The Most Improbable Win Of The Year

Running like a WILDMAN, Pudge Rodriguez was attempting to avoid the collision that he knew awaited him. Rounding first base at Nationals Park with his right hand and right index finger pointed high into the gathering dusk of evening, Our Washington Nationals sure to be Hall Of Famer was anticipating the jumping, the joy, the congratulations from his teammates for knocking in the game winning run against The New York Mets.

One of the most improbable wins in the five plus years since baseball returned to The Nation's Capital.

Words are hard to find to explain what really happened in the bottom of the 9th inning on South Capitol Street this pre-4th Of July late afternoon turned to early evening. Sometimes the feelings of the moment can get lost in translation. One thing for sure though, the BIG FINISH was significantly more satisfying than last night's Dagger To The Heart. And it's also safe to say, today's ending truly showed how great the game of baseball can be.

The competition where the time clock does not matter. The game in which you must record every single out before declaring victory. Baseball, where a team can receive a shaky start from its Ace Phenom and still garner a Curly "W"?

What other competition is out there where it didn't matter that Our Washington Nationals were outplayed, out scored upon and pretty much out of this game as the 8th inning turned to the 9th? They really had little chance. Even the sellout crowd of 39,214 at Nationals Park figured as much--nearly half were leaving by the time the game deciding moment came. Yet, none of that actually mattered because The New York Mets did not record the final three most important outs. Sort of significant when you are attempting to win any game.

On a hot and humid Saturday afternoon, Our Washington Nationals were down 5-3 to The New York Mets entering the bottom of the 9th. Francisco Rodriguez, The Mets Ace Closer, was warming up on the mound. Considering Stephen Strasburg only managed to complete five innings and was yanked trailing 2-0, it appeared Washington had only an infinitesimal chance to erase this deficit--much less win. Why should anybody think differently? Clutch hitting has not been a trademark of Our Washington Nationals over the past six weeks. Little offensive firepower has contributed to Washington's fall in the standings.

But The Baseball Gods were looking in on Our Washington Nationals this day. So was a nationally televised audience on The Fox Network. Everyone wanting to experience Strasburg's sixth Major League Start. But what everyone shared was one tremendous comeback. One in which you declare: I can't believe what I just saw!!

Simply enough, Washington's rebound began when Francisco Rodriguez allowed a leadoff walk to Cristian Guzman. Yes it's true, "The Guz" walked on four straight pitches. If there ever was a good luck charm--that had to be it. You know, The African Queen knows, I know--Our Number 15 hardly ever walks, he swings at everything. Yet, incredibly that refreshing moment was the first of more enlightenment to come.

Like when "The Mets Must Hate" Willie Harris ripped a one out single to right two batters later--moving Guzman to third base. Poetic Justice after Our Number 22's bat was taken out of his hands the previous evening when Roger Bernadina got picked off 2nd base to the end game. Harris getting the opportunity to continue his lost at-bat against The Mets Closer. And this time winning the engagement. A serious assault growing against New York that became hopeful when Ryan Zimmerman followed with a bases loading walk.

One out, sacks filled, no one warming up in the New York Bullpen--Adam Dunn stepping to the plate.

How wonderful to see thousands of fans, having already left their seats and heading for the exits of Center Field Gate, stop in their tracks behind the left field seats after hearing the cheers from the crowd. They now wanting to witness this fight to the finish too. Good thing they did, as what happened next was downright electrifying.

With just about everyone in the seating bowl now standing, Our Number 44 caught ahold of a Franky Rodriguez fastball and launched it, nearly putting it in orbit. So high into the sky this baseball was socked--it appeared as if might never come down. Toward the centerfield wall the ball flew, back to the warning track The Mets Angel Pagan ran in an attempt to catch it. The roar from the crowd said it all--that baseball had game winning Grand Slam written all over it.

As an impromptu celebration began, The Baseball Gods added their wicked twist.

Dunn's drive came down RIGHT ON TOP of the green padded wall in centerfield and caromed back onto the field. 2nd Base Umpire Jim Reynolds immediately signaling the "safe" call--arms spread wide indicating the baseball was still in play. Willie Harris took off from 2nd base and rounded third base as Pagan chased down the ball--only to run right into Cristian Guzman. For some reason "Guzzie" was heading back toward the bag. A Huge Mental Mistake that nearly turned disasterous. If 3rd Base Umpire Tim Welke ruled Our Number 22 had passed "Guzzie" on the base path an out would have been called.

Total confusion ensued as now both Guzman and Harris gathered themselves and together ran for home. Playing relay man, the Mets shortstop, Ruben Tejada, caught his centerfielder's throw from the outfield and unleashed a line drive toss toward home plate to his catcher Henry Blanco. A relay that arrived a few seconds late, a few moments short of catching Cristian and Willie scoring the game tying runs. The sight of Harris sliding home safely away from Blanco's tag setting off a crazed state at Nationals Park.

Washington's fans happy for the 5-5 tie--but many not understanding what they had just witnessed.

Our Washington Nationals and Adam Dunn wanting a game winning home run to be called.

The New York Mets wanting either Guzman or Harris to be called out for passing each other on the base path.

Both New York's and D.C.'s Managers emerging from their respective dugouts wanting to get their two cents in on the matter. Jerry Manuel and Jim Riggleman both pleading their cases. Dunn standing on second base twirling his right hand in the "Home Run" signal. The Mets David Wright gestering that Cristian or Willie should be called.

Total mayhem, pretty fun too--the buzz surrounding Nationals Park over the just completed play resulting in non stop chatter. Everyone discussing the action. Everyone into the moment. But the only decisions that really mattered were being handled by the men in blue. Umpires Scott Barry, Jim Reynolds and Bill & Tim Welke ruled Washington's two base runners had not passed each other--the runs officially scored. But they were unsure about Dunn's drive and proceeded with the video review.


Two minutes later, the signal was given--Adam Dunn's baseball had not gone over the wall, only landed on top of it. Officially ruled a double--this game now tied at five runs apiece and would continue. But not for long. With Ryan Zimmerman now on 3rd and Dunn on second with still one out--New York rightfully intentionally walked Josh Willingham to load up the bases to set up a possible double play grounder.

Only thing was, The Mets K-Rod now had to face Washington's I-Rod. The veteran backstop who has been in these types of situations countless times during his illustrious career. Pudge Rodriguez didn't disappoint and he didn't waste much time. After taking ball one from Francisco Rodriguez, Ivan lofted Franky's second pitch down the right field line where Jeff Francouer had no chance of catching. The game winning single that scored Zimmerman with the game winning run, sending Nationals Park into a rage of hysteria. And sending Our Washington Nationals out of the home dugout and onto the field for the jumping, the joy, the congratulations Ivan Rodriguez deserved for knocking in the game winning run against The New York Mets.

Pudge knew he was going to get pounded by his teammates. The same type of pounding Washington had just put on Francisco Rodriguez and The New York Mets in the bottom of the 9th inning. The very first time all season D.C.'s Team had won any ball game after trailing heading to the final frame.

Final Score from Nationals Park where a packed house of 39,214 mostly came to see Stephen Strasburg, but got a whole lot more for their money--an amazing comeback: Our Washington Nationals 6 and The New York Mets 5. Curly "W" Number 36 was the most improbable win of the season. For eight innings D.C.'s Team really was never in this game. Strasburg had a rough start, Washington's offense was providing little support. The heat and humidity of a hot summer's day draining the enthusiasm of the sellout crowd. But The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! proving you just never know in the game of baseball what you are going to see. You can't predict any outcome. And no one could possibly have envisioned what they saw late this afternoon into the early evening on South Capitol Street.

Washington's improbable victory took away the bitter taste left in the mouth from Friday night's disheartening loss. To win any game, every team must record those final three outs. The New York Mets were able to do so last night, but were unable to accomplish the same feat for the second night in a row. That's why baseball is such a great game. No time clock decides the outcome--only the action and reaction of the players on field of play will.


I don't think The African Queen and I have walked out of Nationals Park so happy all season. There was a rush to that win not felt in a long time. And judging by most everyone sitting around us in Section 218 and walking toward the exits afterwards--the feeling was pretty mutual.

Fans of Our Washington Nationals were downright thrilled having watched a wonderful finish to bottom of the 9th.

P.S.--Can you believe that Matt Capps actually got that high into the air when Ryan Zimmerman scored the game winning run in the photo above? Mighty impressive for such a big man.

Game Notes & Highlights

It took Stephen Strasburg 37 pitches to complete his first inning on the mound. He walked three New York Mets batters, but the telling sign that this was not to be his day, was when he unloaded a 98 MPH fastball right at The Mets Jeff Francouer's head. A scare the daylights out of you moment that found Francouer ducking JUST IN TIME, only to amazingly see the hard thrown baseball hit his bat for strike two. Francouer was lucky not to get injured and Stephen Strasburg was eventually lucky to get out of his very first inning pitched this afternoon. Miguel Batista was warming up in Washington's bullpen not 25 pitches into this game.

Yeah, Stephen Strasburg wasn't that good today. He couldn't command his fastball. He had trouble with that wicked curve. And hopefully his struggles will finally put to rest the ridiculous notion that Our Number 37 should be named to The National League All-Star Team. Let the young man grow up first. Let him become the top pitcher so many anticipate. Don't anoint him without any real credentials. Strasburg left trailing today and was in the position for his third straight loss until his teammates fought back for him.

Drew Storen pitched his finest two innings of Big League ball today. He faced only six batters, struck out three and didn't allow a baserunner. Far different the results from Tyler Clippard. He's being used too much. He needs a break, a breather to correct himself. This afternoon, Our Number 36 was absolutely hammered by The New York Mets. Alex Cora greeted him with a leadoff triple in the top of the 8th and it was all downhill from there for Tyler. He looked mighty pissed after allowing three runs on four hits and being replaced by Doug Slaten with only two outs in the same frame he had started to work.

Clippard was lined up for the personal loss until Washington produced their terrific comeback. A rally in which Matt Capps received the vulture win--thanks to being on the mound in a mop up role in the top of the 9th. Capps' second victory of 2010 against three losses and 22 saves.

Back on May 25th, I was watching The Mets play The Philadelphia Phillies on DirecTV. New York's Starter A.J. Dickey got hit on his throwing elbow during a drive back to the box off the bat of Chase Utley. Dickey stayed in the game and he's recovered to pitch the best baseball of his career. A journeyman knuckleballer, Dickey nearly pitched a no-hitter at AAA Buffalo earlier this year, and today was virtually unhittable by Washington. He allowed two runs, but both were unearned thanks to his shortstop Ruben Tejada's--last night's pickoff hero--making a key error on a sure double play ground ball off the bat of Ryan Zimmerman in the bottom of the 6th. The big boot which directly led to the tying runs after Josh Willingham and Pudge both singled to plate Willie Harris and The Z-Man for Washington's first two scores.

New York's setup man--Bobby Parnell continued to throw his high heat during a shutout bottom of the 8th. But K-Rod was anything but sharp when he allowed three runs on three walks and three hits in 1/3rd of an inning pitched to be handed the personal loss and his fourth blown save of 2010.

Both Adam Dunn and Pudge Rodriguez had three hits apiece today. Both were instigators in driving in runs--Our Number 44 with two rbi and Ole Number 7 with two as well. Dunn just missing on that grand slam off Franky Rodriguez in the bottom of the 9th. A video review play by the umpires that saw his drive hit right off the top of the padded wall in centerfield and carom back onto the field of play.



And finally, Abe won the 4th inning Presidents Race rushing past George and Tom to win for the 16th time in 2010.

Today's inGame Photos--Greg Fiume (Getty Images) & Alex Brandon (AP)
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Dagger To The Heart

Stunned stood the crowd at Nationals Park.

