The walk-off winner was the big story last night, but before that happened, Jordan Zimmermann extended his unbeaten streak in Nationals Park to 17 games. Zimmermann went 8.0 innings on 101 pitches and kept the Washington Nationals in the ballgame until they could come back and win it. An error at first when Zimmermann was covering and dropped a toss from Adam LaRoche (who got the E) and a throwing error by the Nats' first baseman led to the two runs New York scored last night, but those were the only two runs the Mets pushed across on Zimmermann, both of them unearned.
"[Zimmermann] pitched a heck of a ballgame," Davey Johnson told reporters afterwards. "It's a shame we couldn't get him the win. I mean, he was outstanding. He was a little late getting over on that ball hit to first and of course [LaRoche] didn't make a good throw to second, and both those runs were unearned, but he pitched a heck of a ballgame and I just feel bad that he didn't get the win." He didn't get the win, but he didn't take a loss either, so Zimmermann's unbeaten streak at home stays alive. 17-straight with the Nats 14-3 over that stretch. Just wanted to take a minute to recognize Zimmermann since most of the other stories below are about roster changes and Biogenesis bull****... Links and lots of them, starting... RIGHT NOW!!!:
• THE BIG STORY!!! (TODAY IN TWO PARTS):
• "'I love [Danny Espinosa]. He thinks I hate him,' said Manager Davey Johnson. 'This is the best for him. He needs to get things worked out.'" - "Time will tell whether the roster shakeup fuels a turnaround for the Nationals" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post
• "One player who will be scrutinized but possibly exonerated is the Nationals' Gio Gonzalez, who was listed among Biogenesis clients, but two sources told ESPN the only substances he received from the clinic were legal." - "ESPN MLB seeks to suspend A-Rod, Braun" - T.J. Quinn, Pedro Gomez - ESPN
• NATS BEAT:
• Walk-Off Stories:
• "The Nationals threatened to squander Jordan Zimmermann’s latest dominance, mustering nothing for eight innings aside from Ian Desmond’s solo homer." - "Nationals 3, Mets 2: Steve Lombardozzi finishes off ninth-inning rally with winning sac fly" - Adam Kilgore, The Washington Post
• "Just when it looked like the Nationals were doomed to yet another woeful night at the plate, they stormed back in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth." - "Instant analysis: Nats 3, Mets 2" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "The Nats were set down in order in five separate frames tonight and had just two at-bats with runners in scoring position prior to the ninth." - "Nationals Pastime: Nats come to life late, pick up 3-2 walk-off win" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "On a day in which they made six roster moves meant to help kick-start a playoff-projected team sitting below .500, the Nationals found an even better way to swing the tide their way." - "Nationals finally come back late, beat Mets 3-2" - Joseph White, AP/WTOP.com
• "The Nationals trailed, 2-1, and were down to their last three outs when Ryan Zimmerman smacked a double to deep center field and advanced to third on a wild pitch by [Bobby] Parnell." - "New York Mets at Washington Nationals - June 4, 2013" - Tom Schad, MLB.com WSH Recap
• "Contact hitter Steve Lombardozzi stepped in and faced seven pitches above the strike zone in his first eight pitches from Parnell. He managed to hang in with a 2-2 count." - "Lombardozzi: 'Those are the situations you dream of'" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• "Excluding the ninth inning, the Nationals’ offense was again nearly dormant even with Werth back in it." - "Jayson Werth returns: ‘It’s good to have him back’" - James Wagner, Washington Post
• "For the Nationals, it was arguably their most tumultuous day yet." - "Nationals earn first walk-off win of season, top Mets in ninth" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "[Jeremy] Hefner entered the game with a 4.74 ERA but handcuffed Washington's dismal offense." - "Late rally gives Nats first walk-off win of year" - Brian McNally, WashingtonExaminer.com
• "At long last, the Nationals mounted a late rally, storming back to score the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the ninth, beat the Mets 3-2 and enjoy something not enjoyed in these parts since Werth's at-bat for the ages last October..." - "At long last, Nationals enjoy walk-off win" - Mark Zuckerman, Comcast SportsNet Washington
• "After taking a tough-luck loss on Thursday to the Orioles, Dan Haren will be on the hill for the Nats." - "New York Mets at Washington Nationals - June 5, 2013" - Quinn Roberts, MLB.com Preview
• Roster Moves:
• "'Danny [Espinosa], he's a tough guy, he reminds me a lot of myself,' manager Davey Johnson said. 'He was going to go out there and play.'" - "Nationals Pastime: Discussing Espinosa's move to the DL and Rendon's opportunity at second base" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "Anthony Rendon joined the Nationals for his second major league stint, this time as primarily a second baseman, and Danny Espinosa finally succumbed to the disabled list..." - "It's moving day at Nationals Park as team makes sweeping changes" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "[Danny] Espinosa, whose locker was cleaned out, will go to Baltimore to see a hand specialist." - "Danny Espinosa to disabled list; Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon rejoin Nationals" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "The Nationals also made the long-delayed declaration Tuesday that second baseman Danny Espinosa needs some to time to heal and get his swing back." - "Werth's return among 6 moves for struggling Nats" - Joseph White, AP/WTOP.com
•"The win kept the Nats alone in second place in the National League East for another day - something which won't invoke too much pride, but rather steer off added frustration." - "Nationals Pastime: A rough start to the day, but an uplifting finish" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "The Nationals placed [Danny] Espinosa on the disabled list today ('finally,' General Manger Mike Rizzo said) and called up top prospect Anthony Rendon..." - "Danny Espinosa ‘finally’ placed on disabled list, Anthony Rendon to take over at second base" - Adam Kilgore, Washington Post
• "The Nationals also designated relievers Henry Rodriguez and Zach Duke for assignment, selecting left-hander Ian Krol’s contract from Double-A to shore up the bullpen." - "Anthony Rendon up, Danny Espinosa to DL as Nationals make series of moves" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "[Anthony] Rendon said second base was actually the first position he remembers manning as a young baseball player, at 5 or 6 years old." - "Rendon on 2B, Henry on getting DFA'd" - Chase Hughes, NatsInsider.com
• "When reporters got to the clubhouse, they found second baseman Danny Espinosa's locker had been cleared out and right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez packing his things." - "Nationals Pastime: Espinosa, Rodriguez, Duke gone as part of shakeup (Nats lineup)" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "'The two guys weren’t performing and Davis came up and showed the propensity to get guys out with stuff,' General Manager Mike Rizzo said." -"Nationals designate Henry Rodriguez, Zach Duke for assignment, alter the bullpen" - James Wagner, Washington Post
• "Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, who is on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, said he is running and hitting without any problems." - "Ramos reports progress with hamstring strain" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "More than two months into the season, the Nationals finally placed [Danny] Espinosa on the disabled list Tuesday." - "Danny Espinosa needs to have shoulder surgery now" - Mike Harris, Washington Times
• "Manager Davey Johnson often needed to have another reliever warming when he inserted [Henry] Rodriguez into games, and he was unable to trust Rodriguez in high-leverage spots." - "Nationals Pastime: Notes and quotes on Rodriguez and Duke being designated, Krol coming up" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• Strasburg Updates:
• "[Stephen Strasburg] could still make his next start Saturday against the Twins, depending on how he responds to a bullpen session scheduled for tomorrow." - "Stephen Strasburg ‘going in right direction,’ on track to start Saturday" - Adam Kilgore, Washington Post
