Nats at Pirates

[Jollay]

Nats are without Nyjer Morgan to suspension, but also Doug Slaten and third base coach Pat Listach, who were suspended three games for their part in the Marlins' brawl, and Jim Riggleman, suspended for two.

You think the Nats' road record is bad at 23-46? Try the Pirates, at an amazing 14-53.

Livo goes against left Zach Duke tonight.

[Jollay]

Actually in what seems like a show of support by the Nats, Nyjer Morgan will bat leadoff tonight according to Adam Kilgore of the Post. You would think he'd just take the suspension at this point, but, so be it. Considering Morgan's .223 average against lefties, it seems a curious move at best.

Morgan had been batting eighth in the lineup and was unhappy about it, but now it seems Riggleman wants to send a message that he's behind Nyjer.

In what could be the start of the double-play combo in DC for a long time, Danny Espinosa gets the start at second alongside Ian Desmond.

[Jollay]

Nats lose 8-5 to the Pirates, but just like the 1-0 loss to the Marlins, it's hard to not to take some positive out of the game for the future. In that game it was Jordan Zimmermann, in this game it was Espinosa, who homered and doubled in his first start. One game does not a career make, but still, great to see.

Livo got rocked last night. Paul Maholm goes against John Lannan tonight in a battle of left-handers with horrible WHIPs. Lannan has been alot better lately, though, getting the win against the Cards last weekend and driving in two runs. Maholm got crushed his last start at Wrigley.

[Jollay]

Lannan gets the win in game two as the Nats cruise, 9-2. Since coming back from his stint in AA, Lannan is now 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA.

Do these guys own inadequacies come to the surface when Strasburg is around or something?

Offense was on, as Pudge contributed 4 RBIs (to include his third homer of the year), and the Nats banged out 15 hits. Espinosa had two more hits to continue his impressive debut.

On the dismal side, Ian Desmond committed two errors to bring his league-leading total to 31. He had been doing so much better of late....

Jason Marquis (1-7) finishes it out today versus Charlie Morton (1-10) in a battle of two very successful pitchers this year. Marquis has given some good vibes of late, though.

[Jollay]

Marquis goes six innings and only gives up a run, as the Nats roll 8-1. It's the first road series win since May for the Nats. Zimmy drives in a bunch and Dunn goes yard.

[craig01]

Marquis goes six innings and only gives up a run, as the Nats roll 8-1. It's the first road series win since May for the Nats. Zimmy drives in a bunch and Dunn goes yard.

Second thoughts on Marquis?

LOL