On the verge of their finest comeback of the season--a possible four run reversal in the bottom of the 9th inning against The New York Mets, Our Washington Nationals instead--took the dagger right in the heart. There was no way D.C.'s Team could have ignited their fan base into such a frenzy before the death blow came. South Capitol Street was hopping. Down 5-1 entering their last at-bats, Washington put on a furious comeback. A recovery moments away from truly being considered EPIC. Then, as quickly as a pitcher can twirl and toss to second base--this game was officially over.

"I think I am going to be sick to my stomach," this lady sitting in front of us said.

Ailing might well be the feeling among the fan base in attendance this evening, but weak, maybe even feeble, would better explain the 27th and final out of this game for Our Washington Nationals. Another Washington runner had been picked off a base in 2010.

Where to begin? Only the infamous Nook Logan final out at 3rd Base at RFK Stadium in 2007 comes close to this one.

Yeah, it really was that depressing.

No one knew what Logan was doing three years ago? And everyone left the ballpark tonight wondering what was Roger Bernadina thinking with Willie Harris battling at the plate with two outs in the bottom of the 9th?

Resetting the scene.

For eight innings, The New York Mets had dominated Washington. Luis Atilano was roughed up early and often. Not making it through the 4th frame, Atilano allowed five runs--three of which came on the key blow of this game. A bases clearing triple from the bat of Alex Cora. A long drive that bounced off the "Out Of Town Scoreboard" in right field. A defensive play that Mike Morse at first seemed to have targeted to catch, but eventually fell short of accomplishing--when the baseball caromed off his glove, then the scoreboard's protective screen.

Josh Willingham pounded out his 15th home run later, a solo shot, in the bottom of the 7th. But New York's Starter, Jon Niese, was totally in control. He finished that 7th frame with eight strike outs before heading to the clubhouse. And for all intents and purposes, this game seemed over. Then, one of the most fascinating bottom of the 9th innings ever played at Nationals Park commenced.

Just another good reason why you should never leave any baseball game early because you never know what you might miss.

On this evening, Pedro Feliciano was back out on the mound to finish this game off for The Mets--just like the night before. Leading by four runs, mop up duty was in the works. At least until New York's Manager, Jerry Manuel, decided to work this final inning as if he was attempting to win the 7th game of The World Series. Really, where do some of these managers come up with such tactics? Do they not trust anyone? Or, do they simply not understand what some of their players can do?

After Feliciano struck out Adam Dunn leading off the 9th, Manuel incredibly made the call to his bullpen. Why? The Mets are only two outs away from victory. Sure, Ryan Zimmerman is stepping to the plate, but the four run margin is comfortable? Does this manager really have to switch out his relievers? Of course, an over managing mistake when Elmer Dessens enters and immediately walks The Z-Man on seven pitches. A decision made worse when Pudge Rodriguez laced a liner down the right field line for a double after "The Hammer" had recorded the 26th out of this game.

The 26th out recorded that nearly became the last out put in the record books this evening.

You see, The Mets were officially now in trouble, in a save situation and facing runners on 2nd and 3rd with Roger Bernadina coming to the plate to bat for Michael Morse. Another game changing at-bat for Washington when New York called for their closer--Francisco Rodriguez. And Our Number 2 greeted him with a sharp single to right scoring Zimmerman. Now down three runs with Pudge Rodriguez standing on third, Bernadina on first--the game tying run was stepping to the plate in Ian Desmond.

The shouts of Let's Go Nats!! now being heard throughout Nationals Park. Down to their last out, but not giving up, Washington seemed to be thriving off the rabid crowd support. Most everyone standing and cheering in what was left of the announced crowd of 24,410. The momentum swing that sent the home rooters into ecstasy when Desmond drilled a sharply hit ground ball right back up the middle scoring Pudge, putting Bernadina on second and Ian on first. And now incredibly--the winning run being sent to the plate in none other than "The Mets Must Hate" Willie Harris.

Yes, it was Willie Harris Time again and most everyone watching seemed to understand his clutch heroics against New York's National League Team over the past two seasons. Harris hasn't been productive of late, but when it comes to The Mets, he's their personal nemesis. The Good Luck Charm for D.C. The go-to man in the clutch. Harris knew it. New York knew it. And Our Fans knew there could be no better person to bat in this thriller.

