just saying…

Rob

-- In baseball we trust.

by RobBobS on May 3, 2011 5:25 PM EDT reply actions  

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