After last night’s victory, I hoped this would mark the beginning of a solid streak for NATS. But those hopes were shattered by the Braves in a 5-2 defeat. It was very similar to many other recent losses. The Nats were mostly in the game, but were always a step behind and unable to generate many attacks.
The offense is particularly poor against the starting pitcher. In the final seven games, the starting pitchers completed at least six innings on these six outings. Miles Micholas was the only one not, and he left after 5.1 innings and 69 pitches and had a quick hook. He didn’t leave because he was finished, rather the Cardinals had a super fresh bullpen and matchup.
On the broadcast, Bob said NAT was behind in 20 of the last 21 games. This is not a consistent way to win the game. The same fire must occur early in the game.
In the second innings, the Nationals had one loaded on base, but wasted that great opportunity when Jacob Young hit a double play. As has been the case for many years, the public is hitting too many ground balls. Especially in situations where they need to be promoted. Young was a hitable product that you could boost, so you swung around on the first pitch. He failed to execute.
The lack of execution in attacks is a major issue, with some important bats being ice-like. After Red Hot began in the season, both Nathaniel Lowe and Kiebe Lewis have “both ops” in the 600s. The Nats were that big bat that was supposed to stabilize the lineup, so the Low actually needs to work. When he was hot, the lineup got really deep. Right now there’s not much to worry beyond Wood and Abrams.
Speaking of Abrams, he is the only hot bat in the lineup right now. He had yet another multi-hit day, with singles and solo homers. Abrams is currently hitting .317 with an .927 OPS. He’s headed to become an All-Star again.
But this wasn’t enough. This was one of two runs NAT scored that day. Pitching today wasn’t surprising, but this loss comes with the attack. Trevor Williams was solid in the first four innings, but was upset when he hit trouble in the fifth.
The bullpen wasn’t perfect today, but they did work for the most part. Nut had a chance, but he hit too many balls on the ground and hit too many double plays.
Now we are on the battle of the Beltway. Before the season, this will look like an interesting matchup. But now it’s a battle between two bottom feeders that can’t progress through the season. The spinning of O has melted away, and the atmosphere there seems to be very low.
Hopefully, Nat can oppose the struggling Baltimore team. They have to do so as they are out of control this season. This should be a step forward season and if they don’t progress, sniffing the .500 could be out the window early.