Nats Have Sense Of Miami Nice, Win 3-2 In 11
It wasn't supposed to be this way. The Nationals, just a few months removed from being one of the laughing stocks of the national league, took 3 out of 4 games from the Braves, the 13 time reigning divison champion. Tonight, the Nats went up against Josh Beckett, who shut Washington out the last time the two teams met.
Time to come back to reality?
Not yet.
Ryan Church hit a ball into left field, Charley Sloews said he "popped it into left," a ball that really wasn't deep enough to score on. Luckily, Jamie Carroll didn't get that message. Cabrera caught the ball along the line and had to throw the ball across his body, which caused his throw to reach home off line, allowing Jamie Carroll to score the winning run in the 11th inning. Would Carroll have been out with a good throw? Thank goodness we'll never find out.
Things are changing in the National League. The Marlins, having just lost 3 of 4 to the Pirates, lose again to the Nationals Friday night. The Braves, having just lost 3 of 4 to Washington, lose their opening game to the Pirates. As the Nationals careen towards the all-star break, they continue to put themselves in a position to contend.
Livan Hernandez pitched another tremendous game, giving up only 2 runs in 9 innings, and topping 150 pitches for the third time this year. The Marlins' Josh Beckett, who shut out the Nats the last time he faced them, was great again. He too gave up only 2 runs in his 8 innings pitched. Chad Cordero pitched the 10th and Luis Ayala pitched the 11th for the win.
The Nats weren't at their best, but they are beginning to show that even when they play poorly they can still win. Friday night, they won with only 4 hits, left 7 on base, and scored the winning run in the 11th because the Marlins pitcher failed to make a good throw to 2nd base that would have begun a sure double play.
Sometimes, you've got to take what they give you.
Think about this: the Nationals are a 1/2 game out of first place. If the Braves lose to the Pirates again Saturday, and the Nationals beat the Marlins, The Nationals, Washington's first baseball in 34 years, will be in 1st place in the National League East.
You gotta love it.
# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 8:31 PM 
