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Game 28: Nats Slug 4 HRs in Yankee Stadium Victory May 08, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals ended up routing New York 11-4 after scoring six runs in the 8th inning to break it wide open. Al & Mark highlight all four players who went deep, including the red-hot Josh Harrison & Juan Soto in the DH role. They also focus on Yan Gomes, who has been an under the radar asset for the team so far.

(20:57) Patrick Corbin had his first "so-so" start of the year, as opposed to either being great or terrible. How much was he victim of Yankee Stadium hitters park quirks? The hosts then alert you to just how dominant the bullpen has been this past week. Can this torrid pace continue for the relievers?

(31:19) Saturday's pitching matchup has a combined five Cy Young Awards as Max Scherzer takes on Corey Kluber. Can Max build off his historic start last week or will the Yankees loaded lineup get to him? Finally, another entry into our series of "Tales of Little League".

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Game 27: Swept After Stranding 10 Runners May 07, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals were edged by Atlanta 3-2 culminating in a three game sweep in D.C. Al & Mark run through the eye opening numbers that emphasize just how much Washington struggled with runners in scoring position. They check-in on the duo of Bell/Schwarber, who are both below "The Mendoza Line".

(15:22) Jon Lester made his 2nd start as a Nat and the hosts give their observations of the veteran southpaw. They then shine a spotlight on Austin Voth, who continues to carve out an important role in the bullpen. Should he be used in more high leverage situations?

(21:15) Davey Martinez is now the longest tenured Manager in Franchise History, surpassing Manny Acta. The guys put in perspective his time in Washington and the buttons he pushed in October of 2019.

(30:16) Finally, will the Nationals sign Albert Pujols, who the Angels DFA'd? This then leads to an improptu "Storytime with Mark" that you, and his family, won't want to miss.

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Game 26: Another Grand Slam Leads to Another Loss May 06, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals lost 5-3 to Atlanta as they surrendered a Grand Slam for the 2nd straight evening. Mark & Al run through the managerial decisions from the loss, ranging from when Juan Soto should have pinch hit, how the lineup was constructed, and the decision to walk the slumping Freddie Freeman in the 3rd inning. Should Soto have hit for Yan Gomes or Victor Robles in the 8th?

(13:05) Is there a trade that GM Mike Rizzo should look into in order to bolster the lineup? Would this deal be somewhat imminent or not until July?

(21:33) Erick Fedde's evening was a rough one as he gave up all five runs and continued his struggles against the Braves. However, the bullpen and mainly Kyle Finnegan, had an "Immaculate" Evening.

(30:31) Finally, a preview of Jon Lester's Thursday start as Washington looks to avoid being swept.

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Game 25: Win Streak Snapped & Seth Davis Interview May 05, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals and their four game win streak were defeated 6-1 as Atlanta starter Huascar Ynoa stole the show. Al & Mark react to the loss and open their conversation with the activation of both Juan Soto and Will Harris. Soto's pinch hit appearance in the 8th was met with a rousing reaction from the home crowd. How long will his role be limited to just hitting?

(11:11) Tanner Rainey gave up the grand slam to Ynoa in a rough outing for him out of the bullpen. Mark relays what he saw from the right hander on Tuesday night. Prior to Rainey's entry, Joe Ross was pulled after facing two batters in the top of the 6th. Should he have started the inning to begin with? (17:38)

(20:01) Seth Davis, who covers College Basketball for CBS & The Athletic, joins the podcast as next in our series of speaking with Celebrity Nationals Fans. Seth grew up in the DMV when Washington didn't have a team, and explains how he became such a big Nats fan later in life. He was at Game 5 at Dodger Stadium with his family, and his jubilant evening is a must listen for any diehard Nationals fan.

(41:05) A preview of Erick Fedde's start Wednesday vs. Atlanta. The Braves are the only team to hit Fedde hard this season, what does he need to this time around?

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Game 24: Scherzer "Delivers" A Complete Game Victory May 03, 2021

Show notes

The division leading Nationals topped Miami 3-1 to complete the weekend sweep and return to .500. Al & Mark provide many accolades to Max Scherzer, who authored a dominant performance on the same day that his wife was due to give birth, adding to his long list of legendary outings in Washington.

(14:58) Ryan Zimmerman continued his excellent season so far with a decisive 3-run HR in the 3rd. Does Zim have more left to his career than we might have thought a few months back?

(20:30) Al's interest was piqued by seeing Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot. Will we see this again or just a product of having a right handed heavy lineup?

(27:22) Mark assesses the chances that Juan Soto could be activated for Tuesday night's game vs. slumping Atlanta. Finally, an update on the organization's Minor League situation as rosters will be announced this week (31:26).

