Wire Taps: Nationals 3-8 at home after last night’s 5-4 loss to D-Backs in D.C.

Washington’s Nationals are 3-7 in their last 10 and 3-8 at home in the nation’s capital after last night’s loss in the series opener with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

No one’s panicking just yet.

“Just got to keep going, keep grinding, keep having good at bats,” Bryce Harper said after the 5-4 loss to the D-backs.

“And if we can put those together, then we’re a good team, so just got to go out there, keep doing it and good things will happen.”

One of these days, D.C. sports fans, good things will happen. Until then just read these links.

NATS BEAT:

Strasburg keeps Nats in game, laments Pollock at-bat in 5-4 loss
"This is the earliest in the season Strasburg has been dealt a third loss since a 7-1 setback to the Mets on April 19, 2013, when his record fell to 1-3."

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals fall to D-backs
"The Nationals also fell to 1-7 in one-run contests, but the optimistic bunch sees the close games as a sign that a turnaround is in sight."

Sledding is no easier for Nats, who lose at home with Stephen Strasburg on hill
"The Nationals (11-15) put at least two men on with fewer than two outs in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings."

Nats lament another night of missed chances
"They put 13 runners on base in five innings against Godley, who was practically begging them to deliver a knockout punch."

Nationals begin long homestand with loss to Diamondbacks
"The Nationals (11-15) have now lost five of their last six games and are just 3-8 at Nationals Park this year."

NATS INJURY UPDATES:

Why didn’t Anthony Rendon go on DL sooner? And where is Adam Eaton?
"Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo hadn’t discussed Anthony Rendon’s situation before Friday afternoon at Nationals Park, but it required explanation."

Nationals missing Adam Eaton, Rendon, Murphy
"Eaton was scheduled to be seen by a team doctor Friday to re-evaluate the bone bruise on his left ankle. He has not appeared in a game since April 8..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Pollock leads way with all-around performance
"Right-hander Zack Godley was shaky in five innings. The Diamondbacks collected just six hits and two walks yet managed to turn them into five runs."

Fantasy baseball -- Daily notes, pitcher rankings and hitter ratings plus players to add for Saturday
"On Saturday, Avila draws the platoon advantage against Hellickson, one of the lowest-ranked hurlers on the slate..."

NATS MINORS:

Ryan Sullivan: Promising prospects aplenty for Potomac
"Right-hander Wil Crowe, Washington’s second-round pick last summer and a top 10 prospect, started Wednesday’s contest and pitched well despite the conditions..."

Suns Fall 3-1 in Series Opener to Rome
"The Hagerstown Suns were held to four hits on Friday night in a 3-1 loss in the opening game of a three-game set against the Rome Braves."

Mejia's Grand Slam Highlights 9-3 Win
"The Potomac Nationals (12-10) pulled off their largest come from behind win of the season on Friday night, as they took down the Lynchburg Hillcats (12-9) 9-3."

Senators Pitchers Combine For Three-Hitter In 2-1 Win
"The Harrisburg Senators edged the Altoona Curve 2-1 in the homestand opener Friday night at FNB Field."

Chiefs Walk-off Again on Jones' Double to Top Wings
"The Syracuse Chiefs walked off in ten innings with a 4-3 win against the Rochester Red Wings on Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium."