Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ RISP struggles continue; Davey Martinez’ 411th game + more...

Another day, another close game that ends up a loss because the Nationals can’t drive in runs. Davey Martinez’s club went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position and 10 left on in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Braves, which gave Atlanta a sweep of the three-game set in the nation’s capital. It’s a tough loss to take considering all the opportunities the home team had to avoid the third straight loss.

“We hit some balls — we hit a lot of balls pretty hard today. I think there were over 12 balls we squared up, just right at guys,” Martinez said after Washington fell to 12-15 overall.

“We’ve just got to keep going,” he added.

“We got to keep plugging away. Like I’ve said before, these guys will start squaring balls up consistently, they’ll start falling in, and we’ll start scoring a bunch of runs.”

Any day now. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Martinez will become Nats' longest-tenured manager today - (MASN)
"And you might be shocked to learn who has held the record until today: Manny Acta."

Dave Martinez becomes longest-tenured Nationals manager - (MLB.com)
"Manager Dave Martinez remembers the first time he filled out the lineup card as a Major League manager. It was 2018, his first season with the Nationals."

Nats can't convert late chances, get swept by Braves - (MASN)
"You can’t say the Nationals don’t at least give themselves chances."

Max Scherzer on complete game, wife giving birth on same day - (MLB.com)
"The tale of Max Scherzer throwing a complete game before dashing to the hospital for the birth of his third child has become part of the lore of his already illustrious career."

Nationals squander chances as Braves secure series sweep - (Washington Times)
"If the Nationals could plan ahead, hand-picking their ideal batters in a key situation, it would likely look akin to how the bottom of the seventh inning played out against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday."

A missed call and missed opportunities seal Braves’ three-game sweep of Nationals - The Washington Post
The Nationals can't find the hit they need in a 3-2 loss that capped a sweep by their NL East rivals at Nationals Park.

For Scherzers, crazy Sunday was just how they wanted it - (MASN)
"Upon learning he would be pitching on opening day for the Nationals, Max Scherzer began preparing to face the Mets. Erica Scherzer began preparing to give birth to the couple’s third child."

‘Why not me?’ How Nationals outfielder Yadiel Hernandez is finding success at 33, after years in the minors – (The Athletic)
"Hernandez’s performance has served to reinforce Johnny DiPuglia’s long-held belief that Hernandez’s life could be made into a movie, if not a special on ESPN."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Yankees vs. Nationals: Series preview, probable pitchers - (Pinstripe Alley)
"Washington sits fourth in a dismal NL East — though only a game-and-a-half back with a losing record."

'Don't sweat small stuff:' Heather Zimmerman shares special Mother's Day advice for moms - (WJLA)
"Ahead of the Washington Nationals Thursday home game, Heather Zimmerman is a proud mom of three, having recently welcomed a baby boy during the pandemic."

Hernán Pérez Elects Free Agency - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"Veteran utilityman Hernan Perez rejected an outright assignment from the Nationals and is now a free agent."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Zack Wheeler appreciates Joe Girardi letting him finish the gem he started - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Zack Wheeler had thrown 117 pitches. He was one out away from the second shutout of his career. And now he had a visitor at the mound."

Mets' Francisco Lindor shows first sign of ending ugly slump - (NY Post)
"What is it like to be in a batting slump? 'Mike,' he said, 'it sucks.'"

Magneuris Sierra makes great catch to lead Marlins to sweep - (MLB.com)
"Thursday night's series finale between the Marlins and D-backs at loanDepot park followed a familiar formula: a big moment on defense catalyzing Miami's offense."

Braves rest Freddie Freeman for series finale at Washington - (AJC.com)
"The Braves gave first baseman Freddie Freeman a day off Thursday in the series finale at Washington. Austin Riley started at first base..."