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Game 23: Corbin & Bell Lead the Way to a 3rd Straight Win May 02, 2021

Show notes

The Nats beat Miami 7-2 for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Al & Mark react to the good vibes surrounding the team at the moment and Patrick Corbin's stellar start. Why has he had such a "Jekyll & Hyde" season so far?

(13:47) The offense had a good day and Josh Bell led the way with 4 RBIs, including a 3 run double off former National Ross Detwiler. Mark then points out the pace that Trea Turner is on so far offensively and how his defensive statistics are just as impressive.

(20:56) Austin Voth struck out the side to end it in the 9th and was seen hitting 97 MPH on the radar gun. Have the Nationals unexpectedly stumbled onto a real asset in the bullpen?

(27:22) Max Scherzer takes the mound Sunday as the Nats look for their first series sweep of the season. What to expect from Scherzer after he struggled on Tuesday? Finally, another "Tale from Little League," email yours in to natschatpodcast@gmail.com (30:31).

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Game 22: Another Schwarber Walk-Off After a Scoreless Lester Debut May 01, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals beat the Marlins 2-1 in extras as Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off 2 run HR in the 10th (Yes, you read that last part correctly). Al & Mark react to the victory which prior to extra innings saw yet another anemic game for the Washington offense. Why was Ryan Zimmerman not given at least one at bat in this game?

(12:42) Victor Robles was caught stealing again and the Nats difficulties on the bases continue. Does the team simply need to stop attempted steals unless it's Trea Turner?

(15:33) Jon Lester threw five scoreless frames in his franchise debut. The hosts give their thoughts on what they saw from the veteran southpaw on Friday night. While breaking down the pitching, they dare ask... is the bullpen good? (23:36)

(27:06) Patrick Corbin gets the nod Saturday despite his terrible start to the season. Is his place in the rotation on the line? Plus, Mark updates the injury situations for both Juan Soto & Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 21: Fedde & the Offense Cruise to a Comfy Win Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals beat up on the Blue Jays 8-2 in Dunedin, FL to split the short series. Mark & Al marvel at another strong outing by Erick Fedde, who has an ERA of 2.61 over his last four starts. Has he staked a claim to stay in the rotation long-term this season?

(13:46) The offense gave Nats fans a lot to enjoy between Trea Turner's four hits, Ryan Zimmerman's continued production when given the chance, and Josh Bell's much needed homer. How should Davey Martinez balance Zim & Bell for the upcoming homestand as there will no longer be a DH in the lineup?

(29:16) The "Varsity" Bullpen was back in action again and will be fresh for this weekend against Miami. Finally, a call to action for all Little League parents to email in your best anecdotes. Send them over please to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 20: Scherzer Off-Night as Vlad Jr. Goes Deep 3 Times Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 9-5 to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, FL despite hitting four home runs. Al & Mark discuss Max Scherzer's worst start of the season as he allowed 5 earned runs, including a grand slam crushed by Vlad Guerrero Jr. Why did it seem like Max was uncomfortable all evening? They also dive into Josh Harrison's rough game, between committing a pivotal error and being thrown out on a steal attempt.

(15:53) Josh Bell was 0 for 4 Tuesday with two strikeouts and his current average is .109. Will he be dropped down in the order or will Davey Martinez keep letting him try to hit his way out of the prolonged slump? This leads into more examination of the lineup as Trea Turner homered twice from the lead-off spot, but the lack of offense around him has led to a smaller than should be RBI total.

(31:20) Finally, a preview of Erick Fedde vs. Steven Matz on Wednesday. Where does Fedde stand in the rotation as Jon Lester is expected to join the team soon?

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Game 19: Bats Quiet Again & Turner Exits After HBP Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

The Nats were shutout 4-0 at the Mets, the 5th time they have been held scoreless this season. Al & Mark run through all the reasons the offense couldn't plate a run; ranging from bad luck, no production, poor base running, and Trea Turner missing a crucial at bat due to a forearm contusion.

(13:17) Mark gives all the latest that we know regarding Juan Soto returning to the roster.

(16:43) Patrick Corbin regressed and had a bad outing despite pitching well earlier in the week. The hosts react to his alarming numbers so far in April, as his ERA is north of 10 and his WHIP is above 2. How stable is his spot in the starting rotation?

(26:03) Austin Voth pitched three scoreless frames as his ERA is just above 2. Have we discovered his proper role on the pitching staff? Finally, a look ahead to the 2 game series against the Blue Jays at their Spring Training facility in Dunedin, FL.

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