Nats Chat

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Game 48: Baserunning Blunder Really Hurts in 7 Inning Loss May 30, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 6-2 in the nightcap of a doubleheader against Milwaukee. Al & Mark dissect the very costly baserunning miscue in the bottom of the 4th. Was the mistake made by Josh Bell, Jordy Mercer, or Bob Henley?

(12:57) Ryan Zimmerman had two doubles and is crushing left-handed pitching. If there is any advice Nats Chat can give Davey Martinez, it's have Ryan Zimmerman hit against southpaws as much possible.

(16:12) Trea Turner made two memorable plays Saturday night, one on the bases, the other in the field. The hosts tip their caps to his brilliant play so far this year.

(23:39) Recap of the Nationals pitching staff from this game. Jon Lester was decent and Daniel Hudson had his worst outing of the season.

(30:52) A preview of a heavyweight starting pitching match-up as Max Scherzer takes on fellow Cy Young contender Brandon Woodruff. Do you remember what happened the last times these two faced off in D.C.?

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Game 47: Corbin Digs An Early Hole the Bats Can't Overcome May 30, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals dropped the opener of a doubleheader 4-1 to the visiting Brewers. Mark & Al shine the light on Juan Soto's continuing slugging slump. His on-base and slugging percentage remain near mirror images of each other. Have we figured the source of these struggles?

(12:50) Luis Garcia had an unusual early exit in the top of the 3rd due to cramping in his hamstring. Was the weather to blame for the mysterious injury?

(14:48) Patrick Corbin's disappointing 2021 season continued as he yet again fell behind in the 1st inning. Mark explains why he has been getting hit hard as of late.

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Game 46: Offense Musters Only 2 Hits in Listless Loss May 28, 2021

Show notes

The Nats were shutout by Cincinnati 3-0 to lose the series. Al & Mark yet again need to focus on sleepy offensive output for Washington. Juan Soto had three hits in the series, but his lack of slugging remains a concern. As games like this continue to stack up, will this affect the status of the hitting coach?

(13:46) Recap of Stephen Strasburg's start, that began by allowing a leadoff HR. How did his stuff look in his 2nd start since returning from the IL?

(18:48) This begins our "Festivus" portion of the episode where grievances are aired. Mark laments the continuation of seven inning doubleheaders, a carryover from 2020 rules. Al then points out what it is he favors about seven inning games.

(27:22) Al continues the rant vibe by sticking up for the local fans who did not receive consistent and helpful information while trying to wait out Wednesday night's rain delay.

(32:09) We conclude with a preview of the weekend series against Milwaukee, including a top flight pitching matchup on Sunday. Do you remember what happened last time the Brewers came to D.C?

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Game 45: Ross Excels on Wednesday, Bullpen Preserves Win on Thursday May 28, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals defeated the Reds 5-3 in a game that took two days to complete due to inclement weather on Wednesday evening. Al & Mark recap the victory where Joe Ross helped himself with his arm, bat, and glove in the first four innings. Will this keep him in the rotation when Erick Fedde returns to the roster?

(4:32) The bullpen needed five men to seal the deal on Thursday afternoon. Were the Nats expecting more than two innings from Austin Voth? They then dissect the 8th inning where Tanner Rainey struggled and put the game in doubt.

(13:34) Brad Hand had a good outing and seems to have moved off his recent skid. Has he regained the trust of the fans?

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Game 44: Scherzer Beaten by 2 Cincy Solo Shots May 26, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals lost 2-1 at home to the Reds. Mark & Al open with a familiar 2021 theme, which is a struggling Washington offense. Is Juan Soto still not right? Why did Ryan Zimmerman pinch hit for Kyle Schwarber instead of Starlin Castro in the 9th? On the bright side, Josh Bell has raised his batting average 80 points in the past two weeks.

(11:57) The Nationals wasted a solid pitching performance by Max Scherzer as he struck out nine. The hosts recap the ace's outing, as the two homers he allowed ended up being the difference.

(19:14) Joe Ross will start on Wednesday as Erick Fedde is near a return to the field. Is this Ross auditioning again for his spot in the rotation or does Fedde still have to make a rehab start in AAA?

(25:53) Luis Garcia was called up to fill the vacant roster spot. What does this say about how the organization feels about Carter Kieboom?

(31:25) Sean Doolittle, who is now with Cincinnati, was honored pregame. Al poses to Mark, is Doolittle the best reliever in franchise history?

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Game 43: Nats Rally Again to Sweep the O's May 24, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals held off the Orioles 6-5 to complete the three game sweep. Al & Mark look at how they overcame another disastrous top of the 1st with a heavy dose of early offense. They then put in perspective the recent hot streak for the previously maligned duo of Josh Bell & Kyle Schwarber.

(12:21) Juan Soto did not run out a pop up with two outs that unexpectedly landed in fair territory and cost Washington a run. Mark gives his take on Davey Martinez admonishing his star player afterwards. Did Martinez handle this situation appropriately?

(18:16) There was some confusion pregame regarding Victor Robles' status that resulted in him going on the IL due to a right sprained ankle. Al wonders, what exactly happened and did the Nats botch the situation?

(24:25) Patrick Corbin had another poor start as his ERA is north of six. What to make of his recent backside? Plus, a critical analysis of the decision for Corbin to hit for himself with the bases loaded in the 5th.

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Game 42: Zimmerman HRs & Sets Franchise Run Record in Comeback Win May 23, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals beat Baltimore 12-9 despite falling behind 5-0 in the 1st. Al & Mark open the discussion on Josh Harrison, who hit a grand slam that changed the game around in the 3rd, while also playing a new position in the field.

(9:40) Ryan Zimmerman had a banner day between clubbing a 3 run HR to take Washington's first lead of the game and setting a franchise record for runs scored. The hosts point out that we are used to the fans asking Zim for curtain calls, but how much more these moments mean Post 2020.

(18:40) Despite the victory and the offensive output, it was not a good day for the pitching staff. Is there cause for concern for Jon Lester as he has had two straight bad starts? Plus, are the Nats in danger of overusing Daniel Hudson?

(32:52) We close with a listener email about the effect on the team related to Carter Kieboom not making the big league roster.

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Game 41: Strasburg Solid & Victorious in Return May 22, 2021

Show notes

The Nats held off Baltimore 4-2 on a beautiful Friday night in D.C. Mark & Al evaluate Stephen Strasburg's first start since returning from the IL; with the largest crowd of the season on-hand. Did Strasburg look like his usual self?

(9:21) Josh Bell had his best night yet as a Nat, as he had three hits and also made a crucial defensive play to save a run in the 6th. The hosts focus on the important moment and what led to Bell making the heads-up play. Al then resurfaces his reasons as to why he is staunchly opposed to the pitcher hitting 8th.

(26:03) Brad Hand struggled again in the 9th inning as this has become a habit lately. Should Daniel Hudson replace him as the closer?

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Game 40: Ross Lifted Early & Quarter Pole Report May 21, 2021

Show notes

The Nats were defeated 5-2 at the Cubs to wrap-up their road trip. Al & Mark evaluate where the 5th starter situation stands after Joe Ross is now 0-3 in four May starts. Will he get another start before Erick Fedde returns from the IL? There of course are updated gripes regarding the Washington offense.

(9:48) The first quarter of the season is in the books and it certainly has been a disappointing start. The hosts run through where things stand and what adjustments should be considered for the next forty games. Should they trade for a big bat? Marks points out at least; Nationals fans favorite stat, which is that they are in a better place than 19-31.

(25:30) A preview of the 3 game series in D.C. against the last place Orioles. Al points out how poor Baltimore pitching has been and that they won't have their ace on the mound.

(29:05) Finally, an update from AAA Rochester from their radio play by play man Josh Whetzel. Everything you need to know about Luis Garcia and Carter Kieboom one month into the minor league season. Will Garcia be called up the big leagues this year?

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Game 39: Soto HRs, Turner Deja Vu, & Hand Hangs on May 20, 2021

Show notes

The Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 on a very active Wednesday in Chicago. Mark & Al analyze the controversial rule that led to Trea Turner being called out yet again for running inside the baseline. Davey Martinez, just like Game 6 in Houston, adamantly defended Turner and was ejected for doing his best impression of Lou Piniella.

(11:44) Juan Soto hit his first homer in weeks, however he was thrown out for trying to steal second base at a crucial point in the 9th inning. Will this 3 hit game be the turning point for Soto in 2021?

(23:38) A recap of Max Scherzer's start that only lasted five innings. He did have some notable comments afterwards in regards to the pregame news that Erick Fedde & Tanner Rainey have been placed on the IL due to COVID-19 protocols.

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