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Game 132: Gray's Outing Falls Apart in the 6th Sep 03, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-3 at the Mets to begin a 10 game/ 3 city road trip. Mark (Live from Flushing) and Al begin with Josiah Gray's start, which saw his pitching line marred in the 6th inning. Gray's ERA is nearing 5.00 and the hosts wonder how we should evaluate his mixed bag of a season.

(14:03) Steve Cishek was part of the problem in the four run 6th inning as his season long struggles have continued as of late. Should his usage come down significantly in this final month, especially with Mason Thompson back in Washington?

(19:40) Ildemaro Vargas had another good game as he went 2 for 4 with two doubles and a RBI. "Vargy" also made a nifty defensive play on a sharp grounder. Should we expect this plate production to continue?

(27:05) The Victor Robles Bingo Card was in full effect on Friday night as he tripled, scored on an unusual play, misplayed a ball in the field, and played a crucial role in an unorthodox double play.

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Game 131: "Joey Four Bags" Walks It Off! Sep 02, 2022

Show notes

The Nats topped Oakland 7-5 in extras for their first walk-off win of the season as "Joey Four Bags" crushed a 3 run shot in the bottom of the 10th. Al & Tim discuss the next chapter in the unlikely story that is Joey Meneses as he now has seven homers since being called up a month ago. Meneses on Thursday had four hits and is hitting a whopping .354 with Washington.

(16:10) The other unexpected August addition, Ildemaro Vargas, had a RBI single to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th. He also filled in admirably at shortstop on CJ Abrams' day off.

(28:05) Paolo "The Secret Weapon" Espino had a solid outing where he struck out six in five frames. Why was he pulled after allowing only one run on sixty-six pitches?

(35:20) A brief update was given pregame on Stephen Strasburg and it wasn't particularly informative. No specific news on when he is expected to return.

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Game 130: Anibal Turns Back the Clock Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

The Nats topped Oakland 5-1 behind Anibal Sanchez's sterling seven inning effort. Mark & Al discuss the veteran righty's strong start as he only allowed a Solo HR and take note of his recent successful stretch on the mound. It was the best outing he has had since Game 1 of the 2019 NLCS.

(06:08) CJ Abrams had a good night at the plate as he drew his first walk and extra base hit with the Nationals. Could this be a turning point for his bat?

(12:50) The offense had multiple contributors including Luis Garcia, Luke Voit, and Ildemaro Vargas. Garcia has shown signs of growth at the plate this year and his average is approaching .300 (.291).

(28:45) Cade Cavalli being placed on the IL meant that Cory Abbott returned to Washington. Paolo Espino will get the start in the series rubber match on Thursday afternoon.

(33;05) The incident with Brian Robinson of the Commanders brings to mind when Wilson Ramos was kidnapped in Venezuela in 2011. Ramos was a young catcher at the time with the Nats and fortunately survived the abduction. (Audio Courtesy of ABC News)

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Game 129: Cavalli to the IL with Shoulder Inflammation Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost 10-6 to Oakland, but that was not the major news of the day. Mark & Al begin with stunned reaction to the news that Cade Cavalli's season is likely over as he is headed to the IL after just one MLB start. Cavalli's shoulder has inflammation and he initially felt discomfort the day after his debut. Does this effect the usage of Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore down the stretch?

(10:38) The bad news continued on Monday as it also appears that Brady House's season is done in Fredericksburg due to a back issue. He last played on June 11th and the organization has not officially commented on the matter.

(18:45) On a night with some offensive production, Washington's pitching did not come through. Erick Fedde was chased in the third inning and Steve Cishek allowed a Grand Slam.

(29:10) "Joey Four Bags" was a doubles machine on Tuesday as he had three on the evening. Meneses has been a real bright spot this month and is hitting .348 since being called up on August 2nd.

(37:15) Tim Shovers speaks with D.C. native and author Will Bardenwerper on small town Baseball's importance to the fabric of the sport despite the extreme change the minor leagues have recently experienced.

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Game 128: Corbin Ends the Starters Winless Streak Aug 29, 2022

Show notes

The Nats beat the Reds 3-2 to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al begin with the glee (or relief) that Patrick Corbin earned the victory, thus ending the startling drought of 43 consecutive games without the Washington starting pitcher recording a victory. Corbin lasted six innings before handing it off to the "A" Bullpen.

(16:30) Joey Meneses continues to pace the Nationals offense as he had a hit on Sunday and his hitting .333. CJ Abrams however was hitess over the weekend and has struggled mightilty at the plate since the trade. Will the plan to play the twenty-one year old everyday continue?

(25:10) Luke Voit was thrown out at home "by a mile"; continuing the trend this season of questionable "sends" by Third Base Coach Gary DiSarcina.

(29:45) Handicapping the future for Victor Robles.

