Nats lose third in a row, Fall to the Braves 7-3

Write up by Lucky Jarmes:

"It wasn't Hudson.

Despite Braves pitcher Tim Hudson's impressive 5-0, .80ERA against the Nationals, his preformance was not what left the Nationals on the wrong end of a 7-3 game. The Nationals managed 13 hits, leaving stranding 11, in a game that did not see the Nats with out several chances to score.What led to the down fall tonight was a combination of poor pitching, and even worse base running. Untimely hitting also, as if it isn't always the problem, was very apparent tonight. Yet again, a Gnat(the act of intentionally walking the bases, only to either walk or throw a pass ball to score the run anyway) made an appearance as Chico highlighted a 4 inning, 6 run appearance with a walk to Tim Hudson to force home a run, after intentionally walking Blanco to load the bases.

On the offensive side of the game, the Nationals blew opportunities all night. The game started off promisingly, as Guzman was in scoring position with 2 outs. Tim Tolman, possible worst 3rd basecoach in the majors showed last season form in sending Guzman on a Kearns hit directly to the Francoeur. Naturally, Francoeur gunned Guzman at home to end the inning. Later in the game, Thrilledge was gunned at the plate after being sent from second on a ground ball to centerfield. Tim Tolman, I bring back my cry from last year that you should be fired. Right now.

Our Nats showed sparks of a come back both in the 8th, and an attempt at one in the 9th. The top of the 8th found the Nationals hitting smartly. Following a Kearns walk, and Estrada hit, Aaron Boone came in for an infield hit. Larry Jones promptly threw the ball away, advancing the runners and scoring Kearns. However, such signs of rallies need not be held in awe, as Boone tried to advance to second from well beyond the bag at first, and was thrown out by a mile to end the inning.

There were some promising parts of todays game. It really looks like both Austin Kearns and Ryan Zimmerman are coming out of their massive slumps. Kearns, coming off of a display of the power we know him to have, continued to hit well going 2 for 4 tonight. Zimmerman also improved to .226 on the year, going 2 for 5 tonight. It's good to see them hitting again.

Over all, the ugly game extended an uglier road trip. It makes the first loss in an ugly upcoming set of games. After facing Hudson tonight, the Nats go on to face the hot hand of John Smoltz, and then host Johan Santana hurling for the Mets."