Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
As the Washington Nationals leave Atlanta for Washington, D.C., they lost today’s rubber game to clinch a series with Max Scherzer on the mound. It happens. You won’t win many games where you score one run regardless of how well your starter pitches. In this case, the offense did not get it done, the defense had a an error that led to 3-unearned runs, and Max Scherzer was not his sharpest. The Nats lost 7-to-1, and perhaps worse than that — it gives the Atlanta Braves some hope.
Based on comments today, there were many fans who felt confused with decisions that manager Dave Martinez made. Questioning managers is a part of watching the game for many die-hard fans. If pinch-hitting Ryan Zimmerman resulted in a positive result, there would be nobody questioning the move. Many times, it is about player execution and results, and with Zimmerman striking out it was just more poor execution on the day. There was also the questionable use of Max Scherzer who stayed in the game through the 5th inning at 110 pitches when Matt Grace was ready to enter the game. Keep in mind, Scherzer threw 105 pitches or more in 17 starts last year.
At the end of Scherzer’s game, it was the error by Wilmer Difo that led to the 3-run home run and the 2-run double by the opposing pitcher that were the costly plays in the game. Scherzer just could not wiggle out of trouble as he was not pitching with his “best stuff” today.
The Nationals are heading home for their first homestand of the season and will face the rival New York Mets.