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Game 127: Another Loss to the Reds Aug 28, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost 6-2 to the Reds on Saturday night in D.C. Al hosts solo and runs through just how poor the offense continues to be this season. One of the bright spots this past month? You guessed it... Joey Meneses.

(13:45) Paolo Espino was OK, but the streak of a National starter not recording a win reached a preposterous 43 games. Al does shine a spotlight through on Hunter Harvey's performance out of the bullpen this year, who has a ERA of 2.91.

(19:05) Yadiel Herandez was placed on the 60 day day IL with his calf injury to make room for pitcher Seth Romero. Hear the saga that has been Romero's career with the organization since he was a first round pick in 2017.

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Game 126: Cavalli Sweats His Way Through a Forgettable Debut Aug 27, 2022

Show notes

The Nationals lost 7-3 to Cincinnati in Cade Cavalli's debut. Al & Mark recap the prized pitching prospect's first start that saw him allow seven runs under five frames. They explain why he pitched better than the box score reflects on a rather humid evening in D.C where he dealt six strikeouts.

(07:21) Cavalli did not get help from the defense behind him as CJ Abrams had a first inning throwing error that should have been corralled by Luke Voit. Cavalli's final inning saw more misplays, including a blunder by Luis Garcia trying to turn a double play. Should the Nats look at other 1B options in the off-season?

(22:30) Luis Garcia made his first start at 2B after his brief rehab stint in Rochester. This was also the first time we saw he and Abrams up the middle together. Why isn't Abrams showing more at the plate?

(31:05) Julio Rodriguez is signing a massive extension to stay in Seattle that locks him up long-term. Why didn't Washington do the same with Juan Soto?

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Game 125: Vargas Clutch HR + Cavalli Coming to D.C. Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

The Nats won 3-1 in Seattle as Ildemaro Vargas hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 9th to break the tie. Mark (from T- Mobile Park) & Al though begin with the news that Cade Cavalli will make his D.C. debut on Friday night against the Reds. This is quite possibly the most important pitching debut for the organization since Stephen Strasburg in 2010.

(13:45) Anibal Sanchez and the bullpen combined to hold the Mariners offense at bay. Sanchez has been pitching decently lately and he retained his spot in the rotation over Cory Abbott; who was sent down to Rochester in order to make roster space for Cavalli. Hunter Harvey came through with a crucial strikeout out of the 'pen; is he someone worth getting excited about it for the future?

(23:30) Ildemaro Vargas is turning heads this month as he has filled in admirably at 3B. He is known more for his glove than bat, but has contributed at the plate. Could he be locking up a roster spot in 2023?

(33:50) The 2023 schedule was unveiled on Wednesday and it is the first of its kind as every team will play each other during the season. Most notably, there will be far fewer games against divisional foes.

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Game 124: "Joey Four Bags" HR Breaks Up Late No-No Bid Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

The Nats were doubled up 4-2 in Seattle to open a two game series. Mark (Live from T-Mobile Park) & Al discuss how Robbie Ray had a no-hitter going until "Joey Four Bags" homered to dead center-field in the top of the 7th. Washington has never been no-hit and the last time Expos suffered that fate was in 1999.

(08:24) Riley Adams returned to the Nationals and started on Tuesday as Tres Barrera was sent down to AAA. Will Adams see time at 1B or remain the backup catcher?

(12:42) Erick Fedde only allowed two runs in his first start since returning from the IL. What is his potential status in the rotation as we project towards 2023?

(22:05) Tyler Clippard was DFA'd due to Fedde needing a roster spot. This might be the end for the long-time reliever, who first appeared with the Yankees in 2007. Clippard only pitched in four MLB games this season, but is arguably the greatest relief pitcher in team history.

(28:45) The Washington Post reported that Ted Leonsis has emerged as a viable candidate to purchase the franchise, among other bidders. The host analyze all angles to this and also add in the fact that the Angels are now too up for sale.

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Game 123: Bell Beats the Nats Again Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

The Nats were edged 2-1 and had to settle for a split in San Diego as yet again the offense could only muster a Solo HR (Cruz). Al & Mark (Live from California) begin with the news that the franchise will face the Phillies in the 2023 Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA. This is the first time the Nationals will be represented in a crown jewel neutral site event since their inception.

(15:45) "Joey Four Bags" has not exactly been "Joey Hustle" as for the second time this month he falsely admired a non HR and it resulted in him getting thrown out for trying to reach for a double.

(29:05) Patrick Corbin lost his 17th game of the season, despite a solid outing. He did not allow a run through five frames, but later surrendered a two run HR to Josh Bell. It has been nineteen years since a pitcher lost twenty games in a season (Mike Maroth- Tigers- 2003).

(35:20) Luis Garcia is headed to Indianapolis for AAA rehab stint (groin) and the plan is for him to rejoin Washington on Friday. The plan is for him to play 2B as CJ Abrams is firmly set at SS.

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