If only he was allowed to complete his at-bat.

Harris battled his way through five pitches. He challenged K-Rod, each subsequent toss bringing an ever growing roar from the now impatient crowd. Whether a ball or strike was called by Home Plate Umpire Tim Welke, the crescendo grew louder, larger and finally reached it's climax at 10:03PM on Friday Night, July 2nd, 2010 on South Capitol Street--2 hours and 56 minutes after the first pitch was thrown. Working his way to a full count, with two outs, two runners on base--the rapt attention focused on Francisco Rodriguez and Willie Harris so great--few were watching Roger Bernadina taking an ever larger lead off second base.

Except for K-Rod, his catcher Rod Barajas, and their shortstop Ruben Tejada.

As Rodriguez looked in for the sign from Barajas, he suddenly twirled on mound. New York's Ruben Tejada was sneaking in from behind Bernadina. A pick off maneuver to nail Roger now positioned too far off the bag. As shouts of "OH NO!" were heard all around, K-Rod threw a perfect strike down on the second base bag while Bernadina, reacting late, dove back into second base. A second too late in time to beat the catch and tag being put down on his hand by Tejada. Second Base Umpire Bill Welke with the emphatic OUT CALL!!

The Defensive Play of This Game. The unexpected dagger to the heart that ended this rally, concluded this game and finished off any hopes of Washington stealing a victory. This 27th out, a nightmare as no one could possibly have imagined what they just witnessed a few seconds earlier. Nationals Park mostly silent now as The New York Mets celebrated on the field.

No one believing the bat had been taken out of the hands of "The Mets Must Hate" Willie Harris. Truly stunned was the crowd. No one got to see what Our Number 22 would have accomplished in his latest effort to spoil a New York Mets victory.

Final Score from Nationals Park where the question was again asked--just like with Nook Logan three years ago--Where was Bernadina going? What was he doing?: The New York Mets 5 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Loss Number 46 was heart wrenching because Roger ended Willie Harris' quest to be the savior again. It gave New York the opportunity to finish off this game without throwing another pitch. And it saved face for Mets Manager Jerry Manuel--who had over played his hand in the bottom of the 9th. D.C.'s Team had The New York Mets in serious trouble. They were on the verge of a tremendous comeback--truly epic--at least until Bernadina's base running gaffe ruined all of that.

The saga of Willie Harris and The New York Mets to be continued.....

What was Roger Bernadina thinking? Where was Roger Bernadina going? What was he doing?

(Hat Tip to Charlie Slowes whose radio call on June 23rd, 2007 at RFK Stadium when Nook Logan was picked off 3rd base against The Cleveland Indians--still and always will be--classic)

Game Notes & Highlights

Although Jim Riggleman mentioned in the post game press conference he thought Luis Atilano pitched better than his numbers, the record will show, Atilano didn't throw well at all. He didn't last four innings, allowed six base runners, five of whom scored. And Atilano was helped out by Joel Peralta, summoned to the mound by Our Manager with Jon Niese standing on second base with two outs in the fourth inning. Peralta proceeded to pitch three solid innings of shutout ball--his best outing in a Nats Uniform. When Joel was replaced by Sean Burnett with two out in the bottom of the 6th--he looked to the sky and recited a little prayer to himself for a job well done--as he walked off the field and into the dugout.

Washington's unsung bullpen members keeping this game close tonight. Peralta, Burnett, Miguel Batista and Doug Slaten hurling 5.1 innings of one hit, shut out ball.

Having never seen New York's Jon Niese pitch before, the lefty was pretty effective on the mound as The Mets' starter this evening. He showed a very nice side arm slow curve used as his out pitch--when set up by his fastball. He struck out eight Nationals and left with the lead well in hand--before New York's bullpen nearly gave up the game in the 9th.

