2011, Week 9

discuss....

Game 52 - WAS 4, COL 2 (37-15)
Brian McCann's two-run home run broke a 2-2 tie game in the eight inning as the Nationals finished the month of May with a 21-7 record.
Rich Harden pitched well but did not factor in the decision. Jonathan Broxton struck out Tony Gwynn, Jr., the only batter he faced, to earn the win. Richie Wilhite stranded two men on base to earn his 15th save. Mike Napoli accounted for the other two Washington RBI's in the game.

Game 53 - WAS 15, COL 3 (38-15)
Washington bats were out in full force in this game. Michael Durant had a breakout performance as he looks to heat things up following a two month slump. A grand slam in the 1st inning and a 3-run home run later on gave Durant his 8th and 9th homers of the season and seven RBI's on the day. Grady Sizemore and Brian McCann each contributed three hits in five at bats while driving in three runs. Joe Nathan became the first 10 game winner as he gave up 3 runs in 6 2/3 innings pitched.

Game 54 - WAS 9, COL 0 (39-15)
Shawn Hill won his 5th consecutive start as he had the sinker ball working. Hill would shut out the Rockies for eight innings, allowing just 5 hits while walking none and also striking out none. Hill also added two hits to help his own cause. PJ Phillips hit two solo shots to give him 13 homers on the year. Miguel Cabrera(10) and Mike Napoli(11) also went deep for the Nats.

Game 55 - WAS 11, SD 2 (40-15)
The Nationals extended their winning streak to seven games as the benefitted from two big innings to beat the Padres. PJ Phillips continued his hot streak belting his 14th home run of the season. Charlton Jimerson, making a rare start in center field went 3 for 5. Jimmy Rollins and Jacque Jones also added home runs. Colten Willems was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 5th so would not earn a decision in this game. In a rare scoring decision, Jonathan Broxton was awarded the win AND save.

Game 56 - WAS 8, SD 4 (41-15)
The Nat win streak reached eight games as five Washington hitters collected two hits. No National hitter would have multiple RBI's on the day as the attack was very balanced. Brian McCann homered for the 11th time this season. Gaby Hernandez picked up his 4th win of the season giving up one earned run in five innings. Richie Wilhite picked up the save for his 16th.

Game 57 - WAS 18, SD 0 (42-15)
The 9th win in a row by Washington was complete domination by the home team. Rich Harden threw a one-hit shutout, the only hit being an infield single by Koby Clemens in the 5th inning. Bill Hall led the Washington offense with a 3-hit, 6-RBI performance that featured a grand slam home run. Miguel Cabrera and Grady Sizemore each had three hit performances. Rich Harden kept his record perfect, improving to 8-0. His ERA is 1.72.

Another bad week for the defending world champs.

First a trip to Cleveland, lots of offense very disappointing pitching after blowing out the Indians 12-3 they lose the next two 11-10 and 5-3.

Next up the Kansas City Royals in KC, game one a well pitched 2-3 loss next a 7-6 victory and then another 2-3 loss.

Overall a very disappointing showing for the defending champs.