• "'The report I got on Monday from (pitching coach Steve McCatty) is [Stephen Strasburg] was feeling a lot better,' said manager Davey Johnson." - "Stephen Strasburg to throw bullpen Wednesday, Ross Detwiler making progress" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "It's fair to wonder whether all the roster moves the Nationals made today were made with the intention of shaking things up and giving the team a spark after a mediocre start to the season." - "Nationals Pastime: Strasburg could start Saturday, Detwiler progressing (and more)" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "The Nationals received progress reports regarding right-hander Stephen Strasburg and left-hander Ross Detwiler." - "Strasburg feels better, has Saturday start in sight" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• Biogenesis/PED Updates:
• "[Gio] Gonzalez has steadfastly denied any knowledge of or involvement with the Biogenesis clinic." - "Report: Gio Gonzalez 'possibly exonerated' as MLB could suspend 20 connected to Biogenesis" - Washington Times
• "According to the report, Washington Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez is the only player linked to the Biogenesis clinic who 'will be scrutinized but possibly exonerated.'" - "Report: Gio Gonzalez may not be among players MLB wants suspended for Biogenesis link" - James Wagner, Washington Post
• "Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez is not expected to be among the players facing suspension by Major League Baseball for their connection with the Biogenesis clinic in Miami..." - "Report: Gio unlikely to be suspended by MLB"- Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "ESPN is reporting tonight that MLB has gotten the cooperation of Tony Bosch, the founder of Biogenesis, and that the league office will now look to suspend 'about 20 players' connected to the now-shuttered clinic." - "Nationals Pastime: Report: Suspension unlikely for Gonzalez in Biogenesis scandal (game update)"- Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
• "There are strong indications that Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez, whose name was also found on documents tied to Biogenesis, will not be further pursued, based on evidence that any substances he received were legal." - "Major League Baseball eyes penalties for players linked to clinic" - Paul Hagen, nationals.com: News
• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama):
A real sense of concern for others breeds trust, which in turn leads to friendship and a sense of security.
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) September 14, 2012
• NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
• "Originally a 12th-round pick out of high school by the Nationals in 2010, [Robbie] Ray’s success in 2013 is possibly a result of replacing his slider with a curve." - "The Fringe Five: Baseball’s Most Compelling Fringe Prospects" - Carson Cistulli, FanGraphs Baseball
• "If only the Nationals had somebody with good defensive range and footwork but whose arm is no longer suited to playing on the left side of second that they could put there instead." - "Put Zimmerman At Second" - Jonathan Bernhardt, The Rotation
• "Ryan Zimmerman, a mainstay at third base for eight years, was the fourth overall selection in 2005, Washington’s first draft after moving from Montreal." - "Washington Nationals in Unfamiliar Draft Position" - David Elfin, CBS DC
• "I see a lot of [Steve] Lombardozzi paraphernalia around this ballpark every time we come here,' [Ian] Desmond said. 'We give him a hard time about it and tell him to stay humble and mess with him and pull his leg.'" - "Washington Nationals Steve Lombardozzi comes home to Camden Yards" - Andrew Conrad, baltimoresun.com
• "Yesterday, colleague Bret Sayre pointed out that [Anthony] Rendon had two errors at second base in just three games played at the Triple-A level." - "Free Agent Watch: National League, Week 10" - Josh Shepardson, Baseball Prospectus
• "With their record sitting at a disappointing 28-29, the Nationals decided to shake up their roster on Tuesday." - "Werth activated, Rendon recalled as Nationals shake up roster" - Mike Axisa, CBSSports.com
• NATS MINORS:
• Class-A Hagerstown: "The Hagerstown Suns (31-23) returned home to the friendly confines of Municipal Stadium and snapped their four-game losing streak with an 8-2 win over Kannapolis Intimidators (19-36)." - "Suns snap skid with 8-2 win over Intimidators" - Jeff Clark, Hagerstown Suns News
• "[Blake] Schwartz gunned through 7.0 stanzas to win his fifth start of the season, a staff-best win mark. Schwartz scattered three singles allowed to CF Jake Skole, LF Chris Grayson, and SS Luis Sardinas, and struck out five batters." - "Schwartz Dominates Pelicans in 9-2 Rout" - Potomac Nationals News
• Double-A Harrisburg: "Justin Bloxom and Destin Hood each homered, but the Harrisburg Senators dropped a heart-breaker 6-5 to the Bowie Baysox on Tuesday night at Metro Bank Park..." - "Long Balls By Bloxom and Hood Not Enough in 6-5 Loss" - Marshall Kelner, Harrisburg Senators News
• "Although he was ill and had to be sent home early from the ballpark Tuesday, Sens center fielder Brian Goodwin might have been due for a game off anyway." - "Some needed time off; a strong debut; excellence rewarded: Harrisburg Senators game notebook" - Dave Sottile, PennLive.com
• Triple-A Syracuse: "The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate for the Washington Nationals, lost to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 6-4, on Tuesday." - "RailRiders come back to beat Chiefs" - Syracuse Chiefs News
• "On the mound, Jeff Mandel absorbed 11 hits and all six runs as struck out three and didn’t walk a batter in 5.1 innings of work." - "No Anthony Rendon with the Chiefs in loss to RailRiders" - Ben Meyers, The Auburn Citizen
• "Wednesday’s News & Notes" - Luke Erickson, NationalsProspects.com
• NATSTOWN:
• "'Go root for somebody else then,' the shortstop wrote, before adding a more positive request. 'Get on board for the long haul. Baseball is a game of failure, home fans chirping doesn’t do anyone any good. Go Nats.'" - "Ian Desmond asks for loyalty from fans" - Dan Steinberg, D.C. Sports Bog
• via Twitter:
Take it easy on the guy, he isn't the only one trust me. But if your a fan be a fan through the good and the bad. #letsparty
— Ian Desmond (@IanDesmond20) June 5, 2013
• "Nats wake up, walk-off" - Nats Enquirer
• "Remembering 1924 – Senators 9, Tigers 7" - Mark Hornbaker, D.C. Baseball History
• "Video: Lincoln celebrates prematurely, Washington wins Capital Bikeshare race" - Presidents Race Fan, Let Teddy Win!
• "Amidst an array of roster moves, the Washington Nationals (29-29) out-pitched the New York Mets (22-33) in their return to Nationals Park Tuesday night to record a much-needed 3-2 win." - "Washington Nationals Game 58 Review: With changing tides, Nats win in walk-off fashion" - Alyssa Wolice, District Sports Page
• "I question big time the timing of these moves. As sports guys et al have noted earlier, that Braves series marked the end of any tough series the Nats." - "Sitting on a beach, earning 3.5% or so I think" - Harper, Nationals Baseball
• "I question big time the timing of these moves. As sports guys et al have noted earlier, that Braves series marked the end of any tough series the Nats." - "Sitting on a beach, earning 3.5% or so I think" - Harper, Nationals Baseball
• "Even after overhauling their roster on Tuesday morning, the Washington Nationals (29-29) seemed to still be plagued by the same problems they had been struggling with all year – sloppy defense and absent offense..." - "Nats Beat Mets In Their First Walk-Off Win" - Erin Flynn, The Nats Blog
• "Mets fans share awkward chest bump after Jayson Werth strikeout" - Nats Enquirer
• NL EAST UPDATES:
• Mets: "Bobby Parnell was riding high in May, then got shot down in June." - "Parnell blows ninth-inning lead for Mets" - Mike Puma, NYPOST.com
• Marlins: "The pitcher with the worst run support in the majors couldn’t get enough help yet again." - "Early lead can’t hold up for Miami Marlins in 11th inning loss to Phillies" - Manny Navarro, MiamiHerald.com
• Phillies: "Domonic Brown's 17th home run of the season Monday night against the Miami Marlins drew a little more reaction than usual." - "Inside the Phillies: Brown's celebrations rub some the wrong way" - Bob Brookover, Philadelphia Inquirer
• "One broken bat single for a walk-off win and a couple of home runs isn’t enough to cure all that’s ailing B.J. Upton..." - "Simmons delivers in 10th as Braves defeat Pirates" - Carroll Rogers, www.ajc.com