Nyjer Morgan, Willingham and Desmond with two hits apiece tonight. But until the 9th, most all of Washington's nine hits were scattered. No serious threats offensively. Although Nyjer also got picked off attempting to steal in the bottom of the 1st inning. With Adam Dunn at the plate and the over shift on by New York, The Mets 3rd Baseman David Wright tagged out Morgan at second base. But you could argue--as Jim Riggleman did--that Wright pushed Our Number 1's leg off the bag as he slid head first across it.

Too many Washington base runners in 2010 being thrown or picked off bases. Tonight that problem escalating and directly leading to another loss.

Sitting with our friends Pat & Christy tonight, Pat mentioned that Alex Cora is the consummate professional player. Like Placido Polanco of The Philadelphia Phillies, Cora's overall statistics are not Hall Of Fame worthy, but the intangibles he provides to a winning team needs to be recognized. Alex Cora is a player that simply gets the job done. He proved that again tonight with his three run triple in the top of the 4th and his continuing solid play defensively in the field.

For the 4th of July weekend, both teams wore Major League Baseball's Patriotic 2010 caps tonight--white with blue bills containing Stars & Bars within the respective team logos.





Friday night was Black Heritage Night at Nationals Park. In celebration of the evening, The African Queen and I broke out our Homestead Grays retro uniforms. They were pretty popular judging by the attention the jerseys got wherever we went tonight on South Capitol Street. And it was a good thing the temperature was cool outside. They are made of 100% wool flannel.






Don Conaway was back on the main concourse of the ballpark behind home plate displaying some of his Negro Leagues memorabilia. Throughout the night, videos were shown on the HDTV Scoreboard about great African-American Players of years past. And before the game, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) Department of Parks & Recreation Prince George’s County received the first Joe Black Award by Our Washington Nationals for efforts to keep baseball alive in African-American Communities.

Joe Black was the first African-American to play for The Washington Senators in 1957. But Joe Black was not the first black player to ever play for The Senators--that was Carlos Paula (a Cuban) in 1954. Joe Black, the 1952 Rookie Of The Year in the National League with The Brooklyn Dodgers, is more closely associated with the city of Baltimore. He attended Morgan State University and he helped to lead The Baltimore Elite Giants to two Negro League Championships--alongside Roy Campanella. Joe Black only played 7 total games ever for The Washington Senators--at the tail end of his career. Joe Black played a significant role in professional baseball in the late 1940's and early 1950's and later on in attempts to get pensions for former Negro League players, but he had virtually no impact on baseball in Washington, D.C. We believe a better and more worthy African-American player could have been chosen to name this now annual award after in The Nation's Capital.

Did you know Martin Luther King was on hand for Black Heritage Night too? Madame Tussaud's Wax recreation of MLK was on display in The Stars & Stripes Club before the game and through out the first four innings this evening.


"Chicken Man" also wore his retro Washington Grays Jersey tonight for the occasion. Hugh with the pinstriped version of The Gray's D.C. uniform. And "Disco" Johnny Holliday got a kick out of my jersey, as well as Marge--another huge Nats Fan--in town for the weekend's festivities.

Tom won The Presidents Race, running through the finish line backwards as Abe finished second.




And finally, John Belushi was in attendance tonight at Nationals Park. Our friend Pat doing his best imitation of the late actor and comedian. He, Christy, Sohna and I getting a kick out of this young lady sitting in front of us in Presidents Club that got up to dance for each and every song played over the sound system tonight. She had a different dance for each tune. And had the attention--in a good way--of everyone sitting around her. Her entertainment almost as enjoyable as the game.

Tonight's InGame Photos--Carolyn Kaster (AP)
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

The Cat & Mouse Game

Standing barely 15 feet from his good friend, The New York Mets David Wright smiled wryly at Our Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman. The Mets' 3rd Baseman almost on top of home plate. Zimmy with his bat in his hands looking to hit with the game on the line--again. Both had been in these type situations before. Both had succeeded and failed. And both knew this is why they play this game.

The bases were loaded in the bottom of the 9th, tie ball game, one out and what was left of the announced crowd of 20,167 on their feet excited, and impatiently waiting, for what was to come next.

