Nats lose 5-3 in first game of the series

The Nats did something tonight they haven’t been doing very well lately, they out hit their opponent. The Nats dropped 11 hits on their beltway neighbors but only one for extra bases as their offensive jump was not enough to beat the Orioles tonight. The 5-3 loss for the Nats tonight is symbolic of all the struggles they’ve had this season. The one night they can hit they can’t pitch, and despite having many runners reach base, all but three were stranded.
The loss tonight not only slowed a Nats hot streak that saw them take three of four from the Mets, it also broke a 4 game winning streak the team had against the orange and black. Turf Wars and pride aside, its important to remember that before we start hitting double and homers we need to be able to hit singles, and the Nats really did focus on just getting the bat on the ball tonight. The only starter without a hit was Wily Mo, and Zimmerman, Milledge and Flores both recorded multi hit games.

Meet Nick Markakis

For those of you who are former Orioles fans who stopped paying attention with Cal’s farewell, let me introduce you to their new prize possession, Nick Markakis. Markakis, like his clubs owner, is Greek and arguably the best Greek player ever (small talent pool). Markakis is a sweet swinging left handed right fielder who’s quiet approach to the game reminds many of the great modest sluggers of the games past.
In 2006 at the age of only 22 Markakis made his debut for the O’s and never looked back. He played 147 games in his rookie season, playing all outfield positions and showed great overall value for a team trying to compete in the most competitive division. He was no lame duck at the plate either, batting .291 with 16 bombs and 62 RBI’s. He also showed great patience for a young hitter reaching base .352 percent of the time. His sophomore campaign was even better. Markakis batted .300, hit 23 homers, 43 doubles, drove in 112 RBI’s and stole 18 bases.
So far this season Markakis having another good year. While his batting average is way down, now at .260, he is getting on base at .390 and has already hit 7 homers. He does not have the plate protection he had last year with Miguel Tejada in the line up, but it’s clear that when he gets some more protection he will be one of the better left handed hitters in the American League. He’s their Ryan Zimmerman, and it looks as if both these stars are locked up long term, there will be two bright stars in the beltway for years to come.

GUZMAN WATCH

Guzman only went 1-5 last night but was able to slap a double with no one on. His batting average continues to drop, but hopefully his trade stock will stay high.