CHATTER
Only at The Washington Times: Mark Zuckerman and Ben Goessling blog on the Washington Nationals.
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4 p.m. start predicted
The rain is lightening up, the grounds crew is sweeping water off the field and we could have baseball at Yankee Stadium by 4 p.m.
Some thoughts on a rainy day
Last night's 3-2 win over the Yankees was an "emotional" victory, as Manny Acta said again this morning. It might also offer some clues about how players are still responding to the manager.
Nats beat Yankees 3-2
This was as close to a playoff-type game as the Nationals will see this year, unless they get the chance to be a pennant race pothole in September.
Thru 6: Holding on to a lead
Everything's been going right for the Nats so far tonight, and they lead 3-1.
Nats trade O'Connor
Needing to clear space in their Class AAA Syracuse rotation for the return of Matt Chico from elbow surgery, the Nationals on Tuesday night traded left-hander Mike O'Connor.
Nats lose 5-3
Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Nationals were leading 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. That's exactly the precipice where they seem to fall off every time. And they did again tonight, thanks to a couple of rocket doubles Elijah Dukes couldn't catch.
Thru 6: Nats lead 3-2 (huh?)
Still plenty of time left for something becoming of either the Nats or Yankees to happen, but Washington leads 3-2 after six thanks to some big hits and a nice outing from Shairon Martis.
Updates: On Manny, on the game
Here's an update on "the Manny situation," as Mike Rizzo called it today, and the game so far:
From the airport
The Nationals are staying quiet on the fate of manager Manny Acta.
Thru 6: Tied at 4
Ross Detwiler has been walking batters for much of the afternoon, and finally got himself in trouble for it in the sixth inning.
Thru 3 1/2: We've seen this before
For the third day in a row, the Nationals are out to an early lead against the Rays, with a young pitcher (Ross Detwiler) holding the majors' highest-scoring offense down. We'll see if it lasts.
Thru 6: Coming undone
A seven-run Tampa Bay sixth has put the Nationals down 8-2.
Willingham on bereavement leave
Outfielder Josh Willingham was placed on bereavement leave on Saturday after his brother Jon, 27, died in a car crash in Florence, Ala., early on Saturday morning.
Acta still the manager
It's uncertain for how long, but at least for now, Manny Acta is still the Washington Nationals' manager.
Breakdowns lead Nats to loss
These are the kinds of games that routinely turn against the Nationals, and they're the kinds of games good teams pull out. There's your difference on Friday night.