Unfortunately, those fans would all have to wait a little bit longer.

The Cat & Mouse Game was about to begin.

New York was stalling.

A late Washington rally had caught The Mets and their bullpen off-guard. The New Yorker's usually reliable reliever, Pedro Feliciano, found himself in trouble thanks to "The Mets Must Hate" Willie Harris now standing on 3rd Base, Nyjer Morgan on second and "The Guz" on 1st. A one out walk handed to the pinch hitting Harris swiftly led to trouble after Nyjer's best bunt of the season--a running push bunt that squirted past Feliciano on the mound and Ike Davis rushing in from 1st for a single. Then, immediately followed by a lashed base hit to left off the bat of Cristian Guzman.

With New York's Ryota Igarashi still completing his warmups and not ready, The Mets needed to kill time.

And they needed to plot some strategy.

If New York was going to face Ryan Zimmerman in this situation, they were going to do so under their own terms, not Washington's.

David Wright started the mind games by attempting to say something to the Z-Man standing inside the batter's circle. A remark which Ryan nodded off non-chalantly.

Then Mets Manager Jerry Manuel made Zimmy wait a little longer. Wanting the righty/righty match up, Manuel pretended he was going to keep Pedro Feliciano in the game--although Jerry actually was standing on the visiting dugout steps awaiting the call from his bullpen. A waving towel from over the left field wall stating Igarashi was finally ready.

Looking to hedge their bet, The New York Mets were halting play for their own advantage. A tactic which Home Plate Umpire Jim Reynolds didn't appreciate. As Zimmerman slowly took some practice swings at home plate, Reynolds slowly walked toward the visiting dugout. The impetus to get Jerry Manuel to finally make his move. The official call to the bullpen for his Japanese import. The hook for Feliciano that led to The Mets now actually talking to themselves.

Yes they were. The Mets Were Talking To Themselves.


As Ryota Igarashi took his sweet time to jog and walk from the visiting bullpen, Jerry Manuel conversed with his Mets Players. The New York Manager devising a new defensive strategy. A fresh approach to defend against Ryan. A diversion to make The Z-Man out think himself. As Igarashi continued his warm ups, David Wright called in the New York outfield too. The Mets leftfielder, Jesus Feliciano, (and yes New York has two guys named Feliciano) was placed at second base--around the bag--as a middle infielder. Sort of a softball player in hopes of turning two--understanding most any fly ball hit by Zimmerman would result in a run. Left field virtually unguarded by The New York Mets.

The odd strategy to force Ryan to hit the baseball on the ground. Knowing left field was open, knowing just a hit over 3rd base or shortstop would win this game, New York was hoping Zimmerman would over swing and hit into an inning ending double play. The real reason for this Cat & Mouse Game in the bottom of the 9th.

This scene so reminiscent of Tom & Jerry, the famous cartoon characters of many years past. Tom (The Cat), would always devise unusual ways to catch Jerry (The Mouse). But Jerry most always outsmarted Tom. The mouse using wisdom to avoid the pratfalls.

Ryan Zimmerman is no different. He's a witty as any baseball player comes.

So with the trap now set, the final question was upon everyone--would the mouse find the bait too irresistible to avoid?

Would Tom finally defeat Jerry?

The Z-Man didn't disappoint.

Taking the first two pitches from Igarashi for balls, Our Number 11 now looked for something to drive. And when Ryota attempted to overpower Zimmerman with a fastball, Ryan swung and lofted this third pitch into right field. Not too deep, but not too short--but far enough to allow Willie Harris to attempt to score the game winning run on a sacrifice fly over the cannon arm of Mets Rightfielder, Jeff Francouer.

As Francouer settled under the ball, Harris tagged up and scooted for home. Jeff unfurled what, at first, looked like a terrific throw--the roar from the crowd anticipating a close play at the plate. This toss had the distance, but as it turned out, not the accuracy, and Harris scored easily for the game winning run. Yes, Zimmerman had done it again!! Facing a challenge, a six player infield, an open left field and the urges to pull the ball--Ryan Zimmerman simply played his own game. He didn't out think the situation. He didn't overswing. He simply swung his bat well enough to get the run home.

