Nats feeling sense of relief
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
May 17, 2007
WASHINGTON — The starting pitchers get bounced to the disabled list; the hitters alternate days when they’re on and when they’re not. Mostly, they’ve fallen in the not column.
Which is why the Nationals bullpen has become so important. It’s the only consistent part of the team. And that was evident again last night when Washington rallied for a 6-4 win over visiting Atlanta. It’s the Nats’ (14-26) fifth win in six games.
They can thank the bullpen, which allowed no runs and only two hits in five innings of work. In the last four games, the bullpen has allowed one run in 16 2/3 innings.
"They get a lead and they shut it down," said Washington’s Ryan Church, whose three-run double highlighted the pivotal four-run fifth.
Last night, they bailed out starter Levale Speigner, who went four innings and allowed all four runs. Speigner was nearly knocked form the game in the first by a line drive that skimmed off his tricep.
"It was scary," he said.
Six relievers followed him and only two allowed a hit. None of them walked a batter.
"We understood coming out of spring training that we had a solid bullpen," Nats manager Manny Acta said. "They’re a good reason why we have 14 wins. … They stopped them and gave us a chance to bring in the big guns."
Acta also ended one potential controversy. Though Jon Rauch closed out the win last night, Acta said Chad Cordero will return to the closer’s role on Friday. Cordero, who missed a week while on the bereavement list, worked in middle relief last night.
Injury update
Nats pitcher Jerome Williams has a tear of his right labrum and was placed on the disabled list. He’ll be shut down for 10-14 days, according to team doctor Ben Shaffer. If his shoulder doesn’t respond to rest, there’s a chance he could need surgery. Meanwhile, fellow DL pitcher John Patterson should start throwing hard by the end of next week. And Shawn Hill should start throwing easy by next week.
