Nats 2, Padres 1
No better way to shake off a 1-7 road trip where nerves frayed and controversy reigned than with a walk-off home run. Of course, that came after a blown save in the top of the ninth inning so it wasn’t exactly conventional. But the Nats just needed to staunch the bleeding. They did so with the win on the field – check out the details in our game story here – and outfielder Jayson Werth’s explanatory comments off it after the 2-1 victory. Now they just need to take advantage of the woeful San Diego bats the next two days before the Philadelphia Phillies come to town on Memorial Day.
Some news broke after the game when Washington placed left-handed pitcher Tom Gorzelanny on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation. The move is retroactive to May 24 – the day after Gorzelanny pitched in Milwaukee. The 28-year-old, acquired in an offseason trade with the Chicago Cubs, is 2-4 with a 4.25 ERA in nine starts in 2011. He’s added a strikeout arm to the roster (48 strikeouts), but has allowed 24 hits and 13 runs total in his last three starts (15 1/3 innings). Maybe that was a sign something was wrong. No word on a roster replacement until Saturday morning.
Washington could go with either Ross Detwiler (3-4, 5.77 ERA) or Yunesky Maya (1-4, 3.79 ERA). Both are already on the 40-man roster. Because of a day off in the middle of the week either pitcher would be fine. Detwiler pitched on Tuesday and struggled, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings. In his previous four starts he allowed four runs, four runs, four runs and seven runs. All that after what was a nice start to the season in April.
So can I interest you in Maya, who has been a lot more consistent? In nine starts at Syracuse the 29-year-old Cuban has 45 strikeouts and just 12 walks. Last pitched on Monday with four earned runs allowed on six hits in 7 2/3 innings. He has pitched into the seventh each of his last six starts. The Nats could also scratch Craig Stammen from his scheduled start Saturday for the Chiefs. He last pitched on Sunday. Stammen is 4-2 with 40 strikeouts and nine walks in eight starts.
Nats could also stay on schedule because of their own Thursday day off. That would leave Jordan Zimmermann for Saturday, as expected, veteran Livan Hernandez moving up a day to Sunday’s finale with San Diego – still on normal rest – Jason Marquis on Monday vs. the Phillies on his normal five days and then a minor-league recall Tuesday. That’s Brad Meyers’ day to pitch for the Chiefs. But while the 25-year-old has been brilliant at Double-A Harrisburg (six starts) and at Syracuse (four starts) this season – with an incredible 57 strikeouts and one walk – he needs to be added to the 40-man roster. The club does, however, have an open spot with three players on the 60-day disabled list. Going that route would give Washington the chance to call up an extra reliever or another position player for three games. Might be a good way to go.
As for Friday’s game, the two teams endured a 47-minute rain delay in the top of the fourth thanks to thunder storms that raced through the District. But both starting pitchers – Lannan and San Diego’s Clayton Richard – were able to remain in the game.
Lannan came within a few feet of a shocking three-run homer to right with two men on and two out in the seventh inning and his team up 1-0. Padres right fielder Chris Denorfia had to sprint towards the wall to track that shot down. Lannan has just 16 hits in his career – four of them doubles, but never a triple or a homer.
“I think everybody had the same reaction,” Lannan cracked. “Like ‘Oh my God, he just hit a home run.’ It would have been neat.”
Meanwhile, Washington third baseman Jerry Hairston was ejected in the seventh inning after getting what he felt was “ quick pitched” by former Padres teammate Richard. Hairston, who had stepped briefly out of the batter’s box and asked for time, said he never cussed at home-plate umpire Ed Hickox. He just wanted him to ask for help from the other umpires. But Hairston was also pretty animated and that will get you run most times.
“Simply put, I played with Richards and he quick pitches, big time,” Hairston said. “He held the ball on me and I stepped out. And as soon as I stepped back in the batter’s box he was coming. You just can’t do that. You got to let the hitter get set and basically I asked for help and when I asked for help I got thrown out. I didn’t cuss at the umpire. I never do that. I’ve been thrown out before. I just didn’t – and rightfully so – feel like I needed to be thrown out there.”
Ninth-inning hero Michael Morse brought the funny after the game, too. No reason for him not to be in a good mood. After being asked about his relatively smooth transition to first base so far he deadpanned “You should see me pitch.” For his troubles, Morse received a shaving-cream pie to the face and then an ice-cold Gatorade shower from Werth.
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