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Game 8 WPA: HBP+E = Losing formula. Nats 7, BOS 8

Okay, so this game we got some offense, but shaky pitching and some clowny defense in the clinch. Not a formula for success.

By Doghouse
At least the middle-schooler is hitting. He also caught stuff tonight.
At least the middle-schooler is hitting. He also caught stuff tonight.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

150414-8 WPA

Via Fangraphs. (Click to embiggen)

(What do these graphs mean?)

  • Not sharp: Stephen Strasburg (-26.3%) struggles through 5.1 IP, fanning 5 with no walks but a HBP and 10 hard hits. He's lucky to escape with only 5 runs, all earned.
  • Down payment on atonement: Ian Desmond (+21.5%) is 3-4 with a double, a CS, and a game-tying, two-out, two-run double in the 5th (+21.0%). Too bad about the error that cost run(s).
  • More successful atonement: Michael Taylor (+29.0%) is 2-4 with a two-out RBI single for the early lead in the 2nd (+10.1%) and a two-out, two-RBI triple to take the lead back in the 5th (+26.2%).
  • Not quite a meltdown: Matt Thornton (-4.6%) gets the last out in the 6th, but only gets one out in the 7th, giving up a ROE and a HBP.
  • Definitely a meltdown: Blake Treinen (-40.6%) loads the bases with a HBP (-7.3%) then makes a game-tying, two-run error on a comebacker (-34.1%) before giving up the go-behind run on a sacrifice groundout (-5.1%).
  • Maybe you guys should shave: Jayson Werth (-13.8%) and Bryce Harper (-10.4%) go 1-9 with 5 Ks, a HBP, and 2 LOB.

Tonight's WPA brought to you by SCIENCE, 80s-style:

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