Final Score from Nationals park where The Cat did not trap The Mouse: Our Washington Nationals 2 and The New York Mets 1. Curly "W" Number 35 was a good, well played game. New York might have brought their Little Sisters Of The Poor Lineup (No Jose Reyes, No Jason Bay, No Carlos Beltran), but Johan Santana provided plenty of firepower on the mound to keep his team in this game. Unfortunately for The Mets, all that talking to themselves in the bottom of the 9th did little to stave off their latest defeat. The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! proving how hard it is to defeat an All-Star. Ryan Zimmerman is one competitive player. He can focus. He can relax. He can play this game at the highest level and rarely feel the pressure.

That's why The Z-Man scoffed at David Wright's comments just before his game winning at-bat. That's why he went into the dugout to briefly chat with hitting coach Rick Eckstein about Ryota Igarashi. That's why when play finally resumed, all the Cat & Mouse Games performed by The New York Mets went for naught. For Ryan Zimmerman didn't let any of that stuff bother him. He simply stood at the plate and performed his job--driving in the game winning run on a sacrifice fly.

Zimmy's smile afterwards said it all. Ryan jumping up and down, pirouetting, giving high fives to his teammates. Our Washington Nationals had won the game and Zimmerman knew he had not been caught in the mouse trap.

This is why both he and his friend, David Wright, play this game. They both play to win.

Game Notes & Highlights


Livan Hernandez pitched an excellent game tonight at Nationals Park. He allowed Jesus Feliciano, the leadoff hitter in this game, to score on a bloop single flared to right with two outs in the top of the 1st inning. After that, nothing for seven strong innings. Livo walked no one and wasn't involved in the final decision, but he lowered his ERA in games played on South Capitol Street in 2010 to 1.62 in his eight starts so far. He was deserving of better, but he was matched frame by frame by New York's Johan Santana. The Mets Ace wasn't overpowering, but was equally as effective. Both Santana and Hernandez struck out seven batters apiece. Each allowed one run. And each was no longer in this game when the final run was scored.

A good matchup of crafty veteran starters that any baseball fan should have enjoyed.

Drew Storen pitched the 8th for Washington and Matt Capps received his first personal victory of 2010 by throwing the top of the 9th and becoming the pitcher of record when Ryan Zimmerman drove home the game winning run.

Nyjer Morgan went 2 for 5 at the plate. He knocked in the game tying run off Santana in the bottom of the 7th when he fought an off-speed pitch with two strikes and two outs and then proceeded to reach down and away for a Johan fastball and poked the baseball into left field. Ian Desmond scoring from third base on the play. A fine piece of hitting that saw Morgan clapping himself as he ran to first base.

Leading off the bottom of the 5th, Desmond JUST MISSED a home run that landed on the green wall between the visitors bullpen and the Red Loft Seats. A ruled double after a video review by the umpires. Eventually, Ian was left stranded by his teammates, but his subsequent single in the bottom of the 7th found him touching all the bases after Wil Nieves sacrificed him to second, Santana threw a wild pitch and Nyjer Morgan slapped him home.

In 2009, The Mets David Wright did not have a good season and he got off to a slow start in 2010, but he must have been on fire the past two months. Wright's hitting stats as he stepped to the plate in the top of the 1st inning were mighty impressive. The man has 63 RBI's and we are not even at the halfway point of the season.




The Children's National Medical Center and Heroes Against Cancer were the guests of honor tonight at Nationals Park. Children facing this dreaded disease were part of The Starting Nine. And volunteers handed out "GO NATS!" sign at The Community Desk near Left Field Gate before the game.


Tom won the 4th inning Presidents Race, just beating George and Abe to the wire.


And finally, a beautiful evening for baseball at Nationals Park. Cool summer temperatures, virtually no humidity and a nice breeze. Maybe the nicest July night on South Capitol Street in the ballpark's short existence.

Tonight's InGame Photos--Greg Fiume (Getty